LAUSR

The aims of this study were: 1) to analyse the effects of a 6-month multicomponent training (MCT)on physical fitness of older adults with or at risk of frailty; 2) to study the consequences of a 4-month detraining period; 3) to analyse the influence of frailty status on the training and detraining adaptations. A total of 102 robust, frail and pre-frail older adults (80.1 ± 6.1 y) were divided into an intervention (TRAIN) and control group (CON). The TRAIN performed a 6-month MCT, while the CON continued with their usual lifestyle. Fitness assessment was mainly based on the Senior Fitness Test. Four evaluations were carried out; at baseline, and at three, six and ten months from baseline. Linear mixed models were performed to analyze group by time interactions and to compare differences in changes within groups between different time points. After 6-month MCT, TRAIN showed greater improvements for all fitness variables (group effects p < 0.05, except for flexibility) when compared to the CON. During the 4-month detraining period, TRAIN significantly decreased their balance, upper-limb flexibility and upper and lower limb strength (all p < 0.05). CON only decreased upper-limb flexibility. When accounting for frailty status in the TRAIN, the frail-prefrail showed lower adaptations to the training and were more affected by detraining than the robust. The presented MCT is a good strategy to improve fitness in this population, but its positive effects are limited in time. It is therefore critical to avoid detraining periods.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03831841..