Effectiveness of combined exercise training to improve functional fitness in older adults: A randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The present randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of different exercise training modalities on functional fitness responses in apparently healthy older men.


METHODS
A total of 59 community-dwelling older men were randomly assigned to an aerobic training group (ATG, n=19), a combined aerobic and resistance training group (CTG, n=20) or a control group (n=20). Both exercise training programs were moderate-to-vigorous intensity, 3 days/week for 9 months. Six independent functional fitness tests (back scratch, chair sit-and-reach, 30-s chair stand, arm curl, 8-ft up-and-go, 6-min walk) were measured on five different occasions. The data were analyzed using a mixed-model ANOVA.


RESULTS
ANOVA showed a significant main effect of group (P<0.001) for all functional fitness tests, with significant differences between both training groups and controls. However, the ATG only improved the chair sit-and-reach and the 30-s chair stand performance, whereas CTG improved in all functional fitness tests. ANOVA also identified a significant main effect of time for 8-ft up-and-go (P=0.031) in the CTG.


CONCLUSIONS
Only the combined exercise program was effective in improving all functional fitness components related to daily living activities.
Research Center in Sport Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real.
Nelson
N
Sousa
Romeu
R
Mendes
Catarina
C
Abrantes
Jaime
J
Sampaio
José
J
Oliveira
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
combined training; functional fitness; prolonged exercise