INFLUÊNCIA DE DIFERENTES MODALIDADES DE EXERCÍCIO FÍSICO NA APTIDÃO FÍSICA FUNCIONAL DE IDOSOS

Abstract

In recent years, there have been significant changes in the socioeconomic and health conditions of the world population and, consequently, in the demographic structure, leading to an expressive growth of the elderly population. It is estimated that in 2025, Brazil will have the sixth largest population of the world, with a proportion of approximately 14%. Objective: to compare the functional physical fitness of elderly people practicing different types of exercise (strength training, water aerobics and pilates) and not regular physical exercise. Methodology: the present study is characterized as a transverse quantitative approach with non-probabilistic sampling by accessibility. The sample consisted of individuals over 60 years of age, of both sexes, living in the city of Porto Alegre / RS. The elderly were selected for accessibility in sports clubs, gyms, and personalized studios by nominations. Participants were divided into four groups: strength training practitioners (GF, n = 10), water aerobics (GH, n = 10), Pilates practitioners (GP n = 10) considered as control (GC, n = 10). Results: It was observed that the GF presented better performance in sit and stand tests when compared to the other groups. In the 2.44m walk test, GH presented better performance compared to GP and CG, which presented similar results. For the sit-and-reach test, no significant differences were observed between GF, GP and GH, but all presented better flexibility compared to CG. Conclusions: We concluded that GF presented better performance in upper and lower limb strength, speed, agility and dynamic balance when compared to GP, GH and CG.