EVALUATION OF THE PROpensity TO FALLS BETWEEN ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO PRACTICE AND NON-PRACTICES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Abstract

Aging is a degenerative and progressive process characterized by functional changes, associated with muscle weakness that causes loss of balance and increased risk of falls, and falls are seen as a serious problem that affect, above all, people over 60 years. The present study aimed to compare the propensity for falls in elderly practitioners and non-practitioners of physical exercises. This study was empirical research applied in the field, with a descriptive objective and a quantitative approach, using the following tests: the TUG (Timed Up and Go) and the functional reach test (FRT), which assess the risk of falls and the loss of balance in elderly individuals. 60 subjects of both sexes participated in this research, 30 practitioners of physical activities and 30 non-practitioners of physical activities. Regarding the TUG, an average of 9.09 seconds was obtained. A significant difference was found when comparing the propensity for falls in elderly practitioners and non-practitioners of physical exercise through the FRT. An inversely proportional correlation was also observed between balance and propensity for falls and between age and propensity for falls in relation to age and FRT in females. Regarding volunteers in general, a negative correlation was demonstrated between age and FRT test score.  It is concluded in this research that the evaluated elderly are considered independent in their activities of daily living by performing the TUG and in relation to the FRT there was a lower propensity for falls in practitioners of physical exercises.