Flexibility on the Functional Autonomy of Independent Elderly Women

(1)

EISSN 1676-5133

Submitted: November / 2002 Accepted:December / 2002

Original Article

doi:10.3900/fpj.2.1.23.e

Flexibility on the Functional Autonomy

of Independent Elderly Women

Rodrigo Gomes de Souza Vale

Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Ciência da Motricidade Humana da Universidade Castelo Branco/RJ

Laboratório de Biociências da Motricidade Humana da Universidade Castelo Branco/RJ [email protected]

Jani Cléria Bezerra de Aragão

Laboratório de Biociências da Motricidade Humana da Universidade Castelo Branco/RJ [email protected]

Estélio Henrique Martin Dantas

Laboratório de Biociências da Motricidade Humana da Universidade Castelo Branco/RJ Bolsista 2 A de Produtividade de Pesquisa do CNPq

[email protected]

VALE, R.G.S., ARAGÃO, J.C.B., DANTAS, E.H.M.Flexibility on the Functional Autonomy of Independent Elderly Women. Fitness & Performance Journal, v.2, n.1, p. 23-29, 2003.

Rua Oscar Clark, 805 – Parque Mataruna – Araruama – RJ – CEP 28970-000

ABSTRACT: The study aimed at investigating the evolution of fl exibility through a dynamic fl exibility method and its infl uence over the functional autonomy of 14 elderly women (aged 60-87 years/C=66.4±7.3). A fl exibility training program from the Acade-mia Capacidade Vital (Vital Capacity fi tness center, in English), in Araruama, Rio de Janeiro State was applied during 16 weeks, frequency of 2 days a week, during 30 minutes for each session. In the initial and fi nal phases, tests of goniometric fl exibility were conducted according to LABIFE protocol (Dantas, 1997), using a 360o_{. steel goniometer (trademark Cardiomed, Brazil), and} move-ments of shoulder abduction, hip fl exion and extension, knee fl exion, ankle extension and fl exion, lumbar spine fl exion, and C10m, USP, UVDP and TUG tests of autonomy (Aragão, 2002), where the timing of gauged in seconds, timed by a chronometer (trademark Casio, Malayasi). A descriptive statistical treatment was used, with mean and standard deviation, minimum and maximum values, and a T test. The individuals presented a signifi cant improvement (p<0.01) of all the articulated movements considered. On the autonomy tests, there was a reduction in all the times that were marked, but only the C10m and USP (p<0.01) were seen in an expressive way.

(2)

RESUMO

A flexibilidade na autonomia funcional de idosas independentes Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar a evolução da flexibilidade através do método de flexionamento dinâmico e sua influência na autonomia funcional de 14 idosas (60-87 anos/C=66,4±7,3), participantes por um período de 16 semanas, com freqüência de dois dias/semana, durante 30 minutos por sessão, de um programa de treinamento de flexibilidade da Academia Capacidade Vital, no município de Araruama/RJ. Foram aplicados, nas fases inicial e final, testes de flexibilidade de goniometria pelo protocolo LABIFIE (DANTAS, 1997), com um goniômetro de aço 360º (Cardiomed, Brasil), nos movimentos de abdução de ombro, flexão e extensão de quadril, flexão de joelho, flexão dorsal e plantar do tornozelo, flexão da coluna lombar, e testes de autonomia (ARAGÃO, 2002), C10m, LPS, LPDV e TUG, onde o tempo de realização foi aferido em segundos por um cronômetro (Cásio, Malaysia). O tratamento estatístico usado foi de forma descritiva, com média, desvio padrão, mínimo e máximo, e inferencial, com teste “t” de student. Os sujeitos apresentaram melhora significativa (p<0,01) para todos os movimentos articulares avaliados. Nos testes de autonomia, houve redução de todos os tempos marcados, mas de forma expressiva apenas o C10m e LPS (p<0,01).

Palavras-chave: Flexibilidade, fl exionamento dinâmico, qualidade de vida, autonomia funcional, envelhecimento.

