Single- and multiple-set resistance training improves skeletal and respiratory muscle strength in elderly women

Odilon Abrahin,1–3 Rejane P Rodrigues,1–3 Vanderson C Nascimento,3 Marzo E Da Silva-Grigoletto,1,4 Evitom C Sousa,3 Anderson C Marçal1,2 1Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil; 2Center of Research in Intracellular Signaling, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil; 3Laboratory of Resistance Exercise and Health, Sports Department, University of Pará State, Belem, Brazil; 4Scientific Sport, Sergipe, Brazil Introduction: Aging involves a progressive reduction of respiratory muscle strength as well as muscle strength. Purpose: Compare the effects of resistance training volume on the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), functional performance, and muscle strength in elderly women. Methods: Thirty elderly women were randomly assigned to a group performing either single sets (1-SET) or three sets (3-SET) of exercises. The sit-to-stand test, MIP, MEP, and muscle strength were assessed before and after 24 training sessions. Progressive resistance training was performed two times per week for a total of 8–12 repetitions, using the main muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs. Results: The main results showed that the participants significantly increased their MEP (P<0.05; 1-SET: 34.6%; 3-SET: 35.8%) and MIP (P<0.05; 1-SET: 13.7%; 3-SET: 11.2%). Both groups also improved in the sit-to-stand test (P<0.05; 1-SET: 10.6%; 3-SET: 17.1%). After 24 training sessions, muscle strength also significantly increased (P<0.0001; 40%–80%) in both groups. An intergroup comparison did not show any statistically significant differences between the groups in any of the parameters analyzed. Conclusion: Single- and multiple-set resistance training programs increased MIP, MEP, muscle strength, and sit-to-stand test performance in elderly women after 24 sessions of training. In conclusion, our results suggested that elderly women who are not in the habit of physical activity may start with single-set resistance training programs as a short-term strategy for the maintenance of health. Keywords: resistance exercise, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, elderl

Efecto de 24 sesiones de entrenamiento de fuerza en un paciente con gonartrosis bilateral: a propósito de un caso

Objetivos: Evaluar los efectos de 24 sesiones de ejercicio de fuerza (EF) progresivo, de intensidad moderada/alta sobre la capacidad funcional, la fuerza muscular y la composición corporal de un anciano con gonartrosis (GA) bilateral. Método: La capacidad funcional, la fuerza muscular y las variables antropométricas fueron medidas antes y después de 24 sesiones de entrenamiento. El paciente realizó el EF progresivo entre 8 y 12 repeticiones máximas, utilizando los principales grupos musculares de los miembros superiores e inferiores, 2 veces por semana durante 12 semanas. Resultados: Hubo una mejora en el test de sentarse y levantase (46,1%), en el sentar y alcanzar (33,3%), así como un aumento de la fuerza muscular en todos los ejercicios analizados y mejora de los índices antropométricos. Conclusión: Los resultados de este estudio indican que 24 sesiones de EF progresivo pueden ser eficaces en la mejora de índices antropométricos, la capacidad funcional y la fuerza muscular de un paciente anciano diagnosticado de GA bilateral