Multicomponent Exercise Training Improves Gait Ability of Older Women Rather than Strength Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Renata Wolf,Paula B Lopes,Paulo C B Bento,André L F Rodacki,Rafaella R Locks,Gleber Pereira,Attilio N Carraro

doi:10.1155/2020/6345753

Renata Wolf, Paula B Lopes + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6345753

Copy DOI

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the effects of multicomponent and strength training programs on dynamic balance, functional capacity, and gait ability in older women. Methods Thirty individuals (67 ± 4.3 years; 30.6 ± 3.9 kg/m2) were trained for 12 weeks (3 times per week), following multicomponent (MG: exercises focusing on agility, balance, muscle strength, and aerobic) and strength programs (SG: lower limbs strength exercise). Results Peak torque of hip flexors (p=0.020) and extensors (p=0.009) and knee flexors (p=0.001) of SG was greater than that of MG at posttraining. In addition, both groups increased peak torque of knee extensors (p=0.002) and plantar extensors with higher effect size for SG (d = −0.41 and −0.48), whereas MG presented higher effect size for plantar flexors muscles (d = −0.55). Only the SG improved the rate of torque development of knee extensors (29%; p=0.002), and this variable was also greater to SG than MG at posttraining (106%). The SG and MG improved dynamic balance although SG presented higher effect size (d = 0.61). Both groups improved the performance on 30 s sit to stand test (p=0.010) with higher effect size for MG (d = −0.54). Only the MG improved the stride length (4%; p=0.011) and gait speed (10%; p=0.024). In addition, the groups improved toe clearance (p=0.035) and heel contact (p=0.010) with higher effect sizes for MG (d = −0.066 and 1.07). Conclusion Strength training should be considered to increase muscle function and dynamic balance in older women, whereas multicomponent training should be considered to increase functional capacity and gait ability in this population.

Highlights

Exercise training is recommended to reduce the risk of many adverse health outcomes [1], such as dependence in performing the activities of daily living [2]
Such dependence is related to the decline in strength and in the capacity of producing force rapidly [3], resulting in the decline in the dynamic balance, in the walking ability, and in the functional capacity [4]. erefore, exercise training program for older adults should include aerobic, muscle strengthening, balance, and walking exercises [5] to reverse or minimize these aging effects on muscle function as well as on functional capacity
Improvements in muscle strength, rate of torque development (RTD), and gait are shown after strength training programs [6,7,8]. e adaptive changes in muscle functioning after strength training may be responsible to improve these parameters [9]

Summary

Introduction

Exercise training is recommended to reduce the risk of many adverse health outcomes [1], such as dependence in performing the activities of daily living [2] Such dependence is related to the decline in strength and in the capacity of producing force rapidly [3], resulting in the decline in the dynamic balance, in the walking ability, and in the functional capacity [4]. E adaptive changes in muscle functioning after strength training (e.g., firing frequency and recruitment of motor units) may be responsible to improve these parameters [9]. Erefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of multicomponent and strength training programs on the muscle strength, dynamic balance, functional capacity, and gait ability in older women There is no direct comparison between multicomponent and strength training on effects of gait ability. erefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of multicomponent and strength training programs on the muscle strength, dynamic balance, functional capacity, and gait ability in older women

Methods

Results

Findings

Conclusion