A Six-Week Multimodal Functional Training Program Improves Physical Function and Modulates Redox Homeostasis in Older Women

Background/Objectives: Age-related increases in oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation contribute to skeletal muscle deterioration, impaired physical performance, and loss of functional independence in older adults. Regular exercise may counteract these processes by improving both musculoskeletal function and systemic redox homeostasis; however, the effects of multimodal functional exercise on antioxidant defence mechanisms and innate immune redox regulation remain incompletely understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate changes associated with a six-week multimodal functional exercise program in body composition, muscle strength, physical performance, antioxidant defence and phagocyte oxidative burst activity in older women. Methods: Seventeen physically inactive women aged over 65 years participated in a six-week functional training program consisting of aerobic, resistance, balance, coordination, and proprioceptive exercises performed twice weekly. Body composition, handgrip strength, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores were assessed before and after the intervention. In addition, serum antioxidant enzyme activities, total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation markers, nitrite/nitrate concentrations, and phagocyte oxidative burst activity were determined. Results: Following the intervention, improvements were observed in skeletal muscle mass, muscle percentage, handgrip strength, and SPPB scores, while body fat mass and body fat percentage decreased. Catalase activity increased, whereas superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione peroxidase activity, and lipid peroxidation markers remained unchanged. Serum nitrite/nitrate concentrations increased following the intervention. Although neutrophil counts did not change, phagocyte oxidative burst activity decreased significantly. Conclusions: These findings indicate that a six-week multimodal functional exercise program was associated with favourable changes in body composition, enhanced muscle strength, and improved functional performance in previously inactive older women. In parallel, favourable changes in antioxidant defence, nitric oxide metabolism, and immune-related redox regulation were also observed following the intervention, supporting the potential role of multimodal functional training as an effective non-pharmacological strategy for promoting healthy ageing.