RESUMEN

La flexibilidad en la autonomía funcional de las mayores indepen-dientes

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la evolución de la flexibilidad por medio del método “flexionamiento” dinámico y su influencia en la autonomía funcional de catorce mayores (60-70 años/ C= 66,4 ±7,3), participantes de un periodo de dieciséis semanas, con frecuencia de dos días/ semana durante treinta minutos por sesión, de un programa de entrenamiento de la flexibilidad en el Gimnasio “Capacidad Vital”, en el ayuntamiento de Araruama/ RJ. Se aplicaron, en las fases inicial y final, testes de flexibilidad de goniometría por el protocolo LABIFIE (DANTAS, 1997), con un goniómetro de acero 360º (Cardiomed, Brasil), en los movimientos de abducción de hombros, flexión y extensión de la cadera, flexión de rodilla, flexión dorsal y plantar de tobillo, flexión de la columna lumbar, y testes de la autonomía (ARAGÃO, 2002), C10m, LPS, LPDV y TUG, donde el tiempo de realización fuera cotejar en segundos por un cronómetro (Casio, Malaysia). El tratamiento estadístico usado fue de la manera descriptiva, con media, desviación típica, mínimo y máximo, y inferencia, con test t de student. Los sujetos presentaran mejoras significativas (p< 0,01) para todos los movimientos articulares evaluados. Los testes de la autonomía, hubo reducción de todos los tiempos marcados, sin embargo la forma expresiva sólo el C10m y LPS (p<0,01). Palabras clave: fl exibilidad, “fl exionamiento”, dinámico, calidad de vida, autonomía funcional, envejecimiento.

INTRODUCTION

The aging is not simply the passing of time, but the manifestations of biological events which occur during the lifetime. This has been defi ned as a progressive loss of physiological capacities, fatally culminating with death (Robergs & Roberts, 2002).

As the mean life expectancy in Brazil has been increasing, ac-cording to the last census, it was observed that its current mean value is at 68.6 years, seeing that 72.6 years for women and 64.8 men (IBGE, 2000). This fact makes evident for the society the importance of the elderly health and welfare.

The physical quality, fl exibility, is intimately related to the joint mo-bility and muscular elasticity, and thus, to the elder autonomy and their life quality, for their stimulation is essential for the promotion of health, in general, mainly when it comes to human motricity. Its classical defi nition, according to Hollman and Hettinger, quoted in Dantas (1999:57) is the “physical quality responsible for the voluntary completion of a given movement of maximum angular amplitude, by means of a joint or a set of joints, within the morphological limits, without the risk of causing an injury.” Hence, this quality should be stimulated during the infancy, in the adolescence and during the whole life, contributing then with the promotion of autonomy in the people’s daily activities, especially in the advanced age, as a result delaying the reduction of joint amplitudes.

It is not found in the literature the age limit to begin fl exibility trai-ning; however, this physical quality can be improved in any age through exercises which promote soft tissue elasticity (Robergs; Roberts, 2002).

The aim is not to achieve the plastic components to increase the fl exibility, but achieve the elastic elements (Achour Júnior, 1999), what demonstrates coherence with Dantas observations (1999), which suggest that they are due to the loss of this physical quality during the aging process plus the decrease of muscular elasticity that the joint mobility.

It cannot be forgotten that the aging process is often related to diseases and functional incapacities, provided by tissue wear itself in the course of time.

The conjunctive tissue becomes more rigid and the joints less mobile. There is a formation of crossed joint between adjacent collagen fi brils, reducing the elasticity and favoring mechanical injuries of the affected tissue. The blood vessels grow progressively affected by atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, decreasing this manner, the oxygen supply to all body organs. The bone mass decreases approximately at 10% in the peak of bone mass up to the age of 65 years, and approximately 20% around the age of 80 years (Achour Júnior, 1999; Nieman, 1999; Robergs, 2002). The fl exibility loss in the course of time can also be the result of processes of neurodegenerative diseases, such as arthritis, for the amplitude reduction of joint movements result in a contracture of tendon, muscles and other encircling tissue (Nieman, 1999; Robergs, 2002).

These studies corroborate the major possibilities of falls and its serious consequences in this population, which may cause irre-parable harm.

