Resistance training program
Subjects completed 2 weeks of familiarization prior to the
RT program and were advised regarding the execution of
proper technique and use of rating of perceived exertion
(RPE). Sessions were completed twice each week with each
exercise consisting of a single set of 15 repetitions.
The RT program was conducted two times per week over
14 weeks, consisting of three sets with a training zone of
eight to twelve repetitions, at a moderate intensity, using a
modified version of perceived exertion (1–10 point scale).26–28
Although tolerance to the higher loads was observed, the
same intensity (according to RPE) was used during the
14 weeks of resistance training. The training sessions were
conducted during the same time of day (between 2 pm and
4.30 pm). Each training session began with 15 minutes of
stretching with an emphasis on the ankle, hip, and lumbar
joints followed by a warm up of 5 minutes on a treadmill
walking with a standard speed of 4.0 to 5.0 km/h.29 The
exercises were performed on fitness machines (Johnson
Health Technologies Inc, Taiwan) in the following order:
seated bench press, rotary cuff, leg extension, leg curl, leg
press, and front lat-pull down. The rest interval between
sets and exercises was 2 minutes. The participants were
instructed to avoid the Valsalva maneuver during exercises.
The ratio of supervision was one instructor to every five
participants (1:5)