Effect of a coordinative exercise program on functional fitness in older adult women: analysis by age groups and effect size
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v83.119482Keywords:
Exercise Coordinative Program, Older adult, Mixed models, Senior Fitness Test, Size effectAbstract
Introduction: Functional fitness is essential for maintaining autonomy and quality of life in older adult women. Although coordinative exercise has demonstrated benefits for functional performance, evidence regarding the magnitude of its effects and potential differences across age groups remains limited.
Objective This study aimed to determine the effect of a coordinative exercise program on functional fitness in older adult women by estimating the magnitude of change and examining differences according to age group.
Methodology: A longitudinal quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study with a single group was conducted in 150 older adult women. Participants completed a three-month supervised coordinative exercise program consisting of 45- to 60-minute sessions performed three times per week. Functional fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test battery. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, Cohen's effect sizes (d_z), Holm adjustment, and linear mixed models to evaluate the time × age group interaction.
Results: Significant improvements were observed in all components of the Senior Fitness Test. The greatest improvement was found in the chair stand test (Δ = 2.55 repetitions; d_z= 1.49). Upper-limb strength, functional aerobic endurance, flexibility, and dynamic agility also improved significantly. Linear mixed models revealed a significant time × age group interaction only for the chair stand test.
Conclusions: The coordinative exercise program significantly improved functional fitness in older adult women, particularly lower-limb functional strength. These findings support the implementation of coordinative exercise as an effective strategy to enhance functional autonomy and promote healthy aging.
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