Alterations in body composition, capillary glucose and functionality during explosive strength training in older women

Abstract Background: Although strength training interventions has positive effects for functional performance of elderly people, others studies suggest that muscle power and/or explosive force may change aspects related to functional independence, incidence of falling and functional motor performance. This is the reason why we here propose to examine the effects of explosive strength training on body composition, functional performance and capillary glucose in old women. Methods: Sixty healthy women (59.45±6.43 years) who volunteered for the study and were divided to either a jump group (JG), concurrent jumps and high velocity movements on multi station machines group (JMG) or control group (CG) for 22 weeks. JG and JMG trained three times a week during a 22-week period, and CG performed only recreational activities by themselves. Body composition and functionality tests were applied before and after the training program and capillary glucose was taken before and after every functional testing. Results: There were differences in the percentage of body fat (JG vs. JMG vs. CG, p=0.001), muscle mass (JG vs. JMG vs. CG p=0.05), explosive strength (JG vs. JMG vs. CG, p=0.001), shuttle run test 30 m (JG vs. JMG vs. CG, p=0.002), velocity-agility 30 m (JG vs. JMG vs. CG, p=0.02) and glycemic (JG vs. JMG vs. CG, p=0.01) with positive modifications in the strength training groups. Conclusion: The concurrent explosive jumps and high velocity movements on multi station machines optimize positive changes in body composition, capillary glucose and functionality compared with explosive jumps training alone.