The Effects of Long-Term Resistance Training Program Participation on Body Composition and Physical Fitness Changes in Older Adults

This study aims to analyze changes in body composition and physical fitness by implementing a 12-month resistance exercise program for elderly women utilizing sports welfare facilities. A total of 23 elderly women were assessed, including 12 in the exercise group and 11 in the control group, evaluating body composition (body weight, muscle mass, body fat percentage, and body mass index) and physical fitness (upper and lower extremity muscle function, flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, balance, and coordination). The following conclusions were derived: First, in body composition, significant interactions between time and group were observed in the exercise group for body weight, muscle mass, and body mass index, excluding body fat percentage. Second, lower extremity muscle function and cardiorespiratory endurance showed significant effects over time and in the interaction between group and time, while upper extremity muscle function, flexibility, balance, and coordination exhibited significant results in the interaction between group and time.