The ageing process is intrinsically associated with decline in physical endurance, muscle strength and gait ability and balance, which all contribute to functional disability. Regular physical training, and more particularly multicomponent training (MCT), has demonstrated many health benefits. To evaluate the evidence of the health benefits of MCT including endurance training, muscle strengthening, balance exercises, and/or stretching (i.e. flexibility training) and/or coordination training in adults aged 65 years or over. A comprehensive, systematic database search for manuscripts was performed in CINAHL Plus, Embase, Medline, PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Sport Discus and Web of Science using key words. For potential inclusion, two reviewers independently assessed all intervention studies published in English language from 1 January 2000 to 30 April 2015. Of 2525 articles initially identified, 27 studies were finally included in this systematic review. They were all divided into five categories according to their main outcome measurements (cardio-respiratory fitness, metabolic outcomes, functional and cognitive functions and quality of life, QoL). These studies reported that MCT has a significant beneficial effect on cardio-respiratory fitness and on metabolic outcomes. Substantial improvement in functional and cognitive performance was also measured and a slighter but positive effect on QoL. Overall, this review demonstrates a positive effect of MCT with functional benefits and positive health outcomes for seniors. Based on this evidence, clinicians should encourage all adults aged 65 or over to engage in MCT programmes to favour healthy ageing and keeping older members of our society autonomous and independent.

As the number of older adults continues to increase worldwide, more attention is being paid to geriatric health care needs, and successful ageing is becoming an important topic in the medical literature. A preventive approach to the care of older adults is thus a priority in our aging societies. The purpose of this study was to update evidence for the health benefits of cycle ergometer training for older adults over 70. We searched online electronic databases up to September 2014 for original observational and intervention studies on the relationship between cycle ergometer training and health among older patients over 70. Twenty-five studies examined interventions aimed specifically at promoting cycling for older adults over 70. These studies reported a positive effect on the prevention of cardiovascular disease, and a significant improvement in metabolic responses. Improving functional status, muscle strength and cognitive performance are also well established. Overall, this review demonstrates a positive effect of cycle ergometer training with functional benefits and positive health outcomes for older adults over 70. Based on this evidence, clinicians can now encourage older adults to profit from the health benefits of cycle ergometer training to be able to pursue their daily activities independently.

Older adults undergo a progressive decline in cardiorespiratory fitness and functional capacity. This lower peak oxygen uptake (VO _2peak ) level is associated with increased risk of frailty, dependency, loss of autonomy, and mortality from all causes. Regular physical activity and particularly aerobic training (AT) have been shown to contribute to better and healthy aging. We conducted a meta-analysis to measure the exact benefit of AT on VO _2peak in seniors aged 70 years or older. A comprehensive, systematic database search for articles was performed in Embase, Medline, PubMed Central, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science using key words. Two reviewers independently assessed interventional studies for potential inclusion. Ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included totaling 348 seniors aged 70 years or older. Across the trials, no high risk of bias was measured and all considered open-label arms for controls. With significant heterogeneity between the RCTs (all p < 0.001), pooled analyses were computed for VO _2peak . Not only was VO _2peak found significantly higher in the training group compared to controls (mean difference [MD] = 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90–2.23) in pooled analysis of the 10 RCTs but also when the analysis was adjusted on the participants' health statuses. MD among healthy and unhealthy seniors were, respectively, 1.72 (95% CI: 0.34–3.10) and 1.47 (95% CI: 0.60–2.34). This meta-analysis confirms the AT-associated benefits on VO _2peak in healthy and unhealthy seniors.

Background Interval aerobic training programme with active recovery bouts (IATP‐R) has shown to improve tolerance to IATP among seniors. However, data concerning its benefits for seniors' health are still limited. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of IATP‐R on seniors' health status. Methods Sedentary volunteers (n = 60, aged ≥70 years) were randomly assigned to either IATP‐R or maintained sedentary lifestyle for 9.5 weeks. IATP‐R consisted of 30‐minute cycling (6 × 4 minutes at first ventilatory threshold (VT₁) intensity + 1 minute at 40% of VT₁) twice a week. Cognitive and functional performances were assessed with the Trail Making Test (TMT‐A; TMT‐B); Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT); Timed Up and Go (TUG) test; 6‐Minute Walk Test (6‐MWT); one‐leg balance test; and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) tests, respectively. QoL and anxiety/depression status were measured by the Short Form‐12 and the Goldberg's Scale, respectively. All participants were assessed at baseline and 9.5 weeks later. Results Compared to controls, IATP‐R improved cognitive functions (TMT‐A: +1.5% vs −21.5%; TMT‐B: +0.9% vs −13.3%; PASAT: +1.4% vs −14.6%; semantic fluency: −1.1% vs +11.7%), functional performance (TUG: +5.4% vs −16.5%; 6‐MWT: −3.2% vs +11.5%; SPPB: −3.2% vs +14.6%; One‐leg balance: −16.3% vs +25.0%); QoL (physical health: −13.3% vs +23.1%; mental health: −7.1% vs +8.2%); and depressive symptoms (+26.3% vs −42.8%). Significant impacts were measured neither on letter modality of fluency tasks nor on anxiety score. Conclusion These data showed that IATP‐R is an effective training programme to improve functional and cognitive performances, mental health and well‐being in sedentary seniors. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02263573. Registered October 1, 2014.