003   Training and Detraining Effects on Functional Fitness after a Multicomponent Training in Older Women

GFF Summary  

When older women exercised twice a week for 8 months their functional fitness improved, although body mass index did not decrease and cardiovascular endurance did not improve. However, all of the gains in functional fitness were lost after 3 months of not exercising.

Portugal
2008-06-19
Peer Reviewed  
Original Study
Older women

Authors

The Authors:
1.M.J. Carvalho
2.E. Marques
3.J. Mota

Summary

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of 8-month multicomponent training and 3-month detraining on the functional fitness of older women.

Results

No significant changes were observed in body mass index and cardiovascular endurance as a result of the exercise training. Training induced significant (p < 0.05) improvements in chair stand (27.3%), arm curl (17.4%), chair sit-and-reach (17.4%), up-and-go (11%) and back scratch (14.5%) tests. However, both upper and lower body strength and upper and lower flexibility declined significantly after detraining in the exercise group. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the negative effects of interrupting exercise on several physical parameters of functional fitness.

Processes

The exercise group underwent an 8-month multicomponent training program consisting of the following:

Training Program

- 2 sessions per week
- Exercises included:
- Aerobic exercises
- Strength exercises
- Balance exercises
- Flexibility exercises

The training program led to significant improvements in the exercise group compared to the control group in the following functional fitness tests:

Functional Fitness Tests

- Chair stand test (27.3% improvement)
- Arm curl test (17.4% improvement)
- Chair sit-and-reach test (17.4% improvement)
- Up-and-go test (11% improvement)
- Back scratch test (14.5% improvement)

.

Variables

Functional fitness parameters:
-Chair stand test (measure of lower body strength)
-Arm curl test (measure of upper body strength)
-Chair sit-and-reach test (measure of lower body flexibility)
-Up-and-go test (measure of agility and dynamic balance)
-Back scratch test (measure of upper body flexibility)
-Cardiovascular endurance
-Body mass index (BMI)
-Effects Observed:

Full Study

Background: Several studies have been carried out in order to evaluate the potential influence of increased physical activity on the health, biological ageing and functional ability of the elderly. However, only limited information is available on the effects of multicomponent training and detraining on functional performance. 

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of 8-month multicomponent training and 3-month detraining on the functional fitness of older women. 

Methods: Fifty-seven women were randomly assigned to an exercise (n = 32; 68.4 ± 2.93 years) or a control group (n = 25; 69.6 ± 4.20 years). The training program consisted of 2 sessions per week of aerobic, strength, balance and flexibility exercises. The functional fitness test battery was performed to assess the physical parameters associated with independent functioning in older adults. Results: No significant changes were observed in body mass index and cardiovascular endurance as a result of the exercise training. Training induced significant (p < 0.05) improvements in chair stand (27.3%), arm curl (17.4%), chair sit-and-reach (17.4%), up-and-go (11%) and back scratch (14.5%) tests. However, both upper and lower body strength and upper and lower flexibility declined significantly after detraining in the exercise group. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the negative effects of interrupting exercise on several physical parameters of functional fitness.

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Simon Njuguna Muchiri   2 weeks ago
Great research. From this I've learnt that consistency is key.

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