Cambios en fuerza, rendimiento físico e indicadores de sarcopenia tras ejercicio terapéutico complementario en adultos mayores: estudio piloto

Ana Gabriela Pintado-Poveda; Juan Gabriel Gaibor-Aponte; María Luisa Gutiérrez-Pérez

Authors

Pintado-Poveda Ana Gabriela Instituto Superior Tecnológico España. Ambato, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5824-9835
Gaibor-Aponte Juan Gabriel Instituto Superior Tecnológico España. Ambato, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7783-2073
Gutiérrez-Pérez María Luisa Docente del Instituto Superior Tecnológico España. Ambato, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5068-8234

Keywords:

older adults; therapeutic exercise; handgrip strength; physical performance; functional status

Abstract

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/gt.v9i18edespsep.0455

Abstract

Introduction: Preserving strength and physical performance is important for maintaining autonomy in aging. Objective: To evaluate changes in muscle strength, physical performance, and functional status after adding complementary therapeutic exercise to usual training. Methods: Pilot pre-experimental, prospective, single-group pretest–posttest study. Twenty-four adults aged ≥60 years started a five-week intervention and 21 completed both assessments. Participants maintained usual resistance training and added 15 minutes of mobility, balance, coordination, and functional endurance exercise three times weekly. SPPB, handgrip strength, Lawton-Brody, and adherence were assessed. Results: Maximum handgrip strength increased from 24.29 ± 8.41 to 26.75 ± 9.01 kg (change 2.47 kg; 95% CI: 1.76–3.17; p < 0.001). SPPB increased from 9 [IQR: 9–10] to 11 [IQR: 10–11] (p < 0.001; r = 0.86). Lawton-Brody remained 8 [IQR: 8–8] (p = 0.157). Adherence ≥80% was 91.7%. Conclusion: Strength and physical performance improved, but the uncontrolled design prevents causal attribution to the added component.

Keywords: older adults; therapeutic exercise; handgrip strength; physical performance; functional status.

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