Abstract
Muscular power is a key component of functional performance (FP) and fall risk reduction. The present study investigated the effect that power training with medicine balls had on body composition and FP in middle-age females. 10 women were divided into a control group (n=4, age=59.8+3.6) and an intervention group (n=6, age=59.5+3.6) in this 6-week study. The intervention group completed a medicine ball training program two times a week. Body composition and FP tests were administered prepost. Data was analyzed using a series of Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test and Cohen's d test for effect size. The 6-week training program increased functional performance. The intervention group exhibited increases in the Up and Go test (p<.05) (Cohen's d=1.76), as well as maximum (p<.05) (Cohen's d=-1.52) and average (p<.05) (Cohen's d=-1.32) distance thrown on the seated medicine ball throw. Middle-aged females can experience significant improvements in functional abilities after 6 weeks of participation in a medicine ball training program that includes both resistance and power training.