RESUMO
PURPOSE: This study was object to the effects of a resistance exercise combined with relaxation therapy on blood pressure, frequency of exercise and physical fitness in elderly women. METHODS: Seventy three elderly women participated in an exercise program for 12 months. The exercise program consisted of stretching, massage and resistance training using thera-bands twice a week and 50 minutes in every sessions each week. Repeated measures ANOVA were performed using SAS. RESULTS: After the exercise program there was a significant difference in systolic blood pressure, frequency of exercise, body fat, sitting to standing, walking 2 minutes, sitting on a chair and reaching, and standing on one leg with eyes opened. After 6 months, there was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and significant increase in frequency of exercise, body fat, sitting to standing and standing on one leg with eyes opened. In 12 months, there was a significant increase in body fat, 2 minutes walking, and sitting in a chair and reaching. CONCLUSION: Resistance exercise combined with muscle relaxation therapy would have a positive effect on elderly women. We found that it was helpful for the elderly women in terms of physical fitness.