Effect of Strength Training and Whole Body Vibration in Healthy Elderly

Quality of Life (Qol) is a complex concept which relates to the perception of subjective satisfaction, especially in elderly population. It also relates to the self-perception of psychological status, independence level, to the social relationships, and to the environment where the elderly person lives. Consequently, there are a number of factors which may change the perception of QoL, namely the occurrence of diseases, physical impairment or incapacity, and the rupture of social relationship, as well as the aging process itself. Physical exercise is associated to improvement of mental and physical health. However, few studies investigated the effect of strength training and whole- body vibration training on elderly subjects. Following this line of reasoning, the purpose of the present study is to assess the effect of physical exercise on cognition and functional abilities in elderly subjects. Design: Randomized controlled trial, double-blinded, with 12-week follow-up. Setting: Gama Filho University. Participants: Healthy Elderly. Interventions: The patients will be randomly assigned to a strength training group (STG), whole-body vibration training group (WBVG) and a control group (CG). Main outcome measures: Cognitive function will be assessed using Mini Metal State Examination (MMSE), Trail A and B, Digit Span, Stroop Test, Rey auditory-verbal learning test and Clock Test, and functional capacity will be evaluated using Senior Fitness Test, American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation \& Dance(AAHPERD)functional fitness test, and Short Form 36(SF-36) health survey.