Effects of Multicomponent Training on Functional Fitness and Quality of Life in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the effects of twelve weeks of multicomponent training on functional fitness and quality of life in elderly women. Methods: Sixty-two older women were randomized into a multicomponent group (MG: n = 32, 65.28 ± 4.96 years) or a stretching group (SG: n = 32, 64.40 ± 3.68 years). MG performed joint mobility exercises, walking, muscle strength exercises and intermittent activities. SG has performed flexibility exercises with minimal physical effort. In order to verify the functional fitness, the Senior Fitness Test battery was used and the quality of life was verified by means of the WHOQOL BREF questionnaire in the pre and post 12 weeks of training. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) 2 × 2 for repeated measures was used for comparisons between groups for all variables. Results: At the end of the intervention, MG presented statistically significant improvements in all variables in relation to the initial values. When compared to SG, promoted statistically significant adaptations in the variables: balance/ agility (p = 0.001, +11.92%), lower limb strength (p = 0.001, +20.62%), upper limb strength (0.001, +17.72%), cardiorespiratory capacity (p = 0.021, +6.19%) and quality of life (p = 0.031, +7.95%). However, in posterior chain flexibility and shoulder mobility, no differences were observed between groups (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: This multicomponent protocol is efficient to improve functional fitness and quality of life in physically active elderly women, suggesting its use in physical exercise programs.