Utilización del cicloergómetro en el entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad para la mejora de la marcha, el equilibrio y la capacidad funcional de adultos y mayores

Abstract

The main objective of this doctoral thesis was to determine the acute, and medium or long-term effects that a high-intensity interval training protocol (HIIT) can have on older adults. To achieve that goal, two systematic reviews and two intervention studies were conducted. The key findings of the current thesis suggest that HIIT is an effective and safe exercise regimen that is well tolerated by older adults and can be prescribed to a non-clinical population. Although RT has been commonly used to improve strength in older adults, cycle ergometer HIIT has been shown to improve strength and functional capacity comparable to that seen with RT. Furthermore, a single session of HIIT does not lead to an acute risk of falls in older adults and should not be singled out as a dangerous exercise regimen to engage in.