Abstract:

The study purpose was to review the benefits of strength training on the quality of life of men and women over 55 years old. Scielo and Google Scholar database were searched between 2014 and 2020 for studies containing the words “resistance training” and “quality of life” and “elderly” and “physical activity”. Five studies suggest an increase in muscle strength of lower limbs and/or upper limbs after intervention with strength training. One study indicated an increase in respiratory muscle strength in individuals belonging to a coral group from breathing exercises. Three studies showed an increase in flexibility values. Four studies evaluated functional capacity, and different results were found among them after the intervention period. Two studies evaluated body composition and observed a reduction in the percentage of fat after the intervention period. Only one study evaluated the influence of weight training on blood markers, and after an intervention period, an increase in High Density Lipoprotein levels and a reduction in cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides was observed. The protocols of physical activities and strength training as a group intervention for men and women over 55 years may provide improvements in the quality of life as muscle strength, flexibility, functional capacity, body composition, and blood markers.

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