Effect of traditional resistance and power training using rated perceived exertion for enhancement of muscle strength, power, and functional performance.

The present study compared the effects of 12 weeks of traditional resistance training and power training using rated perceived exertion (RPE) to determine training intensity on improvements in strength, muscle power, and ability to perform functional task in older women. Thirty healthy elderly women (60-75 years) were randomly assigned to traditional resistance training group (TRT; n = 15) or power training group (PT; n = 15). Participants trained twice a week for 12 weeks using six exercises. The training protocol was designed to ascertain that participants exercised at an RPE of 13-18 (on a 6-20 scale). Maximal dynamic strength, muscle power, and functional performance of lower limb muscles were assessed. Maximal dynamic strength muscle strength leg press (≈58 %) and knee extension (≈20 %) increased significantly (p < 0.001) and similarly in both groups after training. Muscle power also increased with training (≈27 %; p < 0.05), with no difference between groups. Both groups also improved their functional performance after training period (≈13 %; p < 0.001), with no difference between groups. The present study showed that TRT and PT using RPE scale to control intensity were significantly and similarly effective in improving maximal strength, muscle power, and functional performance of lower limbs in elderly women.

Comparação da força e capacidade funcional entre idosos praticantes de musculação, hidroginástica e não praticantes de exercícios físicos / Comparison of strength and functional capacity between elderly strength training and hydrogymnastics practitioners, and non-practitioners of physical exercise

INTRODUÇÃO: As mudanças na força e na capacidade funcional decorrentes do envelhecimento podem ser melhoradas mediante a prática de exercícios físicos como a musculação e a hidroginástica. OBJETIVO: Comparar a força e a capacidade funcional entre idosos praticantes de musculação, hidroginástica e não praticantes de exercícios físicos. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo de corte transversal com amostragem não probabilística voluntária. Participaram do estudo 36 idosos (63,6±4,1 anos), sendo 12 praticantes de musculação, 12 praticantes de hidroginástica e 12 não praticantes de exercícios físicos. O nível de atividade física foi avaliado pelo Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ). A avaliação da força máxima foi realizada pelo teste de uma repetição máxima (1RM) em membros superiores e inferiores. A capacidade funcional foi avaliada pelos testes de levantar da cadeira em 30 segundos e velocidade de caminhada habitual e máxima. Foi utilizada Anova One Way com post-hoc de Bonferroni para comparação das variáveis dependentes entre os grupos com α=0,05. RESULTADOS: Todos os grupos foram classificados como ativos. O grupo praticante de musculação apresentou os maiores valores de força máxima, quando comparado ao praticante de hidroginástica e não praticante de exercícios físicos (p≤0,01). Além disso, os grupos praticante de hidroginástica e não praticante de exercícios físicos não apresentaram diferenças na força máxima (p=1,0). Já para o teste de levantar da cadeira, não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos (p=0,07), o mesmo sendo observado no teste de velocidade de caminhada habitual (p=0,06) ...

INTRODUCTION: Changes in strength and functional capacity due to aging can be improved through physical exercises practice such as strength training and hydrogymnastics. OBJECTIVE: To compare the strength and functional capacity among elderly individuals who practice strength training, hydrogymnastics and non-practitioners of physical exercises. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study with voluntary non-probability sampling. The study included 36 elderly (63.6±4.1 years): 12 strength training practitioners, 12 hydrogymnastics practitioners and 12 non-practitioners of physical exercises. The level of physical activity was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The maximum force was performed by the one maximum repetition test (1RM) in upper and lower limbs. Functional capacity was evaluated by tests of rising from a chair in 30 seconds and usual maximum walking speed. One Way ANOVA test with post hoc Bonferroni was used to compare the dependent variables between the groups with α= 0.05. RESULTS: All groups were classified as active. The strength training group had the highest values of maximum strength when compared to hydrogymnastics group and non-practitioners of physical exercises (p≤0.01). In addition, hydrogymnastics practitioners and non-practitioners of physical exercises groups showed no differences in maximum strength (p=1.0). As for the chair lifting test, no differences were observed between groups (p=0.07) and the same was observed in habitual (p=0,06) and maximum (p=0,22) walking speed test. CONCLUSION: The strength training was more effective for increasing strength, but active lifestyle is sufficient to maintain functional capacity. .