Effects of aerobic training combined with strength training with elastic resistance on functional capacity of older adults: a controlled randomized clinical trial

Abstract

The combination of aerobic (AT) and strength (ST) training, i.e., Combined Training (CT) is a strategy used to combat the deleterious effects of aging. However, ST requires specialized equipment and environments that hinder the practice of the elderly population; thus, elastic devices can help in the practice of ST because they are easy to apply. To evaluate the effects of CT on the functional capacity (FC) of older adults after 8 weeks of intervention. Participants were randomly allocated to the combined training group (CTG) or control group (CG). The CTG performed, with 3 weekly sessions, a TA (70–85% of the heart rate reserve) followed by ST with elastic tubes (6 exercises; 2 × 15 repetitions) with load progression through the perception of effort scale, color, and elastic extension. Before and after the intervention, six FC tests and a maximum isometric strength test of the knee extensors were evaluated. Two-way ANOVA was applied, with Bonferroni post hoc, adopting a p < 0.05. Twenty-two older people participated in the study (CTG, 62.91 ± 5.88; CG, 62.70 ± 5.29), of both sexes (CTG, 8/4; CG, 6/4). An improvement of 6.60% was observed in the Timed Up and Go test (p = 0.026), 20.56% in the sit and stand test (p = 0.007), 17.71% in the elbow flexion test (p = 0.026), and 15.64% and 26.94% for the right (p = 0.026) and left knee extensors (p = 0.006), respectively, for the CTG compared to the CG. AT associated with ST with elastic tubes was effective in improving FC and knee extensor muscle strength in older adults. RBR-8FDWTH; retrospectively registered. March 10, 2020.