Effects of functional and traditional training in body composition and muscle strength components in older women: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: While traditional resistance exercises have been widely used to promote muscle strength and hypertrophy in the elderly, few studies have reported the use of a functional approach in which common patterns for daily activities are considered the primary stimulus.

Objective: Investigate whether functional training has similar effects the traditional on body composition and muscle strength components in physically active older women.

Methods: Forty-seven older women completed a randomized and crossover clinical trial, distributed in three groups: Functional or Traditional Training (FUNCT/TRAD: n = 32; 65.28 ± 4.96 years) and Stretching Group (STRETCH: n = 15; 64.40 ± 3.68 years). Maximal dynamic strength was verified with the 1 repetition maximum (RM) test in the leg press and rowing machines. Muscular power was analyzed using 50% of the maximum load, speed was determined using a linear encoder, and isometric strength was analyzed with hand and lumbar dynamometers. ANOVA for repeated measures was applied for comparisons.

Results: The FUNCT showed a significant decrease in fat percentage (p = 0.015, 3.51%) and the TRAD a significant increase in lean mass (p = 0.008, 2.92%). Both FUNCT and TRAD generated significant increases in all components of muscle strength compared to baseline whereas STRETCH showed declines in these variables. No statistically significant differences were observed between the experimental groups in body composition.

Conclusion: Functional and traditional training are equally efficient in improving strength components in physically active older women and, therefore, they may be complementary to combat some of the deleterious effects of senescence. This trial was registered at Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-9Y8KJQ).