Effects of resistance training, aerobic and endurance training on the functional autonomy and quality of life of the elderly

Abstract

This study compared resistance training, aerobic training and muscular endurance training, on functional autonomy and quality of life of the elderly. The present study encompassed 133 participants, divided into four groups, who performed 16 weeks of resistance training, aerobic training and muscular endurance training, in addition to the control group that did not perform any practice. The GDLAM protocol was used to assess functional autonomy, and the WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. After analysing the results, it was found that despite the positive effects for all experimental groups, the resistance training group was more efficient in reducing the time to perform functional autonomy tests (∆%-22.5876, p<0.0001). Regarding the quality of life, the same group presented a significant difference for domain 6, which deals with intimacy, raising the overall quality of life of individuals (∆% 11.96531, p<0.0001). It was concluded that resistance training showed a higher rate of improvement in functional autonomy and quality of life of the elderly.  However, it would be imprudent to rule out the positive effects provided by the other training analysed. In this sense, the findings of this study reinforce the regular and oriented practice of physical exercises of different types for the elderly, being an important and decisive tool in the maintenance and improvement of multiple health variables.