(48) EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT EXERCISE MODALITIES ON VO2 PEAK AND BODY COMPOSITION IN OLDER ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the effects of two exercise programs [continuous aerobic training (CAT) vs sprint interval training (SIT)] on peak oxygen consumption (VO₂ peak) and body composition of older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Methods: Seventy-seven participants between ages 40 and 72 years with IDD were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: CAT (n= 24), SIT (n= 25), or control group (CG; n= 28). The CAT and SIT groups trained 3 days/week for 1.5h/day during 6-months. The CG continued their daily regular activities. The CAT and SIT were both performed on cycle ergometers. CAT sessions consisted of a 5-min warm-up followed by 3 blocks of 5 to 10-min, cycling at a steady-state intensity (55 to 85% of the HR reserve). The SIT sessions began with a 5-min warm-up followed by 3 blocks of cycling lasting 5 to 10-min, which included 5 to 20-sec all-out sprints followed by 15 to 60-sec self-paced recovery periods. Anthropometric variables (height, weight, body mass index) were obtained, and body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass, and bone mass) was analyzed by bioimpedance. VO₂2 peak and peak power (watts) were obtained during a metabolic stress test on a cycle ergometer. Descriptive for all variables were obtained. To evaluate group differences and the intervention effect (CAT vs. SIT vs CG) on each dependent variable, a 3 x 2 (group x time) repeated measures ANOVA was done. Bonferroni post-hoc tests were performed to analyze differences between and within groups at each level. Results: There were improvements in the VO₂2 ml/kg/min in the CAT (18.4±4.5 vs 21.34±6.7 ml/kg/min; p< 0.001) and SIT (18.6±3.4 vs 23.9±5.2 ml/kg/min; p< 0.001). At the end of the intervention, there were significant differences between the two groups and the CG (pre=16.3±4.3 ml/kg/min; post=16.6±3.9 ml/kg/min) (CAT, p< .0001; SIT, p< 0.001). Fat mass decreased in the CAT (21.2±9.3 vs 19.8±8.4 kg; p=0.002) and SIT (21.0±8.9 vs 19.9±8.4 kg; p=0.014) groups after the intervention. The peak power in the stress test increased significantly in both active groups (CAT=107.5±25.7 vs 124.5±36.5 watts, p=0.002; SIT=107.7±47.4 vs 138.18±45.0 watts; p< 0.001). The peak power achieved by both active groups at the end of the intervention was significantly higher than the results obtained by the CG (CAT, p=0.036; SIT, p< 0.001). Conclusions: The results showed that both programs (SIT and CAT) can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults with IDD. Also, these programs reduced the fat mass of the participants in the active groups. Overall, these exercise programs are improving the health of these individuals and reducing their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Practical Applications: Individuals with IDD who are administered exercise training protocols may encounter difficulties with physical coordination and cognition, which could limit their ability to follow specific intensities during their exercise programs. In our study, both programs (CAT & SIT) have been shown to be effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness. SIT programs consist of exercises which exert maximum effort for brief periods of time, which could increase motivation in comparison to extended steady-state exercise. Adaptive sports coaches and trainers could incorporate these programs for individuals with IDD to maintain engagement and increase physical activity levels. Acknowledgements: None