Effects of Different Methods of Resistance Training on Indicators of Daily Physical Fitness in Physically Active Elderly Women

Aim: To compare changes after 12 weeks of functional and traditional training in physical fitness related to daily activities in physically active elderly women. Methods: 30 elderly women were randomized into two groups: 1) Functional Training (FT – n = 15, 65.12 ± 4.49 years) and 2) and Traditional Training (TT n = 15, 64.87 ± 3.25 years). For the verification of functional responses, the following tests were applied: Dress and Undress a Sleeveless Shirt (DUSS), Gallon-Jug Shelf-Transfer (GJSF), Get up from the chair and move around the house (GCMA), Sit and Stand up in 5 Reps (SS5R) and 400 meters walk. Data were analyzed from a repeated measures ANOVA followed by Bonferroni’s post-hoc. Results: After 12 weeks, both FT and TT showed significant increases in the power of lower limbs (SS5R: FT + 18.0%, TT + 21.7%) compared to the initial values. The FT showed statistically significant differences in agility/dynamic balance (GCMA: + 5.3%, p = 0.02) and cardiorespiratory capacity (400 W: + 10.4%; p = 0.007); and TT showed significant improvements in mobility and overall coordination (GJSF: + 8.1%, p = 0.001) when compared to the pre-test. No differences were found between the groups in any of the analyzes. Conclusion: The training protocols analyzed are equally effective for the improvement of indicators of physical fitness in physically active elderly women and can be alternately administered in health promotion programs.