Functional autonomy can decrease with aging, predisposing the individuals to falls, exercise being a tool to mitigate these effects and improve the quality of life of these individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of different exercise programs on anthropometric measurements (AM) and functional autonomy (FA) in elderly women with fracture risk. Forty women (with fracture risk) underwent 35 sessions (1 hour, 2 times/week) strength training group (STG, n= 13) or functional group (FG, n= 12) or aerobics group (AG, n= 15). We have measured the AM and FA before and after training. No improvements in AM after 35 sessions were observed in the three groups. Since the FA showed improvement standing from a sitting position (p<0.001, Δ%=-15, effect size= -0.76), up from prone position (p<0.001, Δ%=-20, effect size=0.62) and general index (p<0.001, Δ=-10%, effect size=-0.68)] in STG. In walking 10m test was interaction between time x training (p=0.048), showing a greater effect size on STG (Δ%=-6,0, effect size=-0.50). We conclude that strength training is more effective in improving the FA when compared to functional and aerobics in elderly women with fracture risk.
Aged; Exercise; Fractures
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