Circuit strength training improves muscle strength, functional performance and anthropometric indicators in sedentary elderly women

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effects of circuit strength training on the muscle strength, functional autonomy and anthropometric indicators of the elderly. METHODS: Were included 65 women divided in two groups: strength training (TG, N.=34) and control group (CG, N.=31). The strength-training group was subjected to a circuit shaped training program, three days per week, for a period of 12 weeks. In each training session, the circuit was repeated three times. In each circuit, all exercises were performed once, with 8 to 12 repetitions per exercise, with 30-second intervals between each exercise. RESULTS: TG showed significantly changes in body composition post 12 weeks, as decreases in body weight (Delta-1.5 +/- 1.8 kg) and BMI (Delta-0.57 +/- 0.74 kg/m(2)), and decreases in abdominal (Delta-3 +/- 1.61 cm), waist (Delta-1 +/- 1.61 cm), hip (Delta-2.75 +/- 1.44 cm) and waist-hip ratio circumference (Delta-0.02 +/- 0.15 cm). For functional autonomy, TG showed increases post 12 weeks by 30-second chair stand (Delta 3.5 +/- 0.4 reps), six minute walk (Delta 60.95 +/- 7.91 m), back scratch (Delta 3.2 +/- 1.36 cm), and time up and go tests (Delta-1.62 +/- 0,15 s).TG also showed increases in muscle strength post 12 weeks in both leg press (Delta 11 +/- 1.29 kg) and lat pulldown (Delta 11 +/- 0.75 Kg). For CG, body composition, functional autonomy and muscle strength did not improved in any moment. CONCLUSIONS: Hence, circuit strength training provides significant improvements in muscle strength, functional performance and anthropometric indicators in sedentary elderly women.