Abstract
Introduction:Ageing is associated with several physical, psychological and behavioral changes. These changes are closely related with global health and functional capacity in the elderly. Mood disturbances are common among the elderly and may significantly increase apathy, resulting in decreased habitual physical activity levels.Materials and Methods:The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the mood state and functional motor capacities of elderly women engaged in a public physical activity program in Brazil and compare them with physically inactive elderly. Thirty elderly women were included in the study and categorized into two groups: physically active group, composed of participants enrolled on a public physical activity program (n = 16, 69±5 years) and physically inactive group (n = 14, 68±4 years). Total mood disturbance was assessed using the Profile of Mood States, whereas functional motor capacity was evaluated with the Sitting and Rising test. Independent t test and Mann-Whitney U] were used to compare groups.Results:The physically active group had lower total mood disturbance (p=0.02), confusion (p<0.01), tension (p<0.01), hostility (p=0.05) and fatigue (p=0.01) compared to the physically inactive group. There were no group differences regarding vigor, depression and sitting and rising performance (p>0.05).Conclusion:Lack of difference in functional motor capacity between the physically active and inactive elderly may be explained by the absence of exercise systematization in these programs.
Highlights
Ageing is associated with several physical, psychological and behavioral changes
Thirty elderly women were included in the study and categorized into two groups: physically active group, composed of participants enrolled on a public physical activity program (n = 16, 69±5 years) and physically inactive group (n = 14, 68±4 years)
Total mood disturbance was assessed using the Profile of Mood States, whereas functional motor capacity was evaluated with the Sitting and Rising test
Summary
Ageing is associated with several physical, psychological and behavioral changes. These changes are closely related with global health and functional capacity in the elderly. Ageing is widely associated with several physical, psychological and behavioral changes [1] These changes are closely related with global health and functional capacity in the elderly [1 - 3]. Psychological and behavioral aspects can hinder the elderly's ability to perform ADL due to indirect mechanisms (e.g. low self-esteem, apathy and hypokinestetic behavior) [44] Mood disorders such as depression are common in the elderly, resulting in reduction of the level of habitual physical activity [3, 44]. Low physical activity levels lead to diminished physical fitness and, impaired functional motor capacity For this and other reasons, the elderly suffering from mood disorders tend to avoid exposure to instrumental ADLs, which require greater motor and cognitive complexity [8, 9]. The factors that play a role in functional disability and mood disturbances in the elderly deserve further investigation, since physical inactivity and mental disorders are some of the factors that are associated with increased risk of mortality [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
