Perfil de força de membros inferiores e flexibilidade em idosos ativos de Venâncio Aires e Santa Cruz do Sul, RS : estudo comparativo.

Abstract

Introduction: The aging process causes several biological changes such as the reduction of important factors in the instability of the elderly, such as lower limb strength and flexibility, an option to minimize these losses, it is the practice of physical exercise. Objective: This comparison study aims to verify flexibility and lower limbs strength in Venâncio Aires and Santa Cruz do Sul (RS) physically active elder people. Methods: Sample is compound of 200 elder people from both gender, 100 residents in Venâncio Aires and 100 residents in Santa Cruz do Sul. Mostly of the sample are women (79%). In order to evaluate lower limbs strength, 30 seconds chair-stand test was used. Flexibility was evaluated by Wells’ seat and reach test. Results: With respect to Santa Cruz do Sul elder people, results for lower limbs strenght test were positive (55% higher than average). Conversely, Venâncio Aires part of the sample reported negative results (68% lower than average). In addition, it was stated that the flexibility test did not reported significant differences when municipalities are compared. Conclusion: It follows that Santa Cruz do Sul elder people have better lower limbs strength levels than those from Venâncio Aires.