Effect of flywheel resistance training on sleep quality in older women: A randomized controlled trial
Amanda Dos Reis Cota1, Édison A Perez-Bedoya2, Pablo A G Agostinho1
1Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Introduction:
Resistance training improves sleep quality; however, little is known about the effectiveness of flywheel resistance training (FRT) on sleep. This study evaluates the effect of resistance training (traditional vs. flywheel) on both objective and subjective indicators of sleep quality in older women.
Methods:
This is a parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving older women without diagnosed psychiatric disorders or uncontrolled noncommunicable chronic diseases (n = 29). Participants were randomly assigned to a traditional resistance training group (TRT, n = 15), which used weight machines and free weights, or to the FRT group (n = 14), which used a multi-leg iso-inertial device. The study was conducted from May to December 2023 at the Federal University of Viçosa, Brazil. Interventions consisted of two non-consecutive weekly sessions over an eight-week period. Objective sleep quality was assessed using actigraphy, while subjective sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Blinding was performed by an external administrator.
Results:
Objective sleep analysis revealed no significant changes. Both groups showed a reduction in global PSQI scores, with greater improvement observed in the FRT group. Regarding the PSQI components, significant improvement in subjective sleep quality was found in both groups, with superior results in the TRT group. The use of sleep medications decreased in both groups, and daytime dysfunction improved in the FRT group.
Conclusion:
Eight weeks of intervention did not affect objective sleep measures but improved subjective sleep quality, particularly in the FRT group.
