Effects Of Multicomponent Training On Physical Fitness Of Elderly Women

Studies have shown that the decline in strength, flexibility, and balance during aging negatively affects the physical fitness (PF) of old adults, resulting in an increased risk of falling and injuries. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of multicomponent training (MCT) (consisting of aerobics, stretching, dynamic neuromuscular stabilization, and strength training exercise) on the PF of elderly women, to decrease the risk of falling and injuries, as well as to improve the quality of functional movement. METHODS: Thirty elderly women were divided into 2 groups (Control group (CG) n = 15, age 70.47 ± 3.07; Experimental group (EG) n = 15, age 69.60 ± 3.46) completed 4 PF tests (8-Foot Up and Go Test, 30s Chair Stand Test, Dynamometry, and Single-Leg Stance Test). Both groups stated they live an active life and walk daily (at least 150 minutes per week). The EG attended a 60-minute MCT two times per week for a period of 3 months, while the CG did not attend any organized physical activity. Both groups were tested at the beginning and the end of the experimental period. The data was analyzed using a T-test for dependent samples; the Wilcoxon signed-rank test at the efficiency level of p ≤ 0.005 was considered. RESULTS: Significant differences between initial and final results for the EG were found in tests: 8-Foot Up and Go Test (49.3 ± 3.6 vs 45.8 ± 4.2 s, p = 0.000), 30s Chair Stand Test (14.5 ± 1.5 vs 16.4 ± 1.6 reps, p = 0.000), Dynamometry for the right (30.1 ± 3.1 vs 33.1 ± 4.1 kg, p = 0.000) and left hand (28.5 ± 3.1 vs 32.0 ± 3.5 kg, p = 0.000), and Single-Leg Stance Test for the right leg (57.7 ± 4.5 vs 59.5 ± 1.5 s, p = 0.026); while there were no significant differences in Single-Leg Stance Test for the left leg (58.1 ± 4.1 vs 59.7 ± 0.9 s, p = 0.066). In the CG, there were no significant differences between initial and final results in any of the tests except in the Single-Leg Stance test on the right leg (19.3 ± 8.8 vs 17.9 ± 7.5 s, p = 0.004) and Dynamometry of the right hand (27.6 ± 3.2 vs 28.4 ± 3.5 kg, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The current study indicates that active living with an average of 150 minutes of walking per week is enough to maintain the PF of elderly women but not enough to improve it. On the other hand, the MCT method applied for 3 months, 2 times per week, will increase the PF status: stability, agility / dynamic balance, and muscular strength of the lower and upper limbs.