## 4 Discussion
This discrepancy may be partially explained by the fact that the MCT program did not provide a similar stimulus to the upper limbs as it did to the lower limbs. [PERSON] et al. [42] suggest that MCT interventions should be designed to equalize or at least increase the stimulus for upper limb strength development and the efficient performance of activities of daily living [42]. In contrast, the CG experienced significant and moderate effect size decreases in EF MVC between the first and second evaluation moments. The loss of EF strength is considered a negative factor for the functionality of older individuals and is associated with overall strength decline [43]. Studies by [PERSON] et al. [44] and [PERSON] et al. [45]have emphasized the importance of training EF strength via physical exercise to enable older individuals to effectively utilize their arms in daily tasks and maintain physical independence throughout life [44; 45]. Regarding handgrip strength (HGS) results, both Group A and Group B exhibited significantly higher HGS compared to the CG at all evaluation moments, with Group A surpassing Group B in all measurements. However, only Group B demonstrated significant increases in HGS between moments, specifically from M3 to M1, with a reduced effect size. These specific study findings contradicted the main results, showing that initiating MCT using resistance exercises was the most efficient with respect to improving the older women's HGS, although these changes were only observed from M2 to M3. HGS serves as an important physical capacity indicator for overall muscle strength and vitality [46; 47]. It is also positively associated with cognitive function [48] and inversely associated with the risk of neurodegeneration in older individuals [49]. In contrast, the CG exhibited statistically significant and moderate effect size decrements in HGS between the first and third evaluation moments, highlighting yet another negative effect of not participating in the MCT program during the 32-week period. Reduced HGS in older individuals is associated with risks of sarcopenia, frailty, and early mortality [35]. Moreover, low HGS has been linked to cognitive impairment and neurological disorders [36; 50]. This study has several limitations that should be considered when interpreting the results. Firstly, the absence of dietary control prevented us from conducting a more comprehensive analysis of the effects of the intervention. Additionally, the lack of control over participants' physical activity levels limits our understanding of specific training effects. Additionally, caution is needed regarding the generalization of these results due to the reduced participant number in each group (not exceedingly more than 32 per group). On the other hand, the present study exhibits important strengths. The findings provide valuable insights with respect to the optimal order of MCT exercises for physically active older women. These results suggest that independent older women may benefit from incorporating this exercise program with respect to improving or maintaining muscle strength, promoting autonomy and functional independence as they age. Interestingly, the current evidence about physical exercise physiology indicates that, when coaches aim to maximize muscle strength gains in individuals, the better exercise session order is strength exercises followed by aerobics because it preconizes better muscle work production in a training session [51]. However, this study proved the contrary when aerobics followed by resistance/strength training was the best combination. Researchers can consider this study's finding as a new research gap, where they could deepen their understanding of this phenomenon. Thus, for future research, we recommend conducting randomized controlled trials using larger samples, which can reduce the results' bias and improve the evidence's reliability with respect to exercise order preparation and older women's muscle strength outcomes.