Abstract
Introduction : Handgrip is an excellent indicator of functionality, nutritional status and mortality among the elderly. Objective: To compare the handgrip strength of hypertensive elderly individuals classified by different levels and types of physical activity. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 80 individuals divided into three physical activity groups, according to the leisure-time and transportation sections of the long version of the IPAQ: active (≥150 min/week), insufficiently active (<150 min/week) and sedentary (10 min/week). The active individuals were also separated by type of physical activity: gymnastics, hydro gymnastics and weight training. Strength was measured by a Jamar dynamometer and consisted of a continuous handgrip movement lasting for 30 seconds. Information about demographic, socio-economic and behavioral variables was collected by questionnaire. ANOVA and paired t-test were used to compare the means of strength. The significance level was 5%. Results: Dominant and non-dominant handgrip average was 24.2 kgf (+8.3) and 22.0 kgf (+7.3), respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean handgrip strength between the active and sedentary groups; however, when the type of physical activity was evaluated, the weightlifting group had a significantly higher mean than the gym and aerobics groups. Conclusion: Handgrip strength seems to be associated with the type of activity performed, rather than the amount of time the activity is performed per week.
Highlights
Handgrip is an excellent indicator of functionality, nutritional status and mortality among the elderly
Of the individuals with hypertension registered with NATI, the level of physical activity in leisure and physical transportation was measured using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
Despite handgrip strength (HGS) not differing by level of physical activity, regardless of lateral dominance, the results show a clear upward trend of strength as individuals move from the inactive group to the active
Summary
Handgrip is an excellent indicator of functionality, nutritional status and mortality among the elderly. Objective: To compare the handgrip strength of hypertensive elderly individuals classified by different levels and types of physical activity. There was no significant difference in the mean handgrip strength between the active and sedentary groups; when the type of physical activity was evaluated, the weightlifting group had a significantly higher mean than the gym and aerobics groups. Studies have shown that among the elderly, low levels of muscle strength are associated with early death[3] and many chronic diseases, including arterial hypertension.[4] In addition, there is a decrease in muscle strength resulting from decreased physical activity[5] and consequent muscle mass reduction (sarcopenia).[6]. Studies have shown that elderly individuals benefit most from programs consisting of anaerobic exercise[8,9] for the maintenance and/or gain of muscle mass and muscle strength.[9]
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