Efficacy of neuromotor and functional training on musculoskeletal fitness among middle aged women

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the Efficacy of Neuromotor and Functional training on musculoskeletal fitness among middle aged women. To achieve the purpose of the study thirty six middle aged women were randomly selected as subjects and their age ranged between 45 to 50 years. They were divided into three groups. Group I acted as Neuromotor training group (n=12), Group II acted as Functional training (n=12) and Group III acted as control group (n=12). The experimental groups participated in the respective training programme for a period of ten weeks. The subjects of the control group participated on their routine activities. To assess Muscular strength was assessed via a one repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press and squat test. Muscular endurance was evaluated using a curl-up test. Flexibility was assessed using a modified sit-and-reach test and the best of three results was recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm as the final value. Results indicated significant (p< 0.05) increases in muscular strength (1-RM bench press, 1-RM squat), muscular endurance (curl-up) and increases in flexibility (sit-and-reach) within each group following training. It was concluded that both training programs are equally beneficial for increasing musculoskeletal fitness in middle aged women.