Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
Physical exercise programs at Basic Healthcare Units decrease body fat and improve the functional capacity of women
Fabrício Eduardo Rossi1, Anderson Rogério Lecca2, Luiz Gustavo Perón Martins2
1Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, Brazil.
Abstract:
This study verified the effects of a physical exercise program performed at Basic Healthcare Units on the body composition and functional capacity of women over 50 years old and to compare these variables according to age. Forty-eight women (age, 65.4±7.3 years) were assessed. The program lasted 20 weeks, and was conducted 2 times per week, 60 min/day. Body mass and height were collected and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Bioelectrical impedance was used to estimate fat mass and fat free mass. Functional capacities: handgrip test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Guralnick test were assessment. Weight (68.7±12.5 [pre]×66.8±12.5 [post], P<0.001), BMI (28.5±4.1 kg/m2 [pre]×27.6±4.0 kg/m2 [post], P<0.001), and fat mass (28.4±7.8 kg [pre]×26.4±7.3 kg [post], P<0.001) were decreased. For functional capacity, handgrip (21.2±5.8 kg [pre]×22.9±6.9 kg [post], P=0.014), lower limb strength (12.0±3.0 sec [pre]×8.5±2.2 sec [post], P<0.001), TUG (8.4±1.5 sec [pre]×7.6±1.1 se [post], P<0.001) and Guralnik tests (10.6±1.6 [pre]×11.8±0.5 [post], P<0.001) were improved. 20 weeks of exercise program performed at Basic Healthcare Units decreased body fat and improvement of functional capacity of women over 50 years old and there was difference according to age only on the body composition variables.
More Related Videos
07:26Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
Published on: October 17, 2018
07:10Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes