This study analyzed the effects of a 10-wk resistance training program on body composition in 11 elderly women (68.91 ± 5.43 yrs). A control group of 8 women (65.13 ± 4.09 yrs) served as inactive control. The body fat percentage (skinfold thickness and bioelectrical impedance), body-circumference measurements and sum of skinfolds were assessed before and after 10 weeks. Food intake was assessed immediately before week 0 and week 10, from 3-day diet records (energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat). After initial tests, the subjects began a training program consisting of eight exercises for the whole body. The training program only resulted in decrease in sum of skinfolds (p<=0.05). No significant changes in any variable were observed in the control group. In conclusion, the training program did not reduce body fat percentage, although it reduced sum of skinfolds.
aging; skinfold thickness; training; food consumption; body composition
