Different types of functional training on the functionality and quality of life in postmenopausal women: a randomized and controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise is widely recommended for improving physical fitness. However, the most effective training method in improving the daily life of postmenopausal women is not clear. Therefore, this study compares different ways of functional training, focused on the task, and directed to the physical abilities on the functionality and quality of life of the postmenopausal women. METHODS: Forty-seven participants were randomly assigned into three groups: element-based functional training (EBFT); task-specific-based functional training (TSBFT); and the control group (CG). The intervention lasted fourteen weeks, with three weekly sessions stimulating several physical valences in the same session. The global functionality, functional reach, gait speed, handgrip strength, jumping ability, and quality of life before and after the intervention were evaluated. RESULTS: A similar increase was detected in both experimental groups for the variables-analyzed when compared to the initial moment (P<0.05), except in the dynamic postural control (P>0.05), which showed no difference. However, in the tests of rising from the floor and handgrip strength, only the task-specific-based functional training showed difference over time (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Functional training protocols improve the performance in daily activities of postmenopausal women. However, task-specific-based functional training is more effective when compared to the control group in the analyzed variables.

Comparison between functional and traditional training exercises on joint mobility, determinants of walking and muscle strength in older women.

BACKGROUND: Currently, several strength training protocols have been verified aiming improvements on functionality in older population. For this purpose, integrated exercises aimed at improving essential movements may be an interesting strategy in improving performance for daily activities. This randomized trial compared the effects of eight and twelve weeks of functional and traditional training (TT) on joint mobility, gait determinants and muscle strength, and verified the maintenance of the effects after eight weeks of detraining in the older women. METHODS: Fifty-two older women were randomized into three groups: Functional Training (FT: N.=19), TT (TT: N.=16) and Stretching Group (SG: N.=17). The data were analyzed by ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc test. RESULTS: The FT and TT groups obtained significant improvements in the tests of muscle strength and muscle power both after twelve weeks of intervention, as well as with SG. Only the FT presented statistically significant improvements in dynamic agility/balance (32%, P=0.000), and cardiorespiratory condition (8.71%, P=0.020) in relation to SG. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental protocols are equally effective in improving joint mobility and strength components in active older women. However, FT seems to be more effective than TT in the improvement of the determinants of 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.