Abstract

NUNES, Marcelo E.S.  and  SANTOS, Suely. Functional evaluation of elderly people in three physical activity programs: walking, water therapy exercise, and Lian Gong. Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2009, vol.9, n.2-3, pp.150-159. ISSN 1645-0523.

The benefits that are associated with regular physical activity optimize health, providing an independent life, quality of life improvement and to functional capacity increase during aging. The purpose of this study was to compare three physical activity programs, specifically, Walking, Water Therapy Exercise, and Lian Gong, based on the functional capacity tests. Functional capacity was evaluated using the battery of tests of Fullerton. One hundred thirteen individuals were assigned in three groups: Walking (N=38), Water Therapy Exercise (n=38), and Lian Gong (n=37), from 60 to 84 years old. Statistical analyses revealed that Walking group was superior in lower body strength and aerobic capacity tests, in comparison to Water Therapy Exercise and Lian Gong groups. Agility and dynamic balance test showed that Lian Gong group was inferior to both other groups. Water Therapy Exercise group was superior in upper body strength. Even considering the absence of a control group, it can be concluded that the physical activity programs studied show benefits to the functional capacity and, consequently, to the health of the elderly women. Additionally, Walking and Water Therapy Exercises groups seemed to be complementary in maintaining motor capacities in the elderly.

Keywords : functional capacity; elderly; physical activity.

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