Effects of power resistance training program with elastic bands on body composition, muscle strength and physical function in older women

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a power-strength resistance program with elastic bands on body composition, physical function, and muscle strength in older women. For such purpose, a randomized controlled trial with a pre-post-intervention design was conducted. Thus, 58 healthy, physically independent, sedentary women, aged 65-85 years, were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 28) or control group (n = 30). Measurements of body composition (total mass, total fat mass, total skeletal-muscle mass, and body fat percentage), isokinetic muscle strength of knee flexors and extensors (at 60º/second and 180º/second), and physical performance (flexibility, agility/dynamic balance, and mobility) were taken pre-intervention and after 20 weeks of a power-strength protocol (light loads at maximum speed) with elastic bands consisting of 42 sessions (including familiarization) of between 80 and 90 minutes, with six exercises per session. The intensity was controlled with the OMNI-RES scale of perceived exertion. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) and covariance (ANCOVA) was carried out. All parameters of physical function, isokinetic strength, and body composition significantly improved (p < .05) in the intervention group, except the muscle mass and the knee flexion strength at 60º/sec, on which no statistical difference was observed (p > .05). All the variables got worsened or did not change in the control group. A resistance program with elastic bands using light loads and performing at maximum speed can reverse the deterioration in body composition, muscle strength, and physical function, and offer significant physical benefits in sedentary older women.