Effects of multicomponent training on functional fitness in older adults

Toraman N., ERMAN K. A., Agyar E.

JOURNAL OF AGING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, vol.12, no.4, pp.538-553, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 12 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Doi Number: 10.1123/japa.12.4.538
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF AGING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.538-553
  • Keywords: exercise training, body composition, functional fitness, BODY-MASS INDEX, PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY, PERFORMANCE, MOBILITY, DISABILITY, ENDURANCE, EXERCISE, VALIDITY, PROGRAM, BALANCE
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 9-week supervised multicomponent exercise program on functional fitness and body composition in independent older adults. Forty-two adults age 60-86 years were randomly assigned to an exercise or a control group and were evaluated before and after training. The training program consisted of 3 sessions of walking, strengthening, and flexibility exercises per week. The multicomponent training program resulted in significant (p <.005) improvements on the chair stand, arm curl, 6-min walk, and up-and-go tests. The findings of this study indicate that a 9-week training program increased upper and lower body strength, aerobic endurance, and agility/dynamic balance in older adults. The most affected components of functional fitness were lower body strength and aerobic endurance. There was no effect of the 9-week training on body composition.