Low- and high-volume strength training induces similar neuromuscular improvements in muscle quality in elderly women

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of low- and high-volume strength training on strength, muscle activation and muscle thickness (MT) of the lower- and upper-body, and on muscle quality (MQ) of the lower-body in older women. Twenty apparently healthy elderly women were randomly assigned into two groups: low-volume (LV, n = 11) and high-volume (HV, n = 9). The LV group performed one-set of each exercise, while the HV group performed three-sets of each exercise, twice weekly for 13 weeks. MQ was measured by echo intensity obtained by ultrasonography (MQ_EI), strength per unit of muscle mass (MQ_ST), and strength per unit of muscle mass adjusted with an allometric scale (MQ_AS). Following training, there was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.001) in knee extension 1-RM (31.8 ± 20.5% for LV and 38.3 ± 7.3% for HV) and in elbow flexion 1-RM (25.1 ± 9.5% for LV and 26.6 ± 8.9% for HV) and in isometric maximal strength of the lower-body (p ≤ 0.05) and upper-body (p ≤ 0.001), with no difference between groups. The maximal electromyographic activation for both groups increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in the vastus medialis and biceps brachii, with no difference between groups. All MT measurements of the lower- and upper-body increased similarly in both groups (p ≤ 0.001). Similar improvements were also observed in MQ_EI (p ≤ 0.01), MQ_ST, and MQ_AS (p ≤ 0.001) for both groups. These results demonstrate that low- and high-volume strength training promote similar increases in neuromuscular adaptations of the lower- and upper-body, and in MQ of the lower-body in elderly women.     

Effects of single vs. multiple-set short-term strength training in elderly women

The strength training has been shown to be effective for attenuating the age-related physiological decline. However, the adequate volume of strength training volume adequate to promote improvements, mainly during the initial period of training, still remains controversial. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a short-term strength training program with single or multiple sets in elderly women. Maximal dynamic (1-RM) and isometric strength, muscle activation, muscle thickness (MT), and muscle quality (MQ = 1-RM and MT quadriceps quotient) of the knee extensors were assessed. Subjects were randomly assigned into one of two groups: single set (SS; n = 14) that performed one set per exercise or multiple sets (MS; n = 13) that performed three-sets per exercise, twice weekly for 6 weeks. Following training, there were significant increases (p ≤ 0.05) in knee extension 1-RM (16.1 ± 12 % for SS group and 21.7 ± 7.7 % for MS group), in all MT (p ≤ 0.05; vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius), and in MQ (p ≤ 0.05); 15.0 ± 12.2 % for SS group and 12.6 ± 7.2 % for MS group), with no differences between groups. These results suggest that during the initial stages of strength training, single- and multiple-set training demonstrate similar capacity for increasing dynamic strength, MT, and MQ of the knee extensors in elderly women.     

How to simultaneously optimize muscle strength,power, functional capacity,and cardiovascular gains in the elderly: an update

The purpose of the present study was to review the scientific literature that investigated concurrent training adaptations in elderly populations, with the aim of identifying the optimal combination of both training program variables (i.e., strength and endurance) to avoid or minimize the interference effect in the elderly. Scielo, Science Citation Index, MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and ScienceDirect databases were searched. Concurrent training is the most effective strategy by which to improve neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory functions as well as functional capacity in the elderly. The volume and frequency of training appears to play a critical role in concurrent training-induced adaptations in elderly subjects. Furthermore, new evidence indicates that the intra-session exercise order may influence the magnitude of physiological adaptations. Despite the interference effect on strength gains that is caused by concurrent training, this type of training is advantageous in that the combination of strength and endurance training produces both neuromuscular and cardiovascular adaptations in the elderly. The interference phenomenon may be observed in elderly subjects when a moderate weekly volume of concurrent training (i.e., three times per week) is performed. However, even with the occurrence of this phenomenon, the performance of three concurrent training sessions per week appears to optimize the strength gains in relative brief periods of training (12 weeks). Moreover, performing strength prior to endurance exercise may optimize both neuromuscular and cardiovascular gains.     

