The effect of aerobic versus strength-based training on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in older adults

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010 Sep;110(1):161-9. doi: 10.1007/s00421-010-1488-5. Epub 2010 May 1.

Abstract

Increased levels of inflammatory markers, namely, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), have been associated with several chronic diseases including atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Forty-five women and men aged >64 years participated in the study and were randomly assigned to two exercise intervention groups and a non-exercising control group. The participants assigned to the exercising groups followed a 16-week exercise protocol based either on aerobic training (AT) or strength training (ST) followed by a further 16 weeks off-training period. The control group (C) remained sedentary throughout the study. Evaluation of body mass, BMI, waist circumference, aerobic endurance, lower-body strength, upper-body strength, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and hs-CRP were performed at baseline, after 16 weeks (post-training for the exercise groups) and at 32 weeks (follow-up). Both, AT and ST groups significantly increased functional fitness at the end of the exercise programs when compared to baseline values. hs-CRP concentrations were maintained throughout the study for the C group, while decreasing 10% at 16 weeks and 51% at 32 weeks for the AT group. In the ST group the hs-CRP concentrations decreased by 11 and 39% at 16 and 32 weeks, respectively. Decreases in hs-CRP concentrations were statistically significant for the AT and ST groups at the 32-week evaluation when compared to baseline. Reduction in hs-CRP concentrations seemed to be associated with strength gains and adiposity loss.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adiposity
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism*
  • Down-Regulation
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / blood*
  • Lipids / blood
  • Male
  • Muscle Strength
  • Physical Endurance
  • Physical Fitness
  • Resistance Training*
  • Time Factors
  • Waist Circumference

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Lipids
  • C-Reactive Protein