Effect of Flexibility Training Associated with Multicomponent Training on Posture and Quality of Movement in Physically Inactive Older Women: A Randomized Study


Author: Andressa Crystine da Silva Sobrinho1, Mariana Luciano de Almeida2, Guilherme da Silva Rodrigues1, Larissa Chacon Finzeto3, Vagner Ramon Rodrigues Silva4, Rodrigo Fenner Bernatti5, Carlos Roberto Bueno Junior1,2,3

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil.

<sup>2</sup> College of Nursing of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil.

<sup>3</sup> School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil.

<sup>4</sup> School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Pedro Zaccaria 1300, Limeira 13484-350, SP, Brazil.

<sup>5</sup> University of Franca (UNIFRAN), Avenida Dr. Armando de Sáles Oliveira 201, Franca 14404-600, SP, Brazil.
Conference/Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health
Date published: 2021 Oct 13
Other:
 Volume ID: 18   ,  Issue ID: 20   ,  Pages: 10709   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.3390/ijerph182010709.   ,  Word Count: 238  
    Background:

Multicomponent training has considerable adherence among older populations, but there is a lack of literature on the benefits of this training on older people's posture. Literature also lacks stretching protocols that work the body in an integrated/unified way and respect the principle of individuality in exercise training. We evaluated the effect of a multicomponent training protocol combined or not with flexibility training in improving the posture and quality of movement in physically inactive older women, according to a score lower than 9.11 in the Modified Baecke Questionnaire for the Elderly (MBQE).



Methods:

142 participants were evaluated and randomized in three training groups: multicomponent training (MT = 52), multicomponent and flexibility training (MFT = 43), and a control group (CG = 47). We evaluated joint amplitude using goniometry, flexibility with sit and reach and hands behind the back tests, quality of movement with the functional movement screen, and posture using biophotogammetry.



Results:

The MFT group had 15 parameters-flexibility and posture-with a very large effect size (ES > 1.30) and nine with average ES (0.50-0.79). MT presented two variables with large ES (0.80-1.25) and seven with average ES. CG presented three variables with high ES and five with average ES. Both interventions improved the quality of movement.



Conclusions:

These results demonstrate that 14 weeks of multicomponent and flexibility training in a group intervention can improve flexibility and posture levels in physically inactive older women.



Keywords: aging; biodynamic response; body balance; physical activity; postural stability.



PMID: 34682455 PMCID: PMC8536106 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010709