Effect of Two Years of Resistance Training in Cardiac Function in Older Women: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effect of 48 weeks of resistance training (RT) on cardiac function in older women. Methods: Sixty-four older women (≥ 60 years), physically independent, were selected for this study. Participants were randomized into a training group (TG, n = 33) and a control group (CG, n = 31). The RT program was conducted over 48 weeks, three sessions a week, on nonconsecutive days, in the morning hours. Participants performed eight exercises for the whole body (chest press, horizontal leg press, seated row, leg extension, triceps pushdown, lying leg curl, preacher curl, seated calf raise) in three sets of 8-12 repetitions. The echocardiography was performed according to current guidelines before and after 48 weeks by an experienced echocardiographer blinded to patient status and group assignment. One-repetition maximum (1-RM) tests were used to analyze muscular strength. Glusoce, lipid profile, and C-reactive protein were measured. DEXA was used to measure body fat and muscle mass.