Detraining in Older Women: Influence of Previous Resistance Training with Different Exercise Orders on Muscular Strength, Flexibility and Functional Capacity

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effects of detraining after previous resistance training (RT) performed with different exercise orders (EO) on muscular strength, flexibility and functional capacity in older women. Methods: Twenty-three older women (61.6 ± 6.7 years; 74.2 ± 12.6 kg; 156.2 ± 5.9 cm) were randomized to a group that performed the exercises from multi-to single-joint order (MJ-SJ, n = 10) or a group that performed the exercises from single-to multi-joint order (SJ-MJ, n = 13). Both performed the same RT program (7 exercises, 3 sets of 10-15 maximum repetitions, twice a week, 16 weeks). Following the RT program, participants detrained for 16 weeks. Muscular strength (handgrip strength test), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), and functional capacity assessments (30-s arm curl, 30-s stand chair, 10m walking, getting up and moving) were carried out pre-training, post-training and post-detraining. Results: Results indicated that the effects of detraining do not depend on the manipulation of EO. Maintenance of benefits obtained from the RT program was observed only for flexibility, where both groups had higher scores compared to pre-training (MJ-SJ = 11%; SJ-MJ = 24.4%). Conclusion: We conclude that detraining in older women can compromise previous gains made in muscular strength and functional capacity.