Abstract

VIDARTE CLAROS, José Armando; QUINTERO CRUZ, María Victoria  and  HERAZO BELTRAN, Yaneth. EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON FUNCTIONAL FITNESS AND STABILITY IN OLDER ADULTS. Hacia promoc. Salud [online]. 2012, vol.17, n.2, pp.79-90. ISSN 0121-7577.

Introduction: Aging reduces the autonomy and independence of older adults. Physical exercise helps to improve muscle mass, stability and aerobic resistance in older people. Objective: To establish the effects of physical exercise on functional fitness and the risk of falls in a group of older adults. Materials and Methods: Quasi-experimental study with group control and experiment in 38 adults over 60 years old. Intentional non-probability and random sampling was applied, considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Functional capacity was evaluated using the Senior Fitness Test battery and risk of falls was evaluated using Tinetti falls efficacy scale before and after the exercise program, which was applied during 12 weeks to the experimental group. Results: The main changes in the experimental group were obtained in waist circumference from 91.89 to 88.95 cm; strength in upper extremities from 17,16 to 20.63 repetitions; flexibility in the upper body from -8.24 to -5.66 cm; and aerobic endurance from 70,32 to 83.47 steps; balance increased from 13.95 to 15.26 points. Conclusions: The results suggest a significant association between aerobic exercise and the decrease in the waist hip index and waist circumference, the increase of strength and flexibility of the upper extremities, aerobic capacity, balance and self-confidence to walk around the neighborhood as an older adults group.

Keywords : Elderly; aerobic exercise; physical exercise; tolerance to exercise; quality of Life.

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