Abstract

This study analyses the effects of strength training on the lower limbs in a group of elderly persons and its repercussions on quality of life in relation to strength, flexibility, depressive symptoms and perception of health. The sample, which was made up of 35 people, was divided into two groups: exercice and control. After 24 weeks of training, the participants were once again evaluated with two vertical jumps, the chair stand test, the 2-minute step test, the chair sit and reach, the back scratch, the Geriatric Depression Scale and the SF-12 test. The results in the exercice group showed that the strength training had a positive influence on the levels of perception of health, depressive symptoms and flexibility, while in the control group they decreased or remained steady. This suggests a direct relationship between increased strength and improvement of health-related quality of life in the elderly.