Relação entre o nível de atividade física e equilíbrio em mulheres de meia idade e idosas

Abstract

Introduction: The altered balance is a condition associated with the aging process predisposing to the greater risk of falls. The practice of physical activity is indicated as a protective factor to reduce that risk, bringing benefits to muscular strength and functionality. Objective: To verify the relationship between the level of physical activity and the balance of middle-aged and older women. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 206 middle-aged and older community-dwelling women from Santa Cruz/RN were assessed for physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - short version) and classified as having low physical activity level, moderate or high. The time that the participant remained in one-legged balance with open eyes and with closed eyes was used for analysis. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between the level of physical activity and balance with open eyes, closed eyes and with the average time for both. Results: Those with low level of physical activity remained less time in one-legged balance with closed eyes and less time in the mean of the two tests compared to those classified with high level of physical activity (p <0.05) in the analysis of multiple linear regression. Conclusion: There is a relationship between balance and level of physical activity for middle-aged and older women, which highlights the importance of stimulating physical activity to improve balance and, consequently, prevent the risk of falls.