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Updated: Sep 20, 2025
12:59
Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
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Block strength training based on age-related functional consequences in older women
Emilio Jofré-Saldía1, Raúl Ricardo Festa2, Álvaro Villalobos-Gorigoitía3
1Facultad de Ciencias de la Rehabilitación y Calidad de Vida, Universidad San Sebastián, Región Metropolina, Chile.
Plos One
|May 30, 2025
Summary
Block Strength Training (BST) significantly improved functional performance in older women, enhancing strength, mobility, and endurance. This targeted approach is effective in reducing physical frailty risks associated with aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Exercise Science
- Geriatric Medicine
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Background:
- Current strength training recommendations for older adults are often too general.
- Age-related functional decline necessitates tailored exercise interventions.
- Healthy aging in older women can be supported by appropriate strength training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the effects of Block Strength Training (BST) on functional performance in older women.
- To investigate BST's efficacy based on age-related functional consequences.
- To compare BST outcomes against general physical activity recommendations.
Main Methods:
- 82 community-dwelling older women (mean age 70.17 years) were randomized into experimental (BST) and control groups.
- The experimental group underwent a 9-week BST program focusing on strength, power, and muscular endurance.
- Functional performance was assessed pre- and post-intervention using tests for handgrip strength, TUG, 2MST, 5-SST, and 6-WS.
Main Results:
- BST significantly improved absolute handgrip strength (+7%), timed up and go (-11%), two-minutes step test (+23%), five times stand-to-sit test (-26%), and 6-m walking speed (+17%) compared to the control group.
- A significant Time*Group interaction effect (p<0.01, ŋP2>0.11) was observed across all functional performance measures.
- The control group showed minimal changes in functional performance metrics.
Conclusions:
- Block Strength Training is an effective intervention for enhancing overall functional performance in community-dwelling older women.
- BST can play a crucial role in mitigating the risk of physical frailty among older adult women.
- This study supports a shift from general recommendations to precision-dosed exercise programming for older adults.
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