Resumen

BARBOSA, Fernanda Jacaúna et al. Prevention of falls in institutionalized elderly women. Motri. [online]. 2018, vol.14, n.1, pp.387-392. ISSN 1646-107X.

The present study aimed to investigate the equilibrium and walking ability in institutionalized elderly females. This was a cross-sectional quantitative study performed within an institution and due approved by the local ethics committee. Sociodemographic profile was assessed through a questionnaire an Tinetti scale a used to assess equilibrium and walking. Nineteen aged women comprised the sample, 44.8% above 71 years of age, 64.9% single, 70.3% with less than 5 years at school, 94.7% were officially retired and received minimum wage. Equilibrium of the sample averaged 10.68 points (±3.6) and the majority of the participants showed unbalance when blindfolded or when spinning. Walking was rated with 6.37 points (±2.06), with some asymmetric steps and walking deviation sin most cases. It was concluded that equilibrium and walking were impaired in this sample and that institutionalized aged women present an increased fall risk.

Palabras clave : health of the elderly; institution of long stay for the elderly; accidents by falls.

        · resumen en Portugués     · texto en Portugués     · Portugués ( pdf )