The impact of geriatric exercise training on cardiovascular risk factors in the elderly with cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases

In this study we evaluated the influence of a 12 weeks of supervised group exercise program, and following 12 weeks of unsupervised individual exercise program on abdominal fat and circulating adiponectin levels in the elderly with a history of cardiovascular disease or strokes (VD) and no VD (NVD).. Results of all battery tests were improved by 12 week in both VD and NVD. Also, mobility and physical activity level have improved in both groups, and remained significantly elevated from baseline values. A significant reduction of visceral fat area was seen by 24 weeks. Plasma adiponectin levels in VD were progressively elevated from baseline to 24 weeks (P <.05). The beneficial effects for abdominal fat and adiponectin levels were well-sustained following the participation in the unsupervised setting and the physical activity at home.