PHYSICAL FITNESS PROFILE AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY OF FRAIL AND PHYSICALLY INDEPENDENT ADULTS OVER 50 YEARS.

Abstract

1977 The purpose of this study was to compare the physical fitness profile of frail and physically independent adults. The sample consisted of 68 subjects (25 males and 43 females), from 50 to 89 years of age divided in: Group I: (n:18) sedentary subjects who lived in an nursing home, age: 67.4 ± 9.6 yrs old, body weight: 61.2 ± 14.4 kg, body height: 155.6 ± 6.6 cm; and Group II (n:50) subjects who were involved in a physical activity program in a senior center that consisted of aerobics 50 min/session twice a week. These subjects were 65.5 ± 7 yrs, body weight: 68.4 ± 10.9kg, body height: 159.5 ± 6.6 cm. Variables measured were: adiposity by mean of three skinfolds (SKF): triceps, subscapular and suprailiac; handgrip strength (HG), sit and reach test (FLEX), sitting to standing position test (SS), static balance (SB) and normal (GS) and maximum gait speed (MGS). The statistical analysis used was the Student "t" test for independent samples adopting significant level of *p<.05. Mean and standard deviation results are summarized in the table:TableThe results evidenced significant differences among groups in neuromotor and functional capacity variables. These differences were more marked in the velocity to raise from chair and the gait speed. The independent active group presented values 66% to 89% higher than the frail group. The results support the importance of physical activity in maintaining the functional capacity in the daily living activities during the aging process even in physically frail subjects.