Modulation of motor load in old people: Effect of different exercise training protocols on power flexibility

Aim. This study evaluated the effects of different exercise training protocols for adults and the elderly with a view to identify an exercise program that gives a better indication of functional motor requirements in the elderly. Methods. Normative tests were used to evaluate functional motor ability: the Chair stand test evaluates lower body strength; the Arm curl test evaluates upper body strength; the 6-minute walk test and the 2-minute step test evaluate aerobic; the Chair sit and Reach test and the Back scratch test evaluate the flexibility of the hamstrings, the arm extensor muscles and the shoulder joint; the 8-Foot up and go test evaluates speed and balance. Results. The experimental group showed improvement on all functional ability tests; the control group showed statistically significant improvement on the Chair stand test, the Arm curl test, the 8-Foot up and go test (P>0.05) and the 2-minute step test (P>0.01). Conclusions. The models and quantifiers of training volume related to strength, resistance and joint mobility showed gains in upper and lower limb strength and in speed and resistance. Improvement in joint mobility was appreciable but not statistically significant with respect to baseline values.