Efeitos da preparação para o movimento no desempenho funcional de idosos

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectsof movement preparation in the functional performance of elderly people. Material and methods: Fifty-five elderly were randomized in two groups: with preparation (CP: 28; 68.6 ± 7.1 years) and without preparation (SP: 27; 72.0 ± 5.6 years). The PC performed general warm-up exercises, muscle activation, and joint mobility lasting 16 min and then performed functional tests, while the SP did not perform any activity. The functional performance was measured using the Senior Fitness Test battery with the tests to sit and reach, reach behind the back, timed up and go, forearm flexion in 30 s, sit-to-stand in 30 s and 6-minute walk test. Results: The CP was superior to SP in lower limb muscle strength tests (CP: 15.1 ± 3.0 vs SP: 13.3 ± 2.7 p = 0.005), posterior chain mobility (CP: 0.2 ± 5.8 vs SP: 7.2 ± 12.2 p=0.0044), shoulder mobility (CP: -2.0 ± 5.8 vs SP: -13.1 ± 13.0 p = 0.0001), agility/dynamic balance (CP: 5.1 ± 0.7 vs SP: 6.2 ± 1.2 p = 0.0001), cardiorespiratory resistance (CP: 518.2 ± 108.9 vs SP: 429.0 ± 65.9 p = 0.0005). While the upper limb strength test (CP: 17.9 ± 3.0 vs SP: 17.0 ± 3.9 p = 0.3305) showed no difference between groups. Conclusion: The preparation for movement performed immediately before the functional evaluation improves the performance of the elderly.