Percepção de posicionamento articular e do nível de força em sujeitos idosos e jovens

Abstract

Aging causes degeneration of organic systems and can compromise proprioceptive function which seems to influence balance and postural control. The aim of the present study was to determine proprioception differences between young and elderly subjects. Fourteen elderly (age =66.3 ± 7.2 years-old) and 15 young (age =23.0 ± 2.4 years-old) were submitted to a joint position sense test (PPS) and a perceived force exertion test (PNF). The elderly presented the largest proprioceptive deficit in the PPS test for the upper and lower segments in amplitudes greater than 90o and when required to perform low intensity force exertions (20% to 30% 1RM) of hip extensors and shoulder flexor muscles. The results showed reduced proprioceptive ability in the elderly during the performance of movements of large amplitude for the upper limbs and small amplitude for the lower limbs. Proprioceptive and force control deficits in low intensity muscle contractions were found in the elderly.