EFFECTS OF 8 WEEKS OF STRENGTH TRAINING ON BODY COMPOSITION AND MUSCLE STRENGTH: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Strength training is known to provide several benefits to practitioners. Thus, the present study intends to investigate the effects of an 8-week strength training program on an elderly individual, observing possible changes in body composition and muscle strength. An elderly male aged 80 years participated in the study. The bioimpedance scale (Nova BC 601 FS Tanita) was used to measure the variables: weight, fat, fat mass and muscle mass. To measure the strength of the lower limbs, the sit-and-stand test was used. For upper limb strength (handgrip strength), a dynamometer was used. In the intervention, the elderly participated in a training program that involved three weekly sessions, lasting 50 minutes, over a period of 8 weeks. Regarding the weight variable, there was an increase of 0.7 (76.4 - 77.1) kg. Adipose mass went from 22.7 kg to 22.4 kg. The percentage of body fat from 29.7% to 29.1%. Muscle mass decreased by 0.9 (51 - 51.9) kg. The handgrip test decreased from 27 kg to 20 kg. The sit-and-stand test showed a reduction in time from 23s to 20s. It is concluded that 8 weeks of strength training can be seen as a viable tool to maintain body composition variables, but not to establish significant changes in upper limb strength.