Influence of strength training and multicomponent training on the functionality of older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Physical exercise is an important option to maintain functional independence in older adults, however, it is not clear which type of exercise is the most benefic: strength or multicomponent. The objective was to verify the effectiveness of strength training and multicomponent training on functionality of healthy older patients through a systematic review with meta-analysis. Registration number: CRD42017071887. Two independent evaluators searched Pubmed, Web of Science, PEDro, Cochrane and Lilacs databases. Of the 1,434 studies found, 32 clinical trials that investigated the effects of strength training only and/or combined with other modalities (multicomponent) in older adults and evaluated the Timed up and Go (TUG), sit-to-stand (STS) and/or Berg Balance Scale (BBS were included. The methodological quality was evaluated with the Downs & Black scale. Data analysis was performed with the Software Review Manager. It was verified improvement in all the investigated outcomes when performing multicomponent training in comparison to control groups. Strength training, compared to control groups, showed benefit only for sit to stand test. Studies comparing the two trainings found no difference between them. The not high average score in the methodological quality assessment of the included studies is a limitation of the present study. In conclusion, both types of training were effective to improve functionality and are good strategies of training for older individuals. However, as the comparison between the two types of training was performed in few studies, it is not possible to infer which is more effective for the functionality, suggesting the realization of new clinical trials.

Keywords

• aging
• exercise therapy
• meta-analysis
• resistance training