Effects of strength training and detraining on knee extensor strength,muscle volume and muscle quality in elderly women

Strength training seems to be an interesting approach to counteract decreases that affect knee extensor strength, muscle mass and muscle quality (force per unit of muscle mass) associated with ageing. However, there is no consensus regarding the changes in muscle mass and their contribution to strength during periods of training and detraining in the elderly. Therefore, this study aimed at verifying the behaviour of knee extensor muscle strength, muscle volume and muscle quality in elderly women in response to a 12-week strength training programme followed by a similar period of detraining. Statistical analysis showed no effect of time on muscle quality. However, strength and muscle volume increased from baseline to post-training (33 and 26 %, respectively). After detraining, the knee extensor strength remained 12 % superior to the baseline values, while the gains in muscle mass were almost completely lost. In conclusion, strength gains and losses due to strength training and detraining, respectively, could not be exclusively associated with muscle mass increases. Training-induced strength gains were partially maintained after 3 months of detraining in elderly subjects.     

Body composition,physical performance and muscle quality of active elderly women

Fat gain is one of the major factors aggravating physical disability in the elderly population, which presents an increase in fat mass and a decrease in lean mass compared to the young population. For this reason it is important to assess body composition and the effects of these alterations in obese elderly women. The purpose of this study was to assess body composition, physical performance and muscle quality in active elderly women. Cross-sectional study included 75 elderly women (29 eutrophic and 46 obese) 65–80 years old. Body composition was evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the physical performance was determined by 6-minute walk test (6MWT), handgrip strength (HS) and knee extension strength (KES). Muscle quality was calculated as the ratio between muscle strength and lean mass. Fat free mass, lean mass, fat mass and percent body fat were significantly higher in the obese group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the obese group showed a poorer performance than the eutrophic group in the 6MWT (432.31 ± 66.13 m and 472.07 ± 74.03 m, respectively, p = 0.01). HS and KES did not differ between groups, however, regarding muscle quality, the obese group exhibited a impaired in comparison to the eutrophic group in the upper (11.45 ± 2.57 kg and 13.31 ± 2.03 kg, respectively, p < 0.01) and lower limb (2.91 ± 1.16 kg and 3.44 ± 0.97 kg, respectively, p = 0.05). The increase in muscle mass detected in the obese elderly was not sufficient to maintain adequate muscle quality and physical function, showing a negative influence of the excess of body fat.     

Obestatin is associated to muscle strength,functional capacity and cognitive status in old women

Obestatin has been proposed to have anorexigenic and anti-ghrelin actions. The objective was to study obestatin concentrations in relation to handgrip strength, functional capacity and cognitive state in old women. The prospective study included 110 women (age, 76.93 ± 6.32) from the Mataró Ageing Study. Individuals were characterized by anthropometric variables, grip strength, Barthel and assessment of cognitive impairment [Mini Cognoscitive Examination (MCE) Spanish version], depressive status by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and frailty by the Fried criteria. Obestatin was measured by IRMA. Obestatin showed negative correlation to handgrip at basal time point (r = −0.220, p = 0.023) and at 2-year follow-up (r = −0.344, p = 0.002). Obestatin, divided into quartiles, showed a negative lineal association with handgrip: 11.03 ± 4.88 kg in first, 8.75 ± 4.08 kg in second, 8.11 ± 3.66 kg in third and 7.61 ± 4.08 kg in fourth quartile (p = 0.018). Higher obestatin levels were associated to increased weakness (categorized by handgrip of frailty criteria): 2.24 ± 0.42 ng/ml in weak vs. 1.87 ± 0.57 ng/ml in non-weak (p = 0.01). The decrease of either MCE or Barthel scores at 2-year follow-up was significantly higher in individuals in the fourth quartile of obestatin in comparison with individuals in the first quartile (p = 0.046 and p = 0.019, respectively). No association was found between obestatin and GDS score and neither with frailty as a condition. Obestatin is associated to low muscle strength, and impaired functional and cognitive capacity in old women participating in the Mataró Ageing Study.     

Time course of low- and high-volume strength training on neuromuscular adaptations and muscle quality in older women

GeroScience - This study investigated the effects of low- and high-volume strength trainings on neuromuscular adaptations of lower- and upper-body muscles in older women after 6&nbsp;weeks...     

