Internationale Zeitschrift für Physikalische Medizin und Rehabilitation
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Conceptualizing the Functional Training Exercise for Older People

Antônio Gomes de Resende-Neto

Regular exercise is the most viable and inexpensive way to achieve a wide range of positive changes in the body and has been widely recommended for the older people because of the numerous neuromuscular, metabolic and behavioural benefits provided by this intervention. Such benefits enhance physical fitness and cognitive ability, favouring improved quality of life and increasing longevity independently. Currently, the prescription of neuromuscular conditioning programs aimed at the development and maintenance of daily activities in the elderly has been based on functionality. However, the functional training, considered by many to be the main method to meet the daily needs of the individual, needs further discussion in the scientific literature and therefore, this text presents an insight into the premises, characteristics and definitions of this exercise program, aiming at provide practitioners with applicable information to facilitate the design of useful and assertive interventions. Thus, we anticipate a possible paradigmatic change in the current models associated with the guidelines for physical exercise, with the inclusion of recommendations directed to the functionality of the individual.