Abstract

MATTOS, Marcus  and  FARINATTI, Paulo. Effects of a low volume and intensity aerobic training program on work capacity and functional independence of elderly women. Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2007, vol.7, n.1, pp.100-108. ISSN 1645-0523.

The aerobic training is important for keeping functional autonomy in the elderly, favorably influencing the capacity for daily living activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a low volume and intensity aerobic training program on work capacity and functional independence of elderly women. A sample of 16 women (control and experimental group) aged 68 to 82 years-old participated of the study. The subjects performed before and after training the following tests: a) submaximal test in cycle ergometer for the analysis of the regression between heart rate and workload (slope and intercept) (HR/W); b) estimated maximal aerobic power by means of a non-exercise model (Veteran Specific Activity Questionnaire - VSAQ); c) perceived exertion (PSE) during the training sessions (Borg CR10 Scale); d) functional autonomy by the Senior System for Evaluation of the Action Autonomy (SysSen). The training program initially consisted in 10 min sessions, which were progressively enhanced when PSE decreased 4 to 3, till a maximum of 40 min. The whole program lasted 8 to 10 weeks. The results for HR/W and PSE revealed cardio-respiratory improvements for the experimental but not for the control group (p<.05). Subjects that exercised also had better scores for the SysSen, suggesting a positive influence in the functional autonomy (p<.05). There was no significant change for the VSAQ in both groups. It was concluded that a low volume and intensity aerobic training program may be efficient to improve physical and functional fitness in elder persons. However, non-exercise models are not likely to detect such training effects.

Keywords : physical fitness; aging; aerobic capacity; questionnaire; non-exercise model.

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