Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiopulmonary and Geriatrics Disorder

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of continous versus interval aerobic exercise training program on heart rate variability and pulmonary capacity among elderly. This study was performed at El-Kanater Hospital. Forty healthy elderly volunteers of both sexes (21 male, 19 female) participated in this study, their ages ranged from 60 to 70 years and their BMI ranged from 25 to 29.5 kg/m2. Their twenty-four hour heart rate variability ranged from 450 to 750 ms, was done by ECG holter.Their vital capacity (VC) ranged from 2 to 4 L, was measured by spirometer.They were assigned randomly into two equal groups (in number). Group (A) performed moderate-intensity continous aerobic exercise training on electronic treadmill (40 minutes / session, 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks). Group (B) performed moderate interval aerobic exercise training program on an electronic treadmill (40 minutes / session, 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks). Both groups were matching regarding age, weight, height and BMI. The heart rate variability and pulmonary capacity were measured before and after the study program for both groups. During statistical analysis of heart rate variability and pulmonary capacity,The results of the present study showed no significant difference between both groups after application of the treatment method.These findings suggest that continous versus interval aerobic exercise training program had been an effective tool to improve heart rate variability and pulmonary capacity levels among elderly. Hence, reduce the risk of future disability in older adults. So, reduce the risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases in elderly

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