scholarly journals Impact of Strength Training Program on Physical Fitness and Psychical Condition for Elderly Women

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (88) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaiva Abramavičiūtė ◽  
Kristina Zaičenkovienė

Research background and hypothesis. There is a lot of research proving that physical activity improves psychical condition when there are symptoms of psychical illness. There is also a wide range of studies carried out investigating the impact of physical activity on physical abilities, but little is known how strength training program as a factor improves psychical condition and, at the same time, body composition, strength and endurance for elderly woman.Research aim was to study the impact of an 8-week strength training program on physical fitness and psychical condition for elderly women.Research methods were literature review, HADS to evaluate anxiety and depression symptoms, anthropometry, strength and endurance testing, statistical analysis of physical fitness and psychical condition indices. Research results. In the period of 8-week strength training program we found that it had a positive impact on the indices in the experimental group compared to those in the control group. Psychical condition and strength results in experimental group were statistically significant (p  < 0.05); a significantly different change in aerobic endurance was measured during the 2 min step test. BMI and the body composition measures did not change statistically significantly.Discussion  and  conclusions. The  main  finding  is  that  an  8-week  strength  training  period  had  a  significant impact on psychical condition for elderly women. Moreover, strength training exercises improved upper and lower body muscle strength. Endurance improvement was observed during 2-min step test, but 6-min test results were insignificant (p > 0.05). After the 8-week training period, no significant differences in BMI and body composition were observed, although there was a slightly tendency of decrease in the experimental group.Keywords: elderly women, physical fitness, psychical condition, 8-week strength training programme, HADS, BMI.

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-90
Author(s):  
PATRICIA FISCHEROVA ◽  
MAGDALENA NITYCHORUK ◽  
WOJCIECH SMOLKA ◽  
MARCIN ZAK ◽  
ARTUR GOLAS ◽  
...  

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the impact of a 6-week program combined with football training and strength training on strength and power parameters in highly trained soccer players. It was hypothesized that 6 weeks would be enough for the experimental group to improve their jumping ability and pushing power. Material and methods: The study involved 34 female footballers playing in Ekstraliga (age: 22 ± 5 years; body height: 167 ± 5 cm; body weight: 60 ± 8 kg). The contestants were divided into an experimental group and a control group of 17 people in each group. The control group performed football trainings combined with 2 additional strength units (50% 1RM load) 3 times a week. The experimental group, apart from football trainings, additionally performed 2 strength trainings per week (50–85% 1RM load). Results: The results of the experiment show a significant improvement in the height of the vertical jump and bench press while sitting in the experimental group CMJ (p <0.05; p = 0.000029; ES: 1.00; 11%), CMJA (p <0.05; p = 0 00003; ES = 1.09; 13%), and LP (p <0.05; p = 0.027681; ES = 0.48; 6%), while in the control group the changes in the results after the training program were statistically insignificant CMJ (p> 0.05; p = 0.274000; ES: 0.07, 1%), CMJA (p> 0.05; p = 0.350958 ES = 0.27, 3%), and LP (p> 0.05; p = 0.130153; ES = 0.27; 4%). Conclusion: The presented research results suggest that a short, six-week training program including general football training and strength training performed twice a week with loads gradually increasing during the preparatory period may significantly improve the strength and jumping parameters of the lower limbs in soccer players. Such information can be valuable at the stage of training in the field of special skills training in football.


2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-35
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Čuprika ◽  
Andra Fernāte ◽  
Leonīds Čupriks

Abstract As it is mentioned in the action direction Healthy and Workable Individual of the National Development Plan of Latvia 2012 –2020: 30% of all the dead in Latvia have lost their life at the age of being able to work. The main causes of death rate are different diseases (cardio-vascular a.o.), as well as outer death causes (injuries) (Pudule et al, 2012; Štale et al, 2013). Only 8% of the EU and 6% of the Latvian population regularly perform moderate and very difficult physical activity (PA) (Eurobarometer, 2013). Therefore it is necessary to implement purposeful and effective health promoting and risk limiting events to develop the physical capital of one. The understanding of the impact of physical activity on one’s physical capital is not well explored in the previous studies (Hutson, 2012; Maguire, 2008; Goldenberg, 2003; Hedblom, 2009). Therefore, the aim of the study is to determine the relationship between PA and the objective indicators of physical capital for women in fitness. In the study voluntarily participated 33 women (30±4.1 years) from 2 fitness clubs in Riga. In order to determine the respondents’ objective indicators of physical capital were applied: bioimpedance method (TANITA SC330, Japan, 89/336/EC), heart rate variability analysis data processing software ‘Omega’, complex load test with expiratory gas analysis (VIASYS Healthcare GMBH, Germany) and Eirofit tests for adults. In order to determine the level of PA the IPAQ (Craig et al, 2003) short version in Latvian (Kaupuzs & Larins, 2010) was used. Descriptive and inferential statistics were made (SPSS ver.18.0). Several moderately close (0.5<|rs|<0.69; p<0.01) and close correlations (0.7<|rs|<0.99; p<0.01) are determined between the level of PA and indicators of body composition, physical work capacity, physical fitness and functional state of the body. The level of PA has a positive impact on the objective indicators of physical capital. The more physically active the respondent is, the better physical fitness, higher work capacity, better the indicators of his body composition are and better functional state.