(3)

Knapik’s reports (2001) reinforce this reality, as low levels of fl exibility are also considered risk factors for injuries, which may then cause harm to the individual’s life quality at issue.

Although the bone mineral density in this group age is reduced, it is possible that the active fl exibility may be improved for the joints which need to move unobtrusively in mean amplitude, as well as the static fl exibility, for the ample range of movements (Maglischo; Achour Júnior, 1999).

According to Matveev (1986), quoted by Achour Júnior (1999), the static stretching exercise does not assure optimum level of active fl exibility. This should be only part of the training, and thus, this fact suggests the needs of developing both types of fl exibility in a training program.

It is important to draw the attention to this type of active fl exibility training in elderly populations, for during a fl exing work the ten-dons on the bones increase a lot and this type of activity will be only conducted with previous preparation and carefully (Dantas, 1999). The very author clearly differentiates the fl exibility work in: stre-tching, which provides the fl exibility maintenance, for it is the sub-maximum level of the joint limit; passive fl exing, which is important tin the joint mobility, acting in the joint and plastic components; and the active fl exing, which acts mainly in the muscular elasti-city, i.e., in the myofi laments, in the parallel elastic and in series component, where it is found the major cause of shortening of this physical quality for this group age.

Kell (2001) considers that an aspect of physical health is the mus-culoskeletal system, which consists of three components: muscular strength, endurance and fl exibility, what evidences the importance of this physical quality.

The same authors affi rm that if the strength, endurance and fl exi-bility are not kept, the musculoskeletal adaptation is compromised and may cause a signifi cant impact on the physical health and welfare. And thus, to put into practice some programs of exercises which include these qualities is of great importance for the health maintenance.

The corroboration of this study, among so many, clearly appoints which benefi ts in the fl exibility are kept for at least three weeks after the stretching program (Rubley, 2001). The authors also showed that two sets of three repetitions for the sitting and reaching test are stimuli enough for inducing benefi ts of fl exibility for longer; therefore there is no need of tiring working sessions.

With the aging process, the fl exibility shortening is progressively increasing, and this is inevitable. The physical training is within reach of everyone, aiming at diminishing this loss of accentuated form, for the individuals who do physical activities when young and still do exercises regularly are able to delay it.

Avoiding this shortening is the common sense among the pro-fessionals which work in this area. Taking the elderly as more independent in their daily activities is the purpose of fundamental relevance for the society.

This fact has proved to be promising, because the adult in the advanced age can be motivated to do exercises regularly which promote the development of strength, endurance and fl exibility. The acceptance of the program of exercises evolutes considerably in older adult populations (Chin A Paw, 2001).

OBJECTIVE

This study aims at investigating the evolution of fl exibility through the method of dynamic fl exing, and its infl uence over the autonomy of a group of female retired people. These individual seemed to be apparently healthy and were participants of fl exibility program at a fi tness center, situated in the city of Araruama, Rio de Janeiro State.

METHODOLOGY

Sample features

The researched population comprised the group age covering 60 to 87 years old, female gender, physically independent, according to Spirduso, withdrawn from Matsudo (2001). Fourteen individu-als were randomly selected with age mean ´C=66.44±7.3 to comprise the sampling group of it.

Procedures

It was used an angular test of fl exibility evaluation by the Labife protocol of goniometrics (Dantas, 1997), in the following move-ments: shoulder abduction, hip fl exion and extension, knee fl exion, dorsal and plantar ankle fl exion and lumbar fl exion, and a 10m walking anatomy test (C10m)(Aragão, 2002), upraising the seated position 5 times repeatedly (USP), upraising the ventral decubitus position (UVDP) and upraising seated positions, walking 3m and sitting again (TUG), in which the time completion was timed in seconds. The pre-test and post-test were conducted after 16 weeks of fl exibility training, using the dynamic fl exibility method, with frequency of two days a week, during 30 minutes each session. The statistic treatment of data used for the obtained result analysis was of the descriptive nature, with mean, standard deviation, mini-mum and maximini-mum, and inferential, with the paired t student test. The participants signed a document authorizing their participation in it, according to the norms of Brazilian laws on health. Instruments

It was used a 360o_{iron goniometer (Cardiomed, Brazil), a} timeke-eper (Casio, Malaysia), a tape-measure (Sanny, Brasil), a portable mattress and 2 feet high chair, and for the data treatment a SPSS 10.00 for Windows computer program.

