Efeito do treinamento resistido na função física de membros inferiores em idosos: uma revisão sistemática da literatura

Abstract

One way to contribute to the ideal levels of physical activity in the elderly population may be to increase resistance training (RT) to increase functional capacity, since this training mode can be easily provided, as it is used by physical exercise against any load opponent (FLECK et al., 2017). As a justification for carrying out this study, it was apparent that there is no knowledge of the synthesis of studies that clarify the effects of resistance training on the function of the lower limbs in the elderly. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to seek evidence in the literature, of the effects of resistance training on the function of the lower limbs in the elderly. We used the methodology of systematic review of the literature included as databases of BIREME and Scielo. The findings were synthesized in the form of descriptive tables, highlighting the main characteristics of the studies. The results induced that resistance training is effective in raising parameters of gait speed in 13%, muscle strength 19% and physical function in 14%. Thus, the elderly should be encouraged to practice RT, as it is able to mitigate changes related to aging in physical function, including improvements in muscle strength and gait speed.