The impact of progressive resistance training on the physical health of adult individuals

Background: Physical training can be considered a therapeutic strategy to prevent the deleterious effects of aging. Objective: To investigated the lean mass gain, improved muscle strength and functional capacity, obtained through Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) of large muscle groups. Method: Longitudinal prospective study with adult individuals of both genders, over 50 years of age. The following variables were studied: anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance, the sit and stand test, handgrip strength and Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) of large muscle groups. Simple and multiple linear regression analyzes and the Wilcoxon test were used. Results: There was a statistically significant difference for handgrip strength, sit-to-stand test, bioimpedance and PRT in all exercises (p≤0.0001). In the simple linear regression analysis for the study of PRT variation, the largest variation was associated with the younger age in the PRT Twin. In the PRT Leg Extension Machine and Leg Curl Machine, the male gender presented greater variation. In Abdominal PRT, shoulder comorbidity accounted for 11.52% of the variability. In the single and multiple linear regression analysis for PRT Chest Press and Seated Rowing, the largest variation was associated with younger age and male gender. Conclusion: This study showed the importance of PRT in promoting physical health.