ASSESSMENT OF BALANCE AND MOBILITY OF ELDERLIES AFTER A POSTURE SCHOOL PROGRAM

Abstract

Introduction: Decreased ability to control body balance is a common and serious problem among elderlies, with severe effects on their quality of life. The practice of physical exercises is essential to maintain the balance, agility and functional capacity, and could be made possible through the implementation of a posture school program. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a posture school program on the balance and mobility of elderlies participating of a community group. Material and Methods: The group was composed of 20 elderlies with a mean age of 70.1 years (SD=6.42), who underwent assessment of balance and gait abnormalities through Tinetti scale before and after the program. Results: There was an improvement in balance and coordination after activities were completed. Conclusion: The theoretical and practical activities carried out in the posture school program provided improvements in balance and coordination in the elderly group assisted in the study. DESCRIPTORS: Posture. Postural balance. Aged.