1993 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 339-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avery D. Faigenbaum ◽  
Leonard D. Zaichkowsky ◽  
Wayne L. Westcott ◽  
Lyle J. Micheli ◽  
Allan F. Fehlandt

The effectiveness of a twice-a-week strength training program on children was evaluated in 14 boys and girls (mean age 10.8 yrs) who participated in a biweekly training program for 8 weeks. Each subject performed three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions on five exercises with intensities ranging between 50 and 100% of a given 10-repetition maximum (RM). All subjects were pre- and posttested on the following measures: 10-RM strength, sit and reach flexibility, vertical jump, seated ball put, resting blood pressure, and body composition parameters. The subjects were compared to a similar group of boys and girls (n = 9; mean age 9.9 yrs) who were randomly selected to serve as controls. Following the training period, the experimental group made greater gains in strength (74.3%) as compared to the control group (13.0%) (p < 0.001), and differences in the sum of seven skinfolds were noted (−2.3% vs. +1.7%, respectively, p < 0.05). Training did not significantly affect other variables. These results suggest that participation in a short-term, twice-a-week strength training program can increase the strength and improve the body composition of young boys and girls.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 409-415
Author(s):  
Min-Hwa Suk ◽  
Hee-Seung Jang ◽  
Jin-Wook Lee

PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to compare the daily fitness tests of nursing home residents and community-dwelling elderly women after 16 weeks program.METHODS:Thirty elderly women living in a nursing home (n=14) or community (n=16) participated in the study. The program was assigned 1 hour twice a week for 16 weeks to improve the physical activity for the elderly women. The daily fitness test assessed the physical fitness levels for elderly. The tests performed the 2-min step test, chair stand test, arm curl test, chair sit and reach test, backscratch test, 244-cm up and go test.RESULTS:A result of the study show that the daily physical fitness of the elderly women living in the community is higher than those living in nursing homes. After the program which induced physical activity, 2-min step test (<i>p</i><.05) and 244-cm up and go test (<i>p</i><.05) were much improved in the elderly living in nursing homes.CONCLUSIONS:Although the daily fitness of nursing home residents was lower than community-dwelling residents, there was a significant improvement after exercise program.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard Rietjens ◽  
Guy Plasqui ◽  
Deafvon A.M.S.W. Frenken ◽  
Jasper Most

