EFFECT OF TWO TRAINING PROGRAMS ON PHYSICAL FITNESS OF ELDERLY WOMEN 875

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of 8 weeks of two training programs (strength and aerobic) on anthropometric and neuromotor performance of elderly women. The sample consisted of 17 healthy elderly women 55-80 years-old (x: 63.5±6 yr.) divided in three 3 groups: Group I(strength training): the program consisted of 3 sessions of 10 repetitions at 50% IRM of 6 types of exercise, 3 times per week; Group II (aerobic training): cycling at cycle ergometer 3 times per week, 45 minutes per session at 65% MHR(maximal heart rate), and Group III: Control group (n:4). The variables determined were: body weight, body height, adiposity (mean of 3 skinfolds:triceps, subscapular, suprailiac), sit and reach (FLEX), agility(SR), long jump (LJ) and handgrip (HG). ANOVA “Two Way” and p<.01 was taken for analysis. There were no statistical differences among the three groups in age and body height. The results for both training programs were: Table There were no statistical differences among the three groups in any physical fitness variable. These results suggest that the short period of training was not enough to show any difference between the programs and even from pre to post period of training.