Resumo

LORCA NAVARRO, Mauricio; LEPE LEIVA, Marcela; DIAZ NARVAEZ, Víctor Patricio  e  ARAYA ORELLANA, Esperanza. Effects of an excercise program on the functional capabilities and balance of a group of independent sedentary non-institutionalized elderly adults. Salud, Barranquilla [online]. 2011, vol.27, n.2, pp.185-197. ISSN 0120-5552.

Objective: To determine the effect on functional capabilities in a group of independent sedentary non-institutionalized elderly adults of an exercise program of flexibility and muscle strength carried out by trained adults and supervised by a physical therapist. Methodology: The research had an initial sample of 36 persons over 65 years old, sedentary, living in the community, belonging to El Bosque district and registered in the Family Health Center (CESFAM) Carlos Lorca. These elderly were referred by a doctor, midwife and/or nutritionist to the CESFAM to the therapeutic exercises workshop and carried out a program of flexibility, muscle strengthening and balance exercises during one year (twice a week, 45 minutes per session). The program was applied by a group of 4 people properly trained and supervised by a physical therapist. Results: The variables that were significant or highly significant differences were: Timed Up and Go, Lower Limb Flexibility, Lower Limb Muscle Strength, Upper Limb Flexibility, Upper Limb Muscle Strength, 6-Minute Walk Test and Left Straight Leg Stance. Other variables studied (Right Straight Leg Stance and Reach Test) were not significant. Conclusion: We conclude that an exercise program for a group of independent sedentary non-institutionalized elderly conducted by trained persons, under the design and supervision of a physiotherapist, achieves significant improvements in increasing strength, balance, flexibility and body mobility after one year of intervention, with a frequency of two times per week, and a duration of 45 minutes per session.

Palavras-chave : Elderly; functional capacity; flexibility; strength training.

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