Abstract
Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of multicomponent and strength training programs on dynamic balance, functional capacity, and gait ability in older women. Methods. *irty individuals (67 ± 4.3 years; 30.6 ± 3.9 kg/m2) were trained for 12 weeks (3 times per week), following multicomponent (MG: exercises focusing on agility, balance, muscle strength, and aerobic) and strength programs (SG: lower limbs strength exercise). Results. Peak torque of hip flexors (p less then 0.020) and extensors (p less then 0.009) and knee flexors (p less then 0.001) of SG was greater than that of MG at posttraining. In addition, both groups increased peak torque of knee extensors (p less then 0.002) and plantar extensors with higher effect size for SG (d = −0.41 and −0.48),
whereas MG presented higher effect size for plantar flexors muscles (d = −0.55). Only the SG improved the rate of torque development of knee extensors (29%; p less then 0.002), and this variable was also greater to SG than MG at posttraining (106%). *e SG and MG improved dynamic balance although SG presented higher effect size (d less then 0.61). Both groups improved the performance on 30 s sit to stand test (p less then 0.010) with higher effect size for MG (d = −0.54). Only the MG improved the stride length (4%; p less then 0.011) and gait speed (10%; p less then 0.024). In addition, the groups improved toe clearance (p less then 0.035) and heel contact (p less then 0.010) with higher effect sizes for MG (d = −0.066 and 1.07). Conclusion. Strength training should be considered to increase muscle function and dynamic balance in older women, whereas multicomponent training should be considered to increase
functional capacity and gait ability in this population.