Effects of a physical activity program on static balance and functional autonomy in elderly women

Abstract

Aim. The aim of study was to assess the effects of a physical activity program on static balance and functional autonomy in elderly women. Materials and Methods. The sample was randomly divided into an experimental group (EG), submitted physical activity program, and a control (CG). Mean postural amplitude oscillations were measured in displacement from the center of pressure (COP), left lateral (LLD), right lateral (RLD), anterior (AD) posterior (PD) and elliptical (EA) areas by an electronic baropodometer. Functional autonomy was composed of: walking 10 m (10MW), rising from a sitting position (RSP), rising from a ventral decubitus position (RVDP), rising from a chair and moving about the house (RCMH) and putting on and removing a t-shirt (PRTS). Results. Two-way ANOVA showed that amplitude oscillation of COP in RLD, AD, PD and EA of the EG was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the oscillation obtained by the CG in the post-test. The RSP, RCMH, 10MW and RVDP tests showed that execution times in the RSP, RCMH, 10MW and RVDP tests of the EG were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the times executed by the CG in the post-test. Conclusion. These results show that the elderly in the EG improved balance and performance in the activities of daily living. © 2010 Daniel et al.