Effects of functional training on pain and functional capacity in elderly women

Abstract

Introduction: The growing rate of elderly people in the world can became a public health problem when they exhibit insufficient levels of physical activity, which can increase chronic pain and lead to functional disability. Objective: To analyze the effects of functional training on pain and functional capacity in elderly women. Methods: A non-randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 32 elderly women, divided into two groups: functional training (FT: n = 17) and control group(CG: n = 15). Functional capacity was analyzed using the Physical Fitness Test for the Elderly. Pain was assessed by reports of musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms and their characteristics using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire and pain visual analog scale (VAS). The functional training program was applied for 12 weeks at a frequency of 3 times a week. Results: Significant effects after the intervention in the FT group were observed, with pain reduction, increased flexibility and resistance for lower limbs, and cardiorespiratory capacity (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The functional training program in elderly women was effective in improving the variables of lower limb flexibility, pain perception, lower limb strength resistance and cardiorespiratory capacity.