Effects of different multicomponent training methods on functional parameters in physically-active older women.

BACKGROUND: Negative functionality changes are among the effects of aging. The multicomponent training performed on conventional machines or with new implements and features directed to daily activities is strongly recommended among attenuation strategies. However, the efficiency of both types of training is not yet clear in the recent literature. The aim was to compare the effects of different multicomponent training methods on functional parameters in older women. METHODS: Thirty-seven volunteers were randomly selected into the functional multicomponent training (MFT: N.=15), traditional multicomponent training (MTT: N.=14) and control group (CG: N.=8). They were assessed in the tests: Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Ten-Minute Fast Walking Test (10FWT), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Ankle Test (AKT), Sit To Stand Modified test (STSM), and quality of life (QOL). ANOVA (3×2) followed by the Bonferroni post-hoc was used, adopting P≤0.05 for statistical significance. RESULTS: When compared pre-post values, MFT showed significant differences in all functional tests evaluated (AKT: P<0.01; STSM: P<0.01; FRT: P<0.01; QOF: P<0.01; 10FWT: P<0.01; 6MWT: P<0.01; TUG: P<0.05). In the same comparison, MTT showed a significant change in all tests (AKT: P<0.01; STSM: P<0.01; FRT: P<0.01; QOF: P<0.05; 6MWT: P≤0.05; TUG: P<0.05) except 10FWT. When compared to CG, MFT showed a significant difference in all walking tests and MTT showed a better performance in 10FWT and TUG. CONCLUSIONS: Both experimental protocols were effective to improve functional parameters in older women. However, the MFT was performed better in most tests that required efficiency in gait ability.

The effects of functional and traditional strength training on different strength parameters of elderly women: a randomized and controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise is the main strategy for improving physical fitness in elderly population. However, it is not clear which training method lead to greater adaptations on maximal dynamic strength, muscle power, muscle endurance and isometric strength in this population. Thus, our aim was to compare the effects of functional and traditional training on these variables in the elderly. METHODS: This study lasted twelve weeks, where 44 elderly women were randomly divided into three groups: functional training (FT; N.=18), traditional training (TT; N.=15), and control group (CG; N.=11). Maximal dynamic strength and muscle power tests were performed in pushing (Chest Press), pulling (Seated Row), and squatting (Leg Press 45°) actions. In addition, isometric strength with hand grip test (HG) and isometric dead lift test (ID) and muscle endurance with 30-s chair stand (CS) and 30-s arm curl (AC) tests were used. RESULTS: Both experimental groups improved significantly in strength (FT: Chest Press 24.9%, Leg Press 45° 38.4%, Seated Row 21.6%; TT: Chest Press 27.6%, Leg Press 45° 40.9%, Seated Row 24.5%), power (FT: Chest Press 13.6%, Leg Press 45° 11.6%, Seated Row 13.6%; TT: Chest Press 18.2%, Leg Press 45° 9.8%, Seated Row 19.2%) isometric strength (FT: HG=14.7%, ID=13.6%; TT: HG=19.1%), and endurance (TF: CS=19.6%, AC=23.8%; TT: AC=15.5%) with P≤0.05, except TT in ID (4.4%) and SL (4.6%). There was no difference between experimental groups; however, both experimental groups were statistically superior to CG. CONCLUSIONS: Both training protocols were equally effective in improving different strength manifestations in the elderly.