Efectos del entrenamiento de fuerza sobre la condición física funcional en el adulto mayor

Introduction: Due to the changes caused by aging, strength training becomes an important modulating agent for physical and mental health in older adults. Objective: To establish the effects of a strength training program on functional physical condition in older adults. Methodology: This is a prospective pre-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design, in which a group of 16 older adult women aged 70±7.3 years participated. The program was carried out over 3 months, three times a week at an intensity of 50-60% 1RM, with 3 sets, repetitions, and a recovery time of 1 to 2 minutes. The Shapiro-Wilk test was applied, followed by a bivariate analysis of means comparison using the student’s t-test and the Wilcoxon test using SPSS v.24.0 software. Results: After implementing the program, statistically significant changes (p<0.05) were found in the tests of standing up and sitting down, agility and balance, arm flexion, and trunk flexion. Discussion: Strength training improves functional physical condition in older adults by increasing muscle mass, strength, and power, which are key factors for autonomy and fall prevention. These effects are associated with a better quality of life and more active and healthy aging. Conclusions: The results suggest that functional physical fitness variables in older adults improved by 48.7% through strength training.