Functional autonomy of elderly individuals participating in a supervised physical exercise program

Abstract

This study aims to identify the effect of a supervised physical exercise program on the levels of functional autonomy (FA) in elderly individuals. It was conducted as a quasi-experimental study. In the diagnostic assessment, data on Functional Autonomy were collected using the protocol of the Latin American Development Group for Maturity (GDLAM). The 66 elderly women (X̅ = 67.11 ± 5.75 years) in the sample group underwent 16 weeks of muscular strength and flexibility training, followed by a summative assessment. A reduction in the times of all battery tests was observed: W10M (∆% = -8.40%), RSP (∆% = -16.44%), RVDP(∆% = -2.01%), SRWC (∆% = -5.34%), and PTTs (∆% = -19.73%), indicating an improvement in FA (∆% = -11.39%, p < 0.001). Analyzing the study's results, it is evident that, following the intervention, a significant improvement in the average classification of the sample group occurred. The initial AI score would have fallen within the regular classification in the diagnostic evaluation (28.11 - 33.71), with an average of 31.07. However, after the intervention, a reduction in the time taken to complete the activities led to a shift to the good qualification range (22.82 - 28.10), with an average summative AI assessment of 27.53. The study confirms the enhancement of FA in elderly individuals participating in a physical exercise program.