OBJECTIVES: This randomized controlled trial compared flywheel-based resistance training with traditional resistance training on depressive symptoms in sedentary older women. METHOD: Twenty-nine women aged >= 60 years without clinical depression were randomized (blocks of 2 and (4) to flywheel (n = 14) or traditional resistance training (n = 15) for 8 weeks (six exercises, twice weekly) at the Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil. Flywheel devices provide inertial resistance and eccentric overload by storing and releasing kinetic energy. Depressive symptoms were the primary outcome. Allocation was concealed with sealed envelopes; outcome assessors and the principal investigator were blinded. RESULTS: Twenty-eight participants completed the protocol; one dropout in the traditional group required multiple imputation. Adjusted depressive symptom scores were 2.7 +/- 2.7 in the flywheel group (2.5 points) and 2.0 +/- 2.8 in the traditional group (2.0 points), with no between-group difference (p = 0.193). The effect size was small (etap2 0.03) and statistical power was low (1-beta 0.25). All adverse events were mild (grade 1); no serious events occurred. CONCLUSION: Both flywheel and traditional resistance training showed potential to reduce depressive symptoms in sedentary older women. Larger trials are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05910632.

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