ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE AND BALANCE IN OLDER SEDENTARY AND PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Abstract

Introduction: Among the physiological changes in the elderly, loss of balance maintenance needs greater attention, given the high incidence of falls which are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this age group. Therefore, the objective is to verify that the current study the practice of physical activity positively affects the equilibrium condition and QOL in elderly women. Methods: This is a quantitative study of transversal and analytical composed of older women, with the ability to walk independently. The volunteers included in the study were divided between the active (GA) and sedentary (GS) were subjected to evaluation through questionnaires IASF, SF-36 and Berg, followed by data analysis by Student t test and analysis of statistical data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS - version 17.0). Results: The sample consisted of 45 elderly divided by 20 to 25 for the GS and GA. The average age among the groups was 72.08 ± 7.12 in the GA and 68.95 ± 9.62 in the GS, no statistically significant differences. There were significant differences for the IASF in which GA had higher education level and higher financial condition compared to GS, Berg questionnaire in the GA had higher scores compared to GS, the SF-36 score was higher in the GA domain and functional capacity GS domain for the General State of Health. Conclusion: The study suggests that elderly practitioners of regular physical activity have better balance and better functional abilities compared to sedentary elderly people who experienced better overall health status at odds with the literature.