Inflammatory mediators,muscle and functional performance of community-dwelling elderly women

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation and association between inflammatory mediators and muscle and functional performance in elderly women. We conducted a cross-sectional study. Plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble receptor for tumor necrosis factor alpha (sTNFR1) were determined by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. The muscle performance was measured using a isokinetic dynamometer and assessment of handgrip strength was performed using a Jamar^® dynamometer. Functional performance was assessed through a walking speed test. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson or Spearman correlation. The association between the variables was determined by multiple regression analysis. 221 volunteers (71.07 ± 4.93 years) participated in the study. Plasma levels of IL-6 (0.87 pg/mL) correlated with the power of the knee extensors (r = 0.14; p = 0.03) and the power of the knee flexors (r = 0.16; p = 0.01); the plasma levels of sTNFR1 (1051.70 pg/mL) did not correlate with any dependent variable. The regression models showed that the variables IL-6, level of physical activity and depressive status explained 5.5% (R² = 0.055, p < 0.01) of average power of knee extensors variability. For the average power of knee flexors, the final model showed that the factors IL-6 and level of physical activity explained 4.1% (R² = 0.041, p < 0.01). There was no negative correlation between inflammatory mediators and muscle or physical performance in elderly women. These results may be explained by the fact that the cytokine levels did not reach the threshold needed to influence the muscle tissue and functionality of the participants.     

Relationship between quadriceps femoris echo intensity,muscle power,and functional capacity of older men

Increased proportion of non-contractile elements can be observed during aging by enhanced skeletal muscle echo intensity (EI). Studies have demonstrated that an increase in rectus femoris EI may affect physical performance. However, it is still unknown whether the whole quadriceps femoris EI (QEI) influences strength, power, and functional capacity of an older population. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the correlation between QEI, the four individual quadriceps portions EI, and muscular performance of older men. Fifty sedentary healthy men (66.1 ± 4.5 years, 1.75 ± 0.06 m, 80.2 ± 11.0 kg) volunteered for the present study. The QEI and EI of the four quadriceps portions were calculated by ultrasound imaging. Knee extension one repetition maximum (1RM), isometric peak torque (PT), and rate of torque development (RTD) were obtained as measures of muscular strength. Muscular power was determined by knee extension with 60 % of 1RM and countermovement jump (CMJ). The 30-s sit-to-stand test was evaluated as a functional capacity parameter. QEI and all individual EI were correlated to functional capacity and power during CMJ (p ≤ 0.05), but rectus femoris EI was not related to knee extension average power (p > 0.05). There were significant correlations between all EI variables, 1RM, PT, and RTD at 0.2 s (p ≤ 0.05), but only vastus medialis EI and QEI were correlated to RTD at 0.05 s (p ≤ 0.05). The results of the present study suggest that QEI is related to muscular power and functional capacity of older subjects, but the EI of some individual quadriceps portions may underestimate the correlations with muscular performance.     

Effects of functional and traditional training in body composition and muscle strength components in older women: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundWhile traditional resistance exercises have been widely used to promote muscle strength and hypertrophy in the elderly, few studies have reported the use of a functional approach in which common patterns for daily activities are considered the primary stimulus.ObjectiveInvestigate whether functional training has similar effects the traditional on body composition and muscle strength components in physically active older women.MethodsForty-seven older women completed a randomized and crossover clinical trial, distributed in three groups: Functional or Traditional Training (FUNCT/TRAD: n = 32; 65.28 ± 4.96 years) and Stretching Group (STRETCH: n = 15; 64.40 ± 3.68 years). Maximal dynamic strength was verified with the 1 repetition maximum (RM) test in the leg press and rowing machines. Muscular power was analyzed using 50% of the maximum load, speed was determined using a linear encoder, and isometric strength was analyzed with hand and lumbar dynamometers. ANOVA for repeated measures was applied for comparisons.ResultsThe FUNCT showed a significant decrease in fat percentage (p = 0.015, 3.51%) and the TRAD a significant increase in lean mass (p = 0.008, 2.92%). Both FUNCT and TRAD generated significant increases in all components of muscle strength compared to baseline whereas STRETCH showed declines in these variables. No statistically significant differences were observed between the experimental groups in body composition.ConclusionFunctional and traditional training are equally efficient in improving strength components in physically active older women and, therefore, they may be complementary to combat some of the deleterious effects of senescence. This trial was registered at Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-9Y8KJQ).     