Abstract Background: Responses to exercise training can vary greatly between individuals. For special operation forces, low responses to training can hamper performance. In this study, we objectively measured strength and fitness during special operation forces training, and assessed potential determinants of the training response. Methods: Twenty subjects were enrolled, and measurements were taken before and after a 9-week training program. Muscular strength was measured as one-repetition-maximum on four instruments, and physical fitness by the Cooper-test. Body composition was measured using deuterium dilution, physical activity by accelerometry and diet quality by food records. Level of significance was p<0.05.Results: During the 9-week training period, body strength increased by 0.33±0.24 N/kg (+7%, P<0.001, and physical fitness increased by 3.5±3.4 mL/min/kg (+6%, P=0.001). Gains in strength were inversely associated with strength at baseline, and positively with activity intensity during the training program. We observed no effect of training on body weight, but body composition was significantly different at follow-up as compared to baseline (16.9±2.5% to 14.9±2.5% body fat, P=0.03). Energy intake was 4491±506 kcal/d and energy balance was -243±306 kcal/d (P=0.04). Average physical activity level was 2.6±0.2 and the average duration of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was 5:53±0:36h. Over time, physical activity did not change significantly. After adjustment for underreporting, intakes of vitamin C and D were insufficient on average and for most participants.Conclusions: Improvements in strength were modulated by strength prior to the intervention, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during the training. Thus, compensatory declines in physical activity may hamper the effectiveness of the exercise program.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonios Vantarakis ◽  
Nikolaos Vezos ◽  
Konstantinos Karakatsanis ◽  
Gerasimos Grivas ◽  
Theodosia Oikonomou ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Introduction The period of basic military training (BMT) is a sudden change in the individual habits of the trainees and is characterized by significant improvements in body composition such as the percentage of body fat (%BF) and lean body mass (BM). Research has shown that physical activity during the period of BMT lasting 7–10 weeks has positive effects on the physical condition and BM of cadets. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of training combining cardiovascular conditioning, circuit strength training, swimming, team sports, and obstacle course on physical fitness and body composition during a 10-week BMT period over 4 years in the Hellenic Naval Academy (HNA). Materials and Methods The sample consisted of 185 Greek cadets of the HNA (age: 18.4 ± 0.7 years, height: 1.77 ± 6.7 m, BM: 72.6 ± 9.1 kg), of which 153 was male (age: 18.3 ± 0.6 years, height: 1.79 ± 5.8 cm, BM: 75.3 ± 7.6 kg) and 32 was female (age: 18.6 ± 0.9 years, height: 1.68 ± 2.8 cm, BM: 59.9 ± 3.1 kg). The cadets participated each year for 4 years in the BMT, performing 94 training sessions, five times a week. The weekly training program included cardiovascular conditioning, circuit strength training, swimming, team sports, and obstacle course. The measurements of the participants before and after BMT were on BM, %BF, and body mass index (BMI); on the number of sit-ups (SU1), push-ups (PU1), and pull-ups (PullU1) in 1 minute; and on the 12-minute aerobic Cooper test (12-min run). Results The results of the study showed that the BM of the cadets decreased significantly by 2.5%, (t184 = 17.591, P &lt; .01), in men by 2.7% (t152 = 16.243, P &lt; .01) and in women by 2.2% (t31 = 9.280, P &lt; .01). Body mass index (BMI) decreased significantly by 2.6% (t184 = 17.681, P &lt; .01), in men by 3.0% (t152 = 16.046, P &lt; .01) and in women by 2.3% (t31 = 9.224, P &lt; 0.01). Reduction in %BF in all cadets reached 11.3% (t184 = 8.134, P &lt; .01), for men −14.8% (t152 = 8.918, P &lt; .01) and women −2.1% (t31 = 0.860, P &gt; .05) without significant differences between the measurements. The number of push-ups in 1 minute (PU1) significantly increased by 27.6% (t184 = −27.813, P &lt; .01), in women by +35.6% (t31 = 13,864, P &lt; .01). The number of sit-ups in 1 minute (SU1) significantly increased by 27.3% (t184 = −30.501, P &lt; .01), for men +28.8% (t152 = −29.862, P &lt; .01). The number of pull-ups in 1 minute (PullU1) reached 20.8% (t184 = −13.426, P &lt; .01) in total, at similar levels in men (t152 = −13.918, p &lt; .01) and women (t31 = −2.820, P &lt; .01). On the 12-min run, the significant improvement exceeded 10.8% (t184 = −45.289, P &lt; .01), in men by 11.1% (t152 = −45.222, P &lt; .01) while in women by 9.0% (t31 = 15.709, P &lt; .01). Conclusions The results of this study showed that 10 weeks of BMT, which combined cardiovascular conditioning, circuit strength training, swimming, team sports, and obstacle course improved the body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, and the strength of the Greek HNA cadets.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2143
Author(s):  
Tadeusz Ambroży ◽  
Łukasz Rydzik ◽  
Zbigniew Obmiński ◽  
Wiesław Błach ◽  
Natalia Serafin ◽  
...  

Background: Intensive physical activity largely modulates resting concentrations of blood cortisol (C) and testosterone (T) and their molar ratio, which is defined as the anabolic–catabolic index and expressed as T/C × 102. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of the author’s high-intensity training program on T, C, T/C × 102, and selected physical fitness indices in men between 35 and 40 years of age. Methods: The experiment was conducted on a group of 30 healthy men, divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group followed a high-intensity 8-week training program, which included three sessions per week, each of them lasting 1 h and consisting of intensive-interval exercises followed by strength circuit exercises. The controls did not change their previous recreational physical activity. T, C, and T/C × 102 were measured before and after the experiment for all participants. Physical performance was examined using a standardized laboratory exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Results: There were statistically significant increases in T (by 36.7%) and T/C × 102 (by 59%), while C somewhat dropped (by 12%) in the experimental group. No changes in the hormonal indices were found in the control group. After completing the experimental training, there were no statistically significant changes in aerobic capacity, but it improved muscle strength in the men studied. Conclusions: High-intensity interval training, continued over an 8-week period, modulates (significantly and positively) the balance between testosterone and cortisol levels and improves physical capacity in men aged 35–40 years.


2021 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001761
Author(s):  
Che-Fu Chang ◽  
Y-C Wu ◽  
C-H Lai ◽  
P-C Chen ◽  
Y-L Guo

IntroductionMetabolic syndrome (MS) is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes but can be prevented with regular physical activity. This study aimed to assess the impact of a physical fitness training programme on MS among military personnel.MethodsThis retrospective observational study included volunteer army soldiers who underwent annual health examinations between 2011 and 2014. In 2011, the reformed physical fitness training programme and physical fitness test were introduced to the participants. MS evaluation and physical fitness performances were evaluated before and after implementing the training programme using a mixed-effects model and generalised estimating equation, adjusted for sex, age and smoking.ResultsFrom 2011 to 2014, 1720 soldiers underwent the annual health examination. In 2011, before the fitness programme, 246 soldiers (14.3%) had MS. After implementation, decreases in blood pressure and fasting glucose levels were observed and maintained for 3 years. Running performance was negatively correlated to triglycerides (ß=−11.37; p<0.001) and waist circumference (ß=−0.42; p<0.001) and positively correlated to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (ß=2.14; p<0.001). The severity of MS was reduced following introduction of the physical fitness programme.ConclusionsMS and its components improved after introducing the reformed fitness programme, with running performance proving to be most relevant to MS. Clinicians should encourage increased physical activity to prevent MS among military personnel.


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