Effectiveness of an endurance exercise programme preceded by ischaemic preconditioning in older people

Aim The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of an endurance exercise programme preceded by ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) for improving functional capacity and quality of life in sedentary older adults. Methods A randomised controlled trial was carried out on 31 sedentary older adults. The subjects were allocated to IPC group (n = 15) that performed a six-week programme based on IPC prior to walking, or sham IPC group (n = 16). Measurements of functionality, quality of life and patients' improvement perception were assessed before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention. Results IPC group significantly improved endurance performance, general physical condition, tibialis anterior strength, health-related quality of life and perceived improvement compared to the sham IPC group. No significant changes in self-perceived exertion, heart rate or oxygen saturation in either of the two groups. Conclusions The implementation of an endurance exercise programme preceded by IPC improved functional capacity and quality of life in sedentary older adults. Clinical Trials gov identifier (NCT05144815).