RESULTS AN DISCUSSION

The results of the present study are presented in four distinct groups: goniometric evaluation (pre- and post-tests), autonomy evaluation (pre- and post-tests), comparison of the goniometric

(4)

evaluation with the reference standards of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) quoted by Dantas (1999), and comparison of autonomy evaluation with reference standards (Aragão, 2002).

Goniometric evaluation (pre- and post-tests) The found mean in the participants of the study demonstrated chronic improvement in all evaluated movements, obtaining some increase in the joint amplitudes, and still with some important shortening of standard deviations, characterizing a tendency to approximation of individual levels and homogeneity of the sample. Only the lumbar fl exion and ankle dorsal fl exion, which although they have not had some improvement in the means, did not reduce their respective standard deviations, as can be noticed in the Table 1 and Figure 1.

This proposed method of stretching in this study provided positive results in the amplitude of movements of the sample, producing then a divergence as for its application to the age group at is-sue, since the recommendation of ACSM (2003) for the fl exibility development in the elderly be it for the use of static method, due the frailty of tissues and tendons.

Autonomy Evaluation

After 16 weeks of training, the individuals showed some chronic improvement of mobility and agility for the completion of daily life activities (DLAs), for there was some shortening of timed time means of all the tests, and still reduction of the standard deviations, as well as characterizing a tendency to homogeneity and to the

approximation to the individual limits of the sample group, which can be better analysed in the Table 2 and Figure 2.

Autonomy tests

As was expected, this type of training, for being active, make the dynamic fl exibility advance, and thus it develops the daily movement specifi city (Alter, 1999), therefore some improvement in the DLAs.

Goniometric evaluation vs. reference standards of AAOS

Comparing the angular amplitude of evaluated movements for the female elderly participants, after the completion of the fl exibility training program, with suggested means by the reference standards Table 1 – Sample goniometric evaluation

Movements AO FP FD FL FQ EQ FJ Pre-test mean 183.1 71.8 20.4 22.7 96.7 20.3 143.6 Post-test mean 191.8 85.8 26.5 33.3 106.9 30.2 147.4 Pre-test SD 6.99 10.45 6.32 7.05 12.82 8.40 8.01 Post-test SD 5.80 8.25 7.01 8.14 12.49 7.55 7.20 Pre-test Minimum 172 58 16 12 77 6 132 Post-test Maximum 182 72 18 22 92 18 139 Pre-test Maximum 194 94 37 36 122 28 156 Post-test Maximum 202 100 39 46 128 46 158 τ Test 4.881 5.504 4.310 6.453 4.556 5.315 3.304 p<0.01 t_critic= 3.106 Table 2 – Autonomy Test

TESTS C10M USP UVDP TUG

pre post pre post pre post pre post Mean 6.52 5.44 10.69 7.70 3.63 2.90 6.53 5.22 SD 1.27 0.82 1.53 0.79 2.12 1.19 1.94 0.80 Minimum 4.91 4.39 7.81 6.34 2.03 1.98 4.89 4.39 Maximum 8.38 7.89 14.75 8.40 9.97 6.59 12.72 7.28 t Test 4.091 4.696 1.424 1.646

p<0.01 t_critic= 3.012 timing in secondss

(5)

of AAOS adapted by Norkin and White (1995), and taken from Dantas (1999), it could be noticed that the results were positive for movements of shoulder abduct, plantar fl exion, ankle dorsal fl exion, knee fl exion and hip extension, for they are above the suggested meas. The movements of lumbar fl exion and hip fl exion are under these referred means, demonstrating the great diffi culty for the elderly to have mobility in these joints (cf. Table 3 and fi gure 1). The ACSM (2003) indicates that specifi c movements of lumbosa-cral and hip region are more diffi cult of being used by individual in senescence, what justifi ed these results below the standard. Dantas (2002) points out that the movement of hip fl exion is the sixth movement to suffer from limitations with the increase of the number of lived years, reinforcing the diffi culties of movements which involve this joint.

