Abstract
BACKGROUND:Physical activity is an important tool for positively impacting physical, cognitive, and social aspects and is linked to the capacity to develop muscle strength and power. However, no studies have observed the effects of physical activity on the bilateral torque asymmetry at different movement velocities in older adults.
 AIM:Investigate the effects of different angular velocities on bilateral torque asymmetry for hip, knee, and ankle joints in active and insufficiently active older adults.
 METHOD:Forty-four older adults were distributed into two groups: active and insufficiently active. An isokinetic dynamometer was used. The tests consisted of maximal concentric contractions of hip, knee, and ankle flexors and extensors at velocities of 60º/s and 120º/s. The variables were asymmetry of peak torque and of mean power.
 RESULTS:Results showed greater asymmetry in hip extension and ankle flexion for peak torque and mean power, as well as increased asymmetry in flexion movement at the higher angular velocity compared with the lower angular velocity for the mean power. Furthermore, there were no differences in asymmetry between groups.
 CONCLUSION:The conclusion of the present study was that older adults showed similar behavior for bilateral torque asymmetry, regardless of the level of physical activity.
Highlights
According to the World Health Organization, population aging is a global phenomenon, resulting from factors that include a drop in fertility rates and increase in life expectancy.[1]
In relation to the level of physical activity, measured by the Baecke Questionnaire, the active Exercise Guidance Service (EGS) group presented a higher level of physical activity compared to the insufficiently active group (ATV: 13.9 ± 4.3 points | IATV: 3.8 ± 4.3 points, p ≤ 0.001)
In the same study[6], the power loss associated with increased velocity in the plantar flexors of the older adults was verified and corroborates the results found in the present study in which the relationship between power and angular velocity may be a factor for the increase in the power asymmetry identified at the velocity of 120°/s compared to the velocity of 60°/s
Summary
According to the World Health Organization, population aging is a global phenomenon, resulting from factors that include a drop in fertility rates and increase in life expectancy.[1]. No studies have observed the effects of physical activity on the bilateral torque asymmetry at different movement velocities in older adults. AIM: This study investigated the effects of different angular velocities on bilateral torque asymmetry for hip, knee, and ankle joints in active (EGS program) and insufficiently active older adults. The level of physical activity did not produce a reduction in bilateral torque asymmetry in the active group
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