ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Aging brings several modifications, including the progressive decline of physiological functions of the body. Both strength training and an aerobic endurance program are important to avoid functional decline associated with age.
Objective:
To evaluate the effects of a combined training program of strength and endurance on handgrip strength, muscle mass, endurance and aerobic power of elderly women.
Methods:
Thirty-five women (65.7±6.68 years) were divided into three groups: combined training (CT, n=15), strength training (ST, n=10) and aerobic training (AT, n=10). Each group trained twice a week during eight weeks, and the CT group had strength and aerobic training once a week. We used the ANOVA statistical test and the Student's t test, with p≤0.05.
Results:
It was possible to observe significant improvements (p≤0.05) for VO2max values when determining the anaerobic threshold and increase grip strength in all groups studied, as well as the muscle mass of the vastus lateralis (p≤0.05).
Conclusion:
The results suggest that a combined training program is as much effective to cause increases of muscle mass, strength, and aerobic endurance in elderly women as aerobic endurance or strength training performed twice a week, arranged separately.
Keywords:
health of the elderly; muscle strength; resistance training; exercise.