However, Maron-Klibansky and Dory (2002) suggest that the re-gular attendance at a fl exibility training program reduces the func-tional decline associated with aging and increases the life quality, because it improved the levels of joint amplitude of movements. As a consequence of these found increases, the probabilities of falls and injuries are reduced, as the stability of these movements is re-established in function of the training (Fleck, Figueira Júnior:2003).

Autonomy evaluation vs. reference standards Aragão (2002)

The span of time presented by the sample was considered posi-tive in all the tests, within the category “very good,” according to Aragão’s reference standards (2002), as the found means were in smaller time of completion in relation to the referenced standards. Considering that the sample group is physically independent, and even so there was some progression of the results, i.e., reduction of time completion of autonomy tests, which are shown (cf. Table 4 and Figure 2)

These results suggest that the functional autonomy of this group suffered positive alterations, which can refl ect on physical aspects with better performance of DLAs and risk fall shortening and dise-ases related to aging, and on the psychological aspects with the improvement of self-image and self-esteem, making the elderly feel useful and independent in the social context in which they live (Silva, Matsuura, 2002).

According to the observation of the Table 5, it is reported that there was no signifi cative correlation of the evaluations of movement am-plitude conducted by the goniometric protocol with the autonomy tests. Therefore, this present study suggests further investigations on the approached theme, because it was not expected to fi nd some relations among these variables, what did not occur.

However, the sample reported some positive changes in the life conditions and daily life activities, improving the functional au-tonomy levels and life quality levels, and as well as the aspects related to the social life.

CONCLUSION

Initially, it was observed an amplitude reduction of some joint movements through the collected evaluations in the pre-test. For this reason, it was justifi ed the regular physical fl exibility activities, Figure 2 - Autonomy evaluation graph

Table 3 – Sample mean vs. AAOS means

Movements AO FP FD FL FQ EQ FJ Pre-test mean 183.1 71.8 20.4 22.7 96.7 20.3 143.6 Pre-test SD 6.99 10.45 6.32 7.05 12.82 8.40 8.01 Pre-test mean 191.8 85.8 26.5 33.3 106.9 30.2 147.4 Post-test SD 5.80 8.25 7.01 8.14 12.49 7.55 7.20 AAOS mean 0 – 180 0 – 50 0 – 20 0 – 80 0 – 120 0 – 30 0 – 135

Table 4 – Mean sample vs. autonomy standard means

TESTS C10M USP UVDP TUG

Pre mean 6.52 10.69 3.63 6.53 Pre SD 1.27 1.53 2.12 1.94 Post mean 5.44 7.70 2.90 5.22 Post SD 0.82 0.79 1.19 0.80 Standard Ref. < 6.8 < 10.9 < 4.1 < 7.3 Category Very good Very good Very good Very good

(6)

which in this study was restricted to the dynamic fl exing method, as this is able to interfere more in the muscle elasticity than in the joint mobility, where it is found the major cause of loss of this physical quality with the aging (Achor Júnior, 1999; Dantas, 1999; Robergs, 2002).

After the completion of this fl exibility training program for this sample, it was noticed, according to the tests and having done the inferential statistic treatment for p<0.01, that there was a signifi cant increase of angles for the analysed movements, con-tributing this manner for greater easiness in the daily life activities, lessening and delaying the aging process, and still increasing the life expectancy during the old age.

The researched group tended to come near its limit and homoge-neity with some reduction of standard deviations and improvement of angle means. However, by using the lumbar fl exion movement, it did not obtain a signifi cative reduction of standard deviation, although it has improved the angle mean of movement. Due to this, there were high level of osteopenia and osteoporosis in the lumbar spines, especially in L2-L4 (ACSM, 2003).

In relation to the autonomy tests, the program was effi cient, becau-se it was also made a inferential statistical treatment for p<0.01. It was reported a signifi cant reduction in the time of C10m and USP tests, corroborating for an accentuated improvement in the functional capacity and for the completion of DLAs.