Muscle performance and functional capacity retention in older women after high-speed power training cessation

Power declines more steeply than strength with advancing age and training cessation among older women and is associated with the loss of functional ability. We tested the hypothesis that the impact of 6 weeks of detraining (DT) subsequent to 12 weeks of high-speed power training on maximal strength (1RM) of the arm and leg muscles, power performance (counter movement jump and ball throwing) and functional task (sit-to-stand test) would decrease physical performance, and specifically power performance. Thirty-seven older women were divided into an experimental group and a control group [EG, n=20, 65.8 (2.5) years; CG: n=17, 64.8 (2.8) years]. Muscular strength, power and functional testings were conducted before the initiation of training (T1), after 12 weeks (T2) and after 6 weeks of DT (T3). During the 12 weeks of training, EG significantly increased their dynamic strength performance (range from 41.9 to 64.1%), muscle power output (range from 18.2 to 33.6%) (p<0.05) and function (15.8%) (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the magnitude of the increases in CG. Short-term DT led to larger effects on maximal strength (18.1-23.8%) (p<0.05) of both upper and lower extremity muscles than in muscle power (2-4.5%) and function (2.8%) (p<0.05). However, all measurements remained higher (12.6-36.4%; p<0.05) than in pre-training levels. These data indicated that DT may induce larger declines in muscle strength than in power output and preserved physical independence, mediated in part, by the effectiveness of high-speed power training particularly developed for older women.     

Echo intensity is negatively associated with functional capacity in older women

Muscle quality is an important component of the functional profile of the elderly, and previous studies have shown that both muscle quantity and quality independently contribute to muscle strength of the elderly. This study aimed to verify the association between quadriceps femoris muscle quality, analyzed by specific tension and echo intensity (EI), and rate of torque development (RTD) of the knee extensor muscles with the functional performance in elderly active women. Forty-five healthy, active elderly women (70.28 ± 6.2) volunteered to participate in this study. Quadriceps femoris muscle thickness and EI were determined by ultrasonography. Knee extension isometric peak torque and RTD were obtained from maximal isometric voluntary contraction curves. The 30-s sit-to-stand-up (30SS) test and usual gait speed (UGS) test were applied to evaluate functional performance. Rectus femoris EI presented a significant negative correlation with 30SS (r = −0.505, P < 0.01), UGS (r_s = −0.347, P < 0.05), and isometric peak torque (r = −0.314, P < 0.05). The quadriceps femoris EI correlated negatively with 30SS (r = −0.493, P < 0.01) and isometric peak torque (r = −0.409, P < 0.01). The EI of the quadriceps femoris and all quadriceps muscle portions significantly correlated with RTD. RTD significantly correlated with physical performance in both functional tests (30SS = r = 0.340, P < 0.05; UGS = r_s = 0.371, P < 0.05). We concluded that muscle EI may be an important predictor of functional performance and knee extensor power capacity in elderly, active women.     

Effects of high-speed power training on functional capacity and muscle performance in older women

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of 12 weeks high-speed power training on isometric contraction (handgrip strength), maximal strength (1RM), muscle power (walking velocity, counter movement jump and ball throwing) and functional tasks of the arm and leg muscles (sit-to-stand and get-up and go). Fifty-six older women were divided into an experimental group and a control group [EG, n=28, 62.5 (5.4) years; CG: n=28, 62.5 (4.3) years]. The EG was submitted to a high-speed power training that consisted of 40% of one repetition maximum (1相似文献   

Effects of eccentric-focused and conventional resistance training on strength and functional capacity of older adults

