Abstract

Introduction: The capacity to generate muscle power is a major factor in maintaining the physical and functional independence of older persons. Objective: Evaluate the effect of a High Speed-Resistance Program (HSRP) on the power and movement speed of elderly women in motor tasks. Methods: 58 elderly women were stratified into two groups: an Intervention Group (IG), n = 31, mean age of 68.7 ± 5.2 years old and a Control Group (CG), n = 27, mean age of 67.7 ± 3.8 years old. A High Speed Resistance Program (HSRP) was applied. Power and speed were evaluated using motor tests: chair stand (CS), and displacement time in comfortable gait speed (CGS) and maximum gait speed (MGS). Individuals in the CG maintained their daily activities, while the IG underwent the HSRP. For statistical analysis, paired t-tests were used to compare Pre and Post-Intervention. For comparing Groups (IGversus CG) t-tests for two samples were used. Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed using R software, with the value α = 0.05. Results: According with the CS test, there was a significant increase in power generation (370.71 ± 106.26 W/434.52 ± 107.15 W; p < 0.05) and in speed (0.61 ± 0.14 m/s/0.72 ± 0.14 m/s; p < 0.05) in the IG group; with CGS and MGS tests, a significant reduction in displacement time was noted (4.56 ± 0.63 s/4.20 ± 0.50 s; p < 0.05) and (3.45 ± 0.40 s/3.23 ± 0.34 s; p < 0.05), respectively. No significant improvements were noted in the CG. Conclusion: The IG significantly improved the muscle power and performance of motor tasks.

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