However, the autonomy tests UVDP and TUG did not obtain a relevant increase due to the great proximity to the individual limits of the sample, but also classifi ed as “very good,” as Aragão’s classifi cation (2002).

Therefore, the present study suggest further investigations on the subject matter, specially concerning with the limitations of move-ments of lumbosacral and hip region, because of the relevance of it, and which it was not found signifi cant correlations between the movement amplitudes and autonomy tests.

However, a training program which aims at developing the physical quality, quotes in it, certainly comes to provide some hope to a better life quality and with more quality for elderly individuals, for the autonomy and self-esteem are reestablished, and thus, the life quality is signifi cantly achieved.

REFERENCES

ACHOUR JÚNIOR. A. 1999 Bases para exercícios de alongamento relacionado com a saúde e o desempenho atlético. 2nd. Ed. Londrina: Phorte Editora.

ADAMS, K. J. et al. Progressive Strength training in sedentary, older African American women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Hangerstown, Md. V.33, 9, p.1567-1576, Sept. 2001. Ref: 49

ALEXANDER, N. B. et al. Rising from the fl oors in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. v.45, n.5, p.564-569, 1997.

ALTER, M. J. Ciência da Flexibilidade. 2.ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed, 1999.

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPORTS MEDICINE. Diretrizes do ACSM para os testes de esforço e sua prescrição. 6.ed. Rio de Janeiro: Gunaraba Koogan, 2003.

ARAGÃO, J.C.B, de. Efeitos de resistência muscular localizada visando a autonomia e a qualidde de vida de idosos, 2002. Post-graduation dissertation – Universidade Castelo Branco – Castelo Branco University – UCB. Rio de Janeiro.

ARAGÃO, J.C.B., DANTAS, E.H.M.; PASTORE, J.C. Resistência muscular localizada versus resistência progressiva para a manutenção da autonomia. In. SANTA MÔNICA FITNESS, 3, 2000. Rio de Janeiro. Painel Científi c – III Santa Mônica Fitness, 2000. p.7, v.III. ARAGÃO, J.C.B., DANTAS, E.H.M. & PASTORES, J.C. Efeitos de um programa de resistência muscular localizada e de resistência progressiva sobre a autonomia e independência fun-cionais do idoso. In: Seminário Internacional sobre Atividades Físicas para a Terceira Idade. 3., 2000. Rio de Janeiro: Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 2000. p.81 – 87, v.III. ARAGÃO, J.C.B., DANTAS, E.H.M. & PASTORES, J.C. Evolução na autonomia funcional do idoso após um programa de resistência muscular localizada e resistência progressiva. In: Congresso Internacional: Educação Física, Desporto e Recreação. 16, 2001, Foz do Iguaçu, 2001a. p.95-100.

ARAGÃO, J.C.B., et al. Avaliação da autonomia funcional e da resistência muscular localizada de um grupo de idosos que participarão de um treinamento de RMI. In:Santa Mônica Fitness, 4. 2001, Rio de Janeiro, 2001f. p.16.

ARAGÃO, J.C.B., et al. Análise da autonomia e da resistência muscular localizada em um grupo de idosos. In: Seminário Internacional sobre Atividades Físicas para a Terceira Idade/Congresso Científi co Internacional de Educação Física Esporte e Lazar. 2001, João Pessoa: Gráfi ca/UNIPÊ. 2001g, p.20-21

CHIN A PAW, M.J.M., et al. Developmetn of an exercise program of the frail elderly. Journal of Aging ad Physical Activity. Champaign, III. v.9, n.4, p.452-465, Oct. 2001. Refs.:27. DANTAS, E.H.M., et al. Perda da Flexibiliade no idoso. Fitness and Performance Journal. V.1, n.3, p.12-20, maio/jun 2002.

FARINATTI, P.T.V. Avaliação da autonomio do idoso: defi nição de critério para uma abor-dagem positiva a partir de um modelo de interação saudade – autonomia. Arquivos de Geriatria e Gerontologia. v.1, n.1, p.31-37,1997.

