Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of flexibility training on the maximum range of motion levels and reach capacity of older women practitioners of aquatic exercises of the Prev-Quedas project. Participants were divided into two groups: intervention (IG, n = 25), which were submitted to flexibility training program and control (CG, n = 21), in which older women participated only in aquatic exercises. Flexibility training lasted three months with weekly frequency of two days, consisting of stretching exercises involving trunk and lower limbs performed after aquatic exercises. The stretching method used was passive static. Assessment consisted of the functional reach, lateral and goniometric tests. Statistical analysis was performed using the following tests: Shapiro-Wilk normality, ANCOVA, Pearson and Spearman correlations. Significant results for GI in gains of maximum range of motion for the right hip joint (p = 0.0025), however, the same result was not observed in other joints assessed, and there was no improvement in functional and lateral reach capacity for both groups. Significant correlations between reach capacity and range of motion in the trunk, hip and ankle were not observed. Therefore, flexibility training associated with the practice of aquatic exercises promoted increased maximum range of motion only for the hip joint; however, improvement in the reach capacity was not observed. The practice of aquatic exercises alone did not show significant results.
Highlights
Important factors influencing the decreased ability of posture control and the risk of falling are the functional and lateral reach capacity and flexibility[1,2]
With regard to age, represented by average age, intervention group (IG) (66.72 ± 6.90 years) and control group (CG) (69.19 ± 6.30 years), groups showed no significant difference in the comparison carried out in the pre-intervention period (p = 0.0916)
The study by Teixeira et al.[5] did not find significant results in the group of older women who practiced gymnastics in association with aquatic exercises; the opposite was found in groups who performed each of these exercises alone, which is in disagreement with findings of this study
Summary
Important factors influencing the decreased ability of posture control and the risk of falling are the functional and lateral reach capacity and flexibility[1,2]. Such skills are compromised in people with advanced age, which influences the decreased efficiency to reach objects, delayed anticipatory preparation for the range of motion[3] and impaired coordination of postural adjustments[2] changing body balance. Some authors[6] investigated the effect of an aquatic exercise program on the neuromuscular function of older women and found significant results in the levels of flexibility and balance, suggesting this practice to reduce falls in this population. Some studies found no gains in range of motion in older women after carrying out an aquatic exercise program[7,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria e Desempenho Humano
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
