Relação entre o Padrão Postural e o Nível de Atividade Física em Idosas

Abstract

The aging process is characterized, among other fac tors, for which changes in postural pattern are among the most notable in this process. Several factors can interfere with the change of p osture during aging, stands out among these sedentary life style and physical activity. Therefore, the aim of this research was to analyze the relationship between th e postural pattern and level of physical activity i n elderly women. Cross-sectional study with a sample of convenience of 70 elderly women, with different levels of physical activity, participants of the Pr oject for the Promotion of Health of the Elderly of Universidade Catolica of Brasilia . Photogrammetry and flexicurve method were used to evaluate the standard posture of the volunteers. The level of ol der women's physical activity was evaluated by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ ). We observed weak correlation (r 0,23 to 0,38) or non-significant (p > 0,05) between postural variabl es and the time of weekly physical activity, whethe r light, moderate or vigorous. However, when comparing the groups, thoracic kyphosis angle of physically active women (51,91 ± 13,14 degrees) was significantly lower (p <0.01) when compared with other groups (Irregularly Active A: 53,23 ± 14,29; Irregularly A ctive B: 54,89 ± 13,16; Sedentary: 59,51 ± 14,08 degrees). In conclusion, we found a weak correlation was shown between the non-significant postural pattern and level of physical activity in older wom en. However, when comparing the groups, the physically active older women had a lower angle of thoracic kyphosis.