____________. Autonomia referenciada à saúde: modelos e defi nições. Modus Corporis, v.7, n.1, p.9-45, 2000a.

____________. Proposta de um instrumento para avaliação da autonomia do idoso: o Sistema Sênior de avaliação da Autonomia de Ação (SysSen). Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, v.6, n.6, p.224-240, 2000b.

FERINATTI, P.T.V.; VANFRAECHEM, J.H.P. Descrição e desenvolvimento do teste sênior de caminhar e transportar. Artus – Revista Educação Física e Desportes, v.19, n.1, p.81-99, 1999a.

FLECK, S.J.; FIGUEIRA JÚNIOR, A. Treinamento de força para fi tness e saúde. São Paulo: Phorte Editora., 2003.

GURALNIK, J.M., et al. A short physical performance battery assessing lower extremity function: association with self-reported disability and prediction of mortality and nursing home admission. The journal of Gerontology, v.49, n.2, p.M85-M94, 1994.

______________________. Lower-extremity function in persons over the age of 70 years as a predictor of subsequent disability. The New England Journal of Medicine, v.332, n.9, p.556-561, 1995.

IBGE. Base de dados. Disponível em: http//:www.ibge.gov.br. vistit on January 10, 2003. KELL, R. T., BELL, G; QUINNEY, A. Musculoskeletal fi tness, health outcomes and quality of life. Sports and Medicine. Auckland. N.Z. v.31, n.12, p.863-873, 2001. Refs.: 114. KNAPIK, J.J., et al. Risk factors for training healed injuries among men and women in basic combat training. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. v.33, n.6, p.946-954, Jun.2001.

MARINS, J.C.B.; GIANNICHI, R.S. Avaliação e prescrição de atividade física: guia prático. 2. ed. Rio de Janeiro: Shape, 1998.

Table 5 – Goniometry correlation vs autonomy tests

Goniometry Tests AO FP FD FL FQ EQ FJ C10m -0.092 -0.342 -0.398 -0.341 -0,002 -0,343 0.504 USP 0.444 -0.245 -0.304 -0.508 -0.012 -0.108 -0.082 TUG -0.162 0.348 -0.530 -0.481 -0.262 -0.277 -0.285 UVDP 0.029 -0.538 -0.655 -0.527 -0.240 -0.477 -0.468 p < 0.05

(7)

MARON-KLIBANSKY, R; DRORY, Y. Physical activity for the elderly. Harefuah. v.141, n.7, p.646-650, 664-665, Jul. 2002.

MARQUES, A.P. Manual de goniometria. 1.ed. São Paulo: Manole, 1997. MATSUDO, S.M. Envelhecimento e atividade física. Londrina: Midiograf. 2001. NIEMAN, D.C. Exercício e saúde. 1. ed. São Paulo: Manole, 1999.

OKUMIYA, K. et al. Effects of exercise on eurobehaviroral function in community-dwelling older peopole more than 75 years of age. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. v.44, n.5, p.569-572, 1996.

PODSIADLO, D., RICHARDSON, S. The timed “Up & Go”: a test of basic functional mobility for frail elderly persons. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, v.39, n.2, p.142-148, 1991.

ROBERGS, R.A; ROBERTS, S.O. Princípios fundamentais de fi siologia do exercício para a aptidão, desempenho e saúde. 1. ed. São Paulo: Phorte Editora, 2002.

RUBLEY, M.D., et al. Flexibility retention 3 weeks after a 5 day training regime. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation Campaign, III v.10, n.2, p.105-112, May 2001. Refs: 14

SILVA, V.F., MATSUURA, C. Prevenção de quedas em idosos. Fitness and Performance Journal, v.1, n.3, p.39-45, may/june 2002.

SIPILÃ, S., et al. Effects of strength and endurance: training on isometric muscle strength and walking speed in elderly women. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, v.156, p.457-464, 1996. WOOD, R. H., et al. Concurrent cardiovascular and resistance training in health older adults. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. Hagerstown, Md. v.33, n.10, p.1751-1758, Oct. 2001.