Impact of strength-endurance training on life satisfaction and functional capacity of older adults in Temuco Impact of strength-endurance training on life satisfaction and functional capacity of older adults in Temuco

Impact of strength-endurance training on life satisfaction and functional capacity of older adults in Temuco

Abstract

Objective: To determine the impact of a strength-endurance exercise program on functional capacity and life satisfaction in older adults in the city of Temuco. Methodology: Quasi-experimental study with a single-group pre-post design. The sample (n=12) was non-probabilistic convenience sampling, composed of individuals over 60 years of age from a community club. Participants underwent a 10-week strength-endurance training program, with one 60-minute group session per week, supervised by a physical therapist. Functional capacity was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and life satisfaction was assessed using the Life Satisfaction Index-A (LSI-A). Results: The SPPB data were not normal (Shapiro-Wilk p=0.03), so the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used. For the LSI-A, which was normal (p=0.56), the Student's t-test was used. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in functional capacity (p=0.002), with a large effect size (r=0.89). The mean gain was 2.58 points, exceeding the Minimum Clinically Important Difference (MCID). No statistically significant differences were found in life satisfaction (p=0.21, d=0.38), with a non-significant decrease observed (mean difference: -1.33; 95% CI: -3.56 to 0.89). Conclusion: A 10-week strength-endurance training program, implemented in a community setting, is a viable and clinically relevant strategy for producing significant improvements in the functional capacity of older adults. However, the intervention was not sufficient to generate a statistically significant change in life satisfaction.