Relationships Between Strength Training and Aerobic Exercise and Late Life Mortality
Both strength training and aerobic exercise independently correlate with improved health and reduced mortality in later life. Animal studies demonstrate causation, in that we'd expect both strength training and aerobic activity to produce the result of improved health and reduced mortality. It is reasonable to proceed on the believe that this will hold up in humans. Meanwhile, here is yet another epidemiological study that shows correlation in a human population, noteworthy for assessing the effects of both strength training and aerobic activity separately in the same study.
It is recommended that older adults (aged ≥65 years) participate in balance training, muscle-strengthening activities (MSAs; ≥2 days per week), and moderate to vigorous aerobic physical activity (MVPA; ≥150 minutes per week at moderate intensity, ≥75 minutes per week at vigorous intensity, or an equivalent combination). In this cohort study, we assessed self-reported leisure time physical activity and deaths among 1998-2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) participants.
Leisure time MSA and MVPA were independently associated with lower all-cause mortality in this cohort study of 115,489 US adults aged 65 years or older. During a mean follow-up of 7.9 years, 44,794 deaths occurred. Adjusting for MVPA, 2 to 3 and 4 to 6 MSA episodes per week (but not 7 to 28 episodes per week) were associated with a lower hazard of all-cause mortality, compared with fewer than 2 episodes. Adjusting for MSA, 10 to 149, 150 to 300, and more than 300 MVPA minutes per week were associated with a lower hazard of all-cause mortality vs less than 10 minutes per week. Combinations of MSA and MVPA had lower hazard estimates.
By using finer age and physical activity categories, a larger sample, and longer follow-up, we build on earlier studies and offer new insights for older adults and their health care professionals. First, the U-shaped dose-response between MSA and mortality, independent of aerobic physical activity, suggests that 2 to 6 episodes per week may be optimal. Second, the age-stratified associations indicate that current physical activity guidelines are important for all older adults, including those aged 85 years or older.