Cardiovascular risk factor changes associated with six-year circuit training in older adults: a retrospective cohort analysis

Background Physical exercise can significantly impact chronic disease prevention and health promotion in older adults. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the association between participation in a multidisciplinary physical exercise program and cardiovascular health outcomes in older adults over 6 years. Methods The Active Life circuit resistance training program incorporated aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises delivered in a community-based setting. While the Active Life Program was prospectively planned and implemented as a 6-year community-based intervention, the present study is a retrospective analysis of participants selected based on adherence (≥75% attendance) and availability of complete data from a digital platform. Thirty participants (n = 30; mean age 70.2 ± 5.4 years) completed the program, with 30 sedentary controls (n = 30) included for comparison. Eligibility criteria included age ≥60, presence of chronic cardiovascular risk factors, and ability to engage in moderate physical exercise. A concurrent sedentary control group (attendance <25%) was selected from the same eligible population. Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed at 6-month intervals. Results Compared to the sedentary group, the Active Life group demonstrated significantly lower systolic arterial pressure (p = 0.0009, η 2 = 11.53%), with an average between-group difference of 10.5 ± 2.4 mmHg over the 1.5–6.0-year period. A significant reduction in the triglyceride-to-HDL-C ratio was observed starting at 2.5 years (p = 0.0146, η 2 = 7.09%). Additionally, the Active Life group exhibited lower triglyceride levels (p = 0.0134, η 2 = 5.73%; average difference: 33.9 ± 5.8 mg/dL) and fasting glucose levels (p = 0.0163, η 2 = 6.23%; average difference: 16.1 ± 4.9 mg/dL) over the 3.0–6.0-year period compared to controls. No significant differences were observed in diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL-C, or HDL-C. Conclusion This retrospective analysis suggests that sustained participation in a circuit resistance training program may be associated with favorable cardiovascular and metabolic profiles in older adults. However, given the non-randomized design, small sample size, and potential selection bias, these findings should be considered preliminary and exploratory. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these associations and establish causality.