Citation

Lima GA, Vilaça KH, Lima NK, Moriguti JC, Ferriolli E. Rev. Bras. Fisioter. 2011; 15(4): 272-277.

Affiliation

Divisão de Clínica Médica Geral e Geriatria, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Departamento de Fisioterapia da Universidade Federal de São Carlos)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

21971722

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the variation in aerobic capacity and postural balance of independents elderly for a period of three years. METHODS: The aerobic capacity of the volunteers was assessed using a six minutes walk test (6MWT), the postural balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the number of falls was self-reported and physical activity level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - long version). Evaluations undertaken in 2008 were compared to those performed in 2005. RESULTS: There were no differences in balance and number of falls between 2008 and 2005 (p>0.05). There was a decrease in aerobic capacity over time of 52.46±8.4 meters walked. The IPAQ showed an increase in physical activity on the second evaluation (83.3%). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that balance, evaluated using BBS did not change in the active independent elderly for a period of three years. However, over the there year period there was a decrease in aerobic capacity evaluated using the 6MWT.

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