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of eccentric training using a constant load with longer exposure time at the eccentric phase on knee extensor muscle strength and functional capacity of elderly subjects in comparison with a conventional resistance training program. Twenty-six healthy elderly women (age = 67 ± 6 years) were randomly assigned to an eccentric-focused training group (ETG; n = 13) or a conventional training group (CTG; n = 13). Subjects underwent 12 weeks of resistance training twice a week. For the ETG, concentric and eccentric phases were performed using 1.5 and 4.5 s, respectively, while for CTG, each phase lasted 1.5 s. Maximum dynamic strength was assessed by the one-repetition maximum (1RM) test in the leg press and knee extension exercises, and for functional capacity, subjects performed specific tests (6-m walk test, timed up-and-go test, stair-climbing test, and chair-rising test). Both groups improved knee extension 1RM (24–26 %; p = 0.021), timed up-and-go test (11–16 %; p < 0.001), 6-m walk test (9–12 %; p = 0.004), stair-climbing test (8–13 %; p = 0.007), and chair-rising test (15–16 %; p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between groups. In conclusion, the strategy of increasing the exposure time at the eccentric phase of movement using the same training volume and intensity does not promote different adaptations in strength or functional capacity compared to conventional resistance training in elderly woman.     

The effect of unilateral muscle fatigue of hip abductor muscles on balance and functional capacity in community-dwelling older women

BackgroundHip abductor muscles are important for the maintenance of postural stability, mainly on the mediolateral direction and unipodal support conditions. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of unilateral induced fatigue of hip abductor muscles on balance and functional capacity of older women.MethodsThe study included physically independent women aged 60–75 years. We assessed static balance with the single limb stance test (SLS) and evaluated functional capacity with the maximum gait speed (MGS) and step test (ST). We ran the protocol of hip abductor muscle fatigue with a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Assessment of balance and functional capacity happened before and after the muscle fatigue protocol. We applied the t-test for repeated measures to determine whether unilateral hip abductor muscle fatigue influences the performance in the tests (SLS, MGS and ST).ResultsThe protocol of hip abductor muscle fatigue negatively affected all three evaluated tasks: SLS (p = 0.000), ST (p = 0.000) and MGS (p = 0.000). However, the single limb stance test was the most task affected (effect size = 0.51, pre- and post-fatigue difference = 28.1 %).ConclusionAfter the unilateral muscle fatigue of hip abductors, we observed the worst performance on clinical tests, mainly regarding the SLS test, which shows the involvement of hip abductors during usual motor tasks. However, the small magnitude of the limitation of functional tests (MGS and ST) suggests the presence of postural compensations.     

Supervised exercise training improves aerobic capacity and muscle strength in older women with heart failure

BACKGROUND: The effect that supervised or unsupervised exercise training has on aerobic capacity (peak oxygen consumption [VO2peak]), muscle strength and quality of life in older women with heart failure remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of six months (three months supervised followed by three months unsupervised) of aerobic training (AT) or combined aerobic and strength training (CAST) on VO2peak, muscle strength and quality of life in older women with heart failure. METHODS: Twenty older women (mean age +/- SD, 72+/-8 years) with clinically stable heart failure were randomly assigned to AT (n=10) or CAST (n=10). Supervised AT was performed two days per week at 60% to 70% heart rate reserve, whereas unsupervised training was performed two days per week at a rate of perceived exertion of 12 to 14 on the Borg scale. The CAST group also performed one to two sets of low-to-moderate intensity strength training two days per week. RESULTS: Supervised AT or CAST resulted in an increase in VO2peak (12%; P<0.05) and leg press strength (13%; P<0.05) that returned to baseline after unsupervised training. Vertical row strength was greater (+23%; P<0.05) after supervised CAST and remained unchanged after supervised or unsupervised AT. Supervised or unsupervised exercise training was not associated with a significant change in quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Supervised AT or CAST are effective modes of exercise to improve VO2peak and muscle strength in older women with heart failure. However, the improvements in VO2peak and muscle strength are not maintained with unsupervised exercise training.     

The relationship between physical, functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) among elderly people with a chronic disease

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical and functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) among elderly people who have a chronic disease. The study included 100 elderly individuals aged 65 years and older, who have a chronic disease. The study examined the marital and educational status, social security status, kind of chronic disease, number of chronic diseases and whether participants use assistive devices for walking. The Nottingham health profile (NHP) was used to evaluate QoL related to health; the physical mobility scale (PMS) was used to evaluate mobility in daily life and the functional independent measure (FIM) was used to evaluate functional independence in daily activities. In both female and male individuals, a statistically significant difference was found between the number of chronic diseases, kind of chronic disease, educational status, marital status, total FIM, PMS and NHP values (p < 0.05). In males, there was a correlation between number of chronic illnesses and total NHP, FIM (p < 0.05), but in females, there were no correlation between number of chronic illnesses and total NHP, FIM (p > 0.05). There were no correlations between kind of chronic disease and PMS, NHP, FIM (p > 0.05) in either of genders. It was found that there are differences among elderly female and male individuals with a chronic disease in terms of the number of chronic diseases, types of chronic disease, mobility level, functional status and QoL; and mobility level is related to functional capacity and QoL in females. It is thought that the rehabilitation programs to improve physical and functional capacity in elderly people and applications that increase participation in activities and reduce pain may improve QoL.     

