Efeitos de diferentes tipos de treino na aptidão física de idosos residentes na comunidade

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two distinct physical activity programs in functional capacity of community-dwelling older adults. Two elderly groups were studied: one group was submitted to a bi-weekly functional training with focus on muscular strengthening (one session per week of individualized exercises in resistance machines and another session of functional training) (Strength Training and Functional Training Group- GMF; n=14; 71,14 ± 5,2 years) and other group was submitted to a bi-weekly multicomponent training, this is, generalized training where different components of physical fitness were stimulated (Multicomponent group -GM; n=16; 72,25 ± 5,1 years). For both groups, a Senior Fitness Test (SFT) was applied before and after experimental protocol. Data showed that, to the exception of upper flexibility, GMF revealed significant gains in all the other components of physical fitness. Nevertheless, in GM group, results showed significant impact in lower limbs strength , dynamic agility/balance and cardiorespiratory endurance. However, when taken account both groups, no significant differences were found between groups. In this context, we can infer that regardless the type of training that is applied, bi-weekly exercise programs can improve physical and functional capacities of elderly adults.