Differences of functional fitness in adults after 9 months of combined exercise training program

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of physical intervention program related quality of life on a set of physical tests that determine the physical condition of adults. 128 adults, aged between 50-70 years old, participated in a combined exercise training program, 3 sessions per week (two Physical Fitness Exercises and one swimming), during a period of 9 months. Their physical condition was assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study by the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Results show significant improvements in the strength parameters of the legs and arms (p<0.01) and in the range of motion in the shoulders and trunk (p<0.05), no significant differences were found in tests of agility and resistance. These results suggest that participation in regular physical exercise programs, both aerobic and strength training causes a number of favourable responses that contribute to healthy aging and may play a role in the prevention or reduction of functional decline in older adults.