Effectiveness of combined exercise training to improve functional fitness in older adults: a randomized controlled trial

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Nelson Sousa (Author) Other; Romeu Mendes (Author) Other; Catarina Abrantes (Author) Other; Jaime Sampaio (Author) Other; José Oliveira (Author) FADEUP

Journal

Title: Geriatrics & Gerontology International

Vol. 14

Pages: 892-898

ISSN: 1444-1586

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 30 Citations

Scopus - 35 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Clinical medicine

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-YJR

DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12188

Abstract (EN): AimThe present randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of different exercise training modalities on functional fitness responses in apparently healthy older men. MethodsA total of 59 community-dwelling older men were randomly assigned to an aerobic training group (ATG, n=19), a combined aerobic and resistance training group (CTG, n=20) or a control group (n=20). Both exercise training programs were moderate-to-vigorous intensity, 3 days/week for 9 months. Six independent functional fitness tests (back scratch, chair sit-and-reach, 30-s chair stand, arm curl, 8-ft up-and-go, 6-min walk) were measured on five different occasions. The data were analyzed using a mixed-model ANOVA. ResultsANOVA showed a significant main effect of group (P<0.001) for all functional fitness tests, with significant differences between both training groups and controls. However, the ATG only improved the chair sit-and-reach and the 30-s chair stand performance, whereas CTG improved in all functional fitness tests. ANOVA also identified a significant main effect of time for 8-ft up-and-go (P=0.031) in the CTG. ConclusionsOnly the combined exercise program was effective in improving all functional fitness components related to daily living activities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 892-898.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7