Resistance training (RT) programs employing an undulating periodization (UP) model have consistently shown to enhancemuscle strength and physical performance in both trained and sedentary subjects; however, the effects on an older population are less studied. PURPOSE: This research aimed to compare the effects of UP vs. linear training (LT) on strength levels and functional capacity in elderly adults. METHODS: Eighteen (n=10, men; n=8, women) untrained elderly individuals (64±2.1years, height=165.12±7;cm, body mass=72.5±11.4;kg) with no previous RT experience were randomly assigned to either a linear training (n=9, LT) or UP (n=9) program. Assessments: Chair stand test (CST), chair sit and reach (CSR), arm curl test (ACM), the 6-min walk test (6MWT), back scratch test right (BST-R), 1RM rowing machine (RM), 1RM vertical bench press (VBP), 1RM leg extension (LEx), 1RM unilateral leg press (ULP) and 1RM squat based on mean velocity concentric. RESULTS: According to the analysis (Δ=±SD; P; ES to LT and UP, respectively), there were significant changes in CST (3.8±3.1reps; 0.01; 1.67 and 3±1reps; <0.05; 2.58), ACM (5.1±3.6reps; 0.012; 1.41 and 3.6±0.9reps;<0.05; 2.19), 6MWT (250±92.6m;<0.05; 3.76 and 155.6±52.7m; 0.006; 3.02), BST-R (-2.9±0.8cm; <0.05; -0.45 and -1.2±1.1cm; 0.01; -0.18), BST-L (-3.1±1.4cm; <0.05; -0.78 and -1.3±1.3cm; 0.016; -0.18). 8UG (-1.0±0.0s; 0.005; -1.12 and -0.1±0.9s; 0.705; -0.17); RM (25.6±6.8kg; <0.05; 1.76 and 17.8±7.9kg; <0.05; 1.51), VBP (24.6±17.4kg; 0.011; 1.55 and 23.9±6kg; <0.05; 2.09); LEx (30±9.7kg; <0.05; 1.71 and 14.4±6.3kg; <0.05; 0.76), ULP (45.6±25.1kg; 0.001; 1.38 and 36.7±27.8kg; 0.007; 2.1) and squat (17.2±9.4kg; 0.001; 0.82 and 10.3±3.2kg; <0.05; 0.54). No changes were found in CSR in any group (-3.1±7.2; 0.498;-0.68 and 0.4±2; 0.525; 0.09). There were differences in 6MWT by Group and by Time x Group (P=0.013 and 0.019), in ACM by Group (P=0.020) and BST-R, BST-L, 8UG y ULE (P= 0.003, 0.015, 0.016, y 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: A supervised RT program using either linear or undulating periodized design has positive effects on indicators of functional autonomy and physical fitness in older adults, highlighting that the LT protocol generated the largest in changes.