A comparison between an activity of daily living-mimicking functional-task versus traditional resistance training on physical functioning performance in older individuals

Purpose To compare the effects of an exercise protocol that simulates ADL movements with those of a traditional resistance training protocol on physical functioning in previously untrained older adults. Methods Thirty untrained older adults were randomly assigned to traditional resistance training (TRAD), functional task training movements that mimic ADLs (FTT), or control (CTRL) group. Muscle strength and physical performance were assessed at baseline and after a 10-week intervention. The intervention was performed 2-times-a-week. Results We observed that both training groups had greater improvements than CTRL on sit-to-stand, 6-min walk, and floor-rise tests (all, p < 0.05). TUG test improved more in FTT than TRAD and CTRL (all, p < 0.05). Only TRAD improved stair-climb performance when compared to CTRL (p < 0.05). FTT and TRAD had greater improvements in lower- and upper-limb muscle strength than CTRL (p < 0.05). However, TRAD and FTT had comparable muscle strength improvements. Conclusion Both training regimens (TRAD and FTT) similarly improved physical performance in previously untrained older adults.