Functional capacity and quality of life in older women practicing and not practicing hydrogymnastics

Daniel Vicentini De Oliveira,Sônia Maria Marques Gomes Bertolini,Daniel Eduardo Da Cunha Leme,José Roberto Andrade Do Nascimento Júnior,Mateus Dias Antunes,Maria Do Carmo Correia De Lima

doi:10.15253/2175-6783.2017000200003

Daniel Vicentini De Oliveira, Sônia Maria Marques Gomes Bertolini + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.15253/2175-6783.2017000200003

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Abstract

Objective : to compare the functional capacity and quality of life of older women practicing and not practicing hydrogymnastics. Methods: this is a simple natural experiment study, of a sample of 40 older women practicing hydrogymnastics and 40 not practicing hydrogymnastics. Latin American Development Group’s protocol was used to evaluate the functional capacity, and the WHOQOL-Bref and Old was used to evaluate the quality of life. Results: there were no differences in functional capacity or quality of life between the groups. Conclusion: it is concluded that there was not enough strong evidence to prove that older women practicing hydrogymnastics have a different functional capacity and quality of life compared to those not practicing physical exercise.

Highlights

Aging is a dynamic, progressive and heterogeneous process with morphological, biochemical, psychological and functional changes such as a decrease in motor skills, loss of strength, flexibility, and movement
Regarding general functional capacity (GDLAM), no differences were found between the groups (p=0.397)
When assessing the functional capacity of the older women, there was no difference between groups; older women who practice hydrogymnastics have the same functional capacity of older women who do not practice physical exercise

Summary

Introduction

Progressive and heterogeneous process with morphological, biochemical, psychological and functional changes such as a decrease in motor skills, loss of strength, flexibility, and movement. These modifications hinder the ability to perform daily physical activities, leading to loss of an older person’s ability to adapt to the environment, causing greater vulnerability and a higher incidence of sickness process, and may cause difficulties for the older adult over time, especially regarding functional capacity[1]. The quality of life in old age is a multidimensional construct related to health, physical and cognitive functionality, activity, productivity, and capacity for emotional regulation, as well as subjective and economic well-being, and ecological and social resources consistent with the needs of an older adult. It is important to invest in the search for a better quality of life through healthy habits such as physical exercise to mitigate a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this age group[3]

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