Recommendations on the practice of resistance training for older people during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Resistance training (RT) is an alternative exercise modality that can promote and preserve the physical health and independence of older people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this integrative review was to analyze the scientific production related to RT recommendations aiming at enhancing the functional performance and muscle function in older people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sensitive searches were conducted in MEDLINE / PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science using the descriptors "coronavirus infection" and "resistance training". Articles published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese were considered without date restriction. Results: In the initial search, 139 articles were retrieved;13 were pre-selected and 7 were eligible considering the research question. The evidence presented suggests that home RT through bodyweight-based exercises represents an effective intervention strategy that positively impacts on the quality of life in older people.