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Functional training in comparison to traditional training on physical fitness and quality of movement in older women

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Abstract

Background

The functional training (FT) is based on the application of exercises with free weights in patterns of movements that resemble the daily activities of the individual. On the other hand, traditional training (TT) seeks to improve muscular fitness, through exercises predominantly performed in conventional machines. Lately, there has been a lack of research comparing these two methods to understand their real effects on functionality.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of functional and traditional strength training on physical fitness and movement quality in sedentary older women.

Methods

Thirty-two elderly women were randomly divided into (1) functional training (FT n = 13; 64.8 ± 4.6 years) and (2) traditional training (TT n = 12; 66.0 ± 5.5 years). To verify the physical fitness for daily activities, the Senior Fitness battery was applied and, in a complementary way, a maximum isometric strength test and quality of movement patterns.

Results

At the end of 8 weeks, when compared to TT, the FT promoted significant increases in the variables: balance/agility (p = 0.03, + 8.5%), lower limb strength (p = 0.03; + 19%), upper limbs strength (p = 0.02, + 15.6%), cardiorespiratory capacity (p = 0.02, + 8.5%) and isometric strength (p = 0.04, + 16.5%). At the end of 12 weeks, the FT showed significant differences in the variables: balance/agility (p = 0.00, + 10.5%), lower limb strength (p = 0.03, + 17.9%), cardiorespiratory capacity (p = 0.01; + 6.7%) and in the quality of movement (p = 0.02; + 16.6%) when compared to TT.

Conclusions

The functional training proven more effective than traditional in physical fitness for daily activities and quality of movement patterns in sedentary older women.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Education, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil

    Antônio Gomes de Resende-Neto, Leury Max da Silva Chaves, Leandro Henrique Albuquerque Brandão, Albernon Costa Nogueira & Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto

  2. Department of Physical Therapy, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil

    Mariely da Silva Resende, Bruna Caroline Oliveira-Andrade & Josimari Melo DeSantana

  3. Department of Physical Education, Estácio of Sergipe College, Aracaju, Brazil

    Marcelo Mendonça Mota

  4. Rodovia João Bebe Água, Rua Projetada III, 189, BL12 AP304, Bairro Rosa Elze, São Cristóvão, 49100-000, Sergipe, Brazil

    Antônio Gomes de Resende-Neto

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Contributions

AGRN, MSR, LMSC, LEAB, ACN and BCOA: participated in data collection, performed the statistical analysis and processing and drafted the original manuscript; AGRN, MMM, JMS and MESG: assisted in data interpretation and in revising the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript, and agree with the order of presentation of the authors.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest regarding the current manuscript.

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All human studies were in accordance with Declaration of Helsinki, Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects. The investigation was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Sergipe (no. 1,021,732) and by the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-5T9HP5).

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de Resende-Neto, A.G., da Silva Resende, M., Oliveira-Andrade, B.C. et al. Functional training in comparison to traditional training on physical fitness and quality of movement in older women. Sport Sci Health 17, 213–222 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-020-00675-x

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