Abstract
Forty-five elderly persons (67 +/- 2 years old) were divided into the following groups: control (CG), resistive exercise (REG), stretching (SG), and resistive exercise and stretching (RESG). All the groups participated in warm-up, but the REG and the RESG were followed by resistive exercise (65%, 70%, and 75% of a maximum of 10 repetitions); the SG participated in 60 seconds of stretching exercise; and RESG, participated in both. Range of motion was evaluated with a fleximeter. The SG increased hip flexion and maintained after detraining. The REG augmented dorsiflexion after 12 weeks. The RESG increased hip extension after 6 and 12 weeks and maintained after detraining. Resistive exercise and stretching, performed alone, were sufficient to increase range of motion. Stretching was determinant in an early gain and its maintenance.