Combined Aerobic and Strength Training Improves Dynamic Stability and can Prevent against Static Stability Decline in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

 To analyze the effect of combined training (CT) in postural control and gait parameters in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

 A parallel-group, randomized, control study was conducted with 16 weeks of combined training (n = 16) versus a non-training control group (n = 12) in postmenopausal women (aged 59.3 ± 8.0). Pre and postintervention assessments included postural control (using an AMTI force platform - Advanced Mechanical Technology, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA) and gait impairments (using baropodometry). In addition, the upper limb strength and abdominal tests, as well as aerobic capacity, assessed functional indicators.

RESULTS

 The CT intervention in postmenopausal women resulted in improved gait (stride length (p = 0.006); speed (p = 0.013); double support time (p = 0.045); and improved postural control (displacement area of postural sway in a normal base of support with eyes open (p = 0.006). Combined training increased functional indicators (abdominal - p = 0.031; aerobic capacity - p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

 In conclusion, combined aerobic plus strength training effectively improved gait and balance control in older women. The postmenopausal women from the CT group walked faster and with bigger steps after the intervention than the control group. In addition, they presented decreased postural sway in standing and decreased the percentage of double support time while walking, which means improved static and dynamic balance control and functional indicators.

Is There Any Non-functional Training? A Conceptual Review

This conceptual review investigates whether functional training (FT) is a different approach from traditional strength, power, flexibility, and endurance (aerobic or cardiorespiratory) training already adopted in the physical training plan of professional, recreational athletes, healthy, and older adults. The 20 most recent papers published involving FT were searched in the PubMed/Medline database. Definition, concepts, benefits, and the exercises employed in FT programs were analyzed. The main results were: (a) there is no agreement about a universal definition for FT; (b) FT programs aim at developing the same benefits already induced by traditional training programs; (c) exercises employed are also the same. The inability to define FT makes the differentiation from traditional training programs difficult. Physical training programs can be easily described and classified as strength, power, flexibility, endurance, and the specific exercises employed (e.g., traditional resistance training, ballistic exercises, plyometrics and Olympic-style weightlifting, continuous and high-intensity interval training). This apt description and classification may provide consistent and clear communication between students, coaches, athletes, and sports scientists. Based on the current evidence and to avoid confusion and misconceptions, we recommend that the terms FT, high-intensity FT, and functional fitness training no longer describe any physical training program.

Functional and concurrent training do not impair immune function and improve functional fitness in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of functional and concurrent training on immune function and functional fitness in postmenopausal women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was performed on 108 women aged 60 or older who were randomly assigned among the groups: control group (CG: n = 40; 63.88 ± 3.64 years); functional training (FT: n = 32; 63.88 ± 3.79 years); and concurrent training (CT: n = 36; 64.83 ± 4.00 years). Immune function was measured by the expression of the T-lymphocyte function-related surface markers (CD28 and CD57). Functional fitness was assessed using physical tests similar to daily activities, i.e., five times sit to stand, timed up and go, and gallon-jug shelf-transfer.

RESULTS

Regarding immune function, there was only a time effect, without between-group differences. Specifically, FT and CT show a reduction and increase in CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, respectively, without impairment in the subpopulations analyzed, while CG showed a reduction in naive T cells (CD8⁺CD28⁺). For functional fitness tests, there was a time × group interaction effect for all tests, the FT and CT were superior to the CG, with FT showing differences after the fourth week, while the CT showed this effect after the eighth week of intervention.

CONCLUSION

FT and CT do not impair immune function and similarly improve functional fitness in postmenopausal women.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY

RBR-2d56bt.