To compare changes after 12 weeks of functional and traditional training in physical fitness related to daily activities in physically active elderly women.
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.
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.
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.