THE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON THE MAINTENANCE OF MUSCLE STRENGTH IN ELDERLY PEOPLE

Abstract

Objective: To assess the upper limb muscle strength in a group of elderly individuals aged 60 to 80 engaged in physical activities, using the elbow flexion test, and to correlate these results with physiological aging processes and their implications on quality of life. Methods: This is a prospective, interventional study of an analytical, descriptive, and comparative nature. The group consisted of 25 physically active elderly individuals who are participants in a project from a city in the state of Goiás. One hundred elderly individuals are enrolled in the current program from the population of Mineiros, and for data collection, the clinical test for assessing upper limb muscle strength (Elbow Flexion Test) was applied. Results: In the sample, 48% performed the number of repetitions of the upper limb strength test greater than expected for their age, 40% performed within the expected range for their age, and 12% performed below the expected range. Conclusion: It was evident that the muscle strength of elderly individuals engaging in physical activity is generally consistent with their age and gender.