Effects of muscle strength and aerobic training on basal serum levels of IGF-1 and cortisol in elderly women

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of muscle strength and aerobic training on the basal serum levels of IGF-1 and cortisol in elderly women. The subjects were divided in three groups as follows. 1. Strength training group (SG) submitted to the weight training called 1-repetition maximum test (1-RM, 75–85%). This group contained 12 subjects of mean age = 66.08 ± 3.37 years; and body mass index (BMI) = 26.0 ± 3.72 kg/m². (2) Aerobic training group (AG) submitted to aquatic exercise; they were 13 subjects of the mean age = 68.69 ± 4.70 years; and BMI = 29.19 ± 2.96 kg/m². (3) A control group (CG) of 10 subjects, of mean age = 68.80 ± 5.41 years; BMI = 29.70 ± 2.82 kg/m². The training periods were 12 weeks, Fasting blood was analyzed to measure IGF-1 and basal cortisol levels (by chemiluminescence method), both at the beginning and the end of the intervention. Student's t-test revealed increased IGF-1 in the SG (p < 0.05) compared to the other two groups. Repeated-measure ANOVA showed also elevated IGF-1 (p < 0.05) in the SG compared to the other groups (AG and CG). There were no differences in cortisol levels. In conclusion, high-intensity training caused changes in IGF-1. This suggests that strength training may provoke anabolic effects in elderly individuals.     

The efficacy of home-based muscle training for the elderly osteoporotic women: The effects of daily muscle training on quality of life (QoL)

There is little evidence that home-based muscle training through exercise improves the muscle strength and QoL of elderly osteoporotic women. The efficacy of home-based daily exercise on muscle strength of the upper and lower extremities and QoL were examined in elderly osteoporotic women by means of a case-controlled study that was designed and conducted between 2005 and 2006. Sixty-three osteoporotic women over 60 years of age were randomly assigned to 12 months of muscle exercise or to no intervention. The outcomes were changes in muscle strength and quality of life (QoL). Ultimately, sixty-two participants completed the 12 months program. Before the start of home-exercise training, the lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and femoral neck BMD values in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Grip strength and maximum walking speed increased significantly in the intervention group (p < 0.05). In terms of QoL, physical functioning was improved by home-based exercise in the intervention group (p = 0.05), while there were no improvements in any of the categories of Short-Form 36 in the control group. Our results suggest that home-based training is effective for elderly osteoporotic women in improving not only muscle strength in upper and lower extremities but also physical functioning in QoL.     

Effects of functional training on pain,leg strength,and balance in women with fibromyalgia

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of 18-week functional training (FT) program consisting in two sessions a week of in-water exercise and one of on-land exercise on pain, strength, and balance in women with fibromyalgia.

Methods: A sample consisting of 36 fibromyalgia patients was included in the study. The patients were allocated randomly into the experimental group (EG, n = 20), and control group (CG, n = 16). Standardized field-based fitness tests were used to assess muscle strength (30-s chair stand and handgrip strength) and agility/dynamic balance and static balance. Fibromyalgia impact and pain were analyzed by Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), tender points (TPs), visual analog scale (VAS).

Results: We observed a significant reduction in the FIQ (p = 0.042), the algometer scale of TP (p = 0.008), TP (p < 0.001), and VAS (p < 0.001) in the EG. The EG shows better results in leg strength (p < 0.001), handgrip strength (p = 0.025), agility/dynamic balance (p = 0.032) and balance (p = 0.006).

Conclusions: An 18-week intervention consisting in two sessions of in-water exercise and one session of on-land exercise of FT reduces pain and improves functional capacity in FM patients. These results suggested that FT could play an important role in maintaining an independent lifestyle in patients with FM.