Functional flexibility in institutionalized
sedentary older adults.
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2021
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Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria e Desempenho Humano
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Abstract
The aging process leads to deterioration in physiological functions, decreasing
functional capacity. Since physical exercise reduces deleterious effects, measuring physical condition
is necessary in older adults. The aim of this study was to verify the evolution of the range
of motion in institutionalized sedentary older adults. The sample consisted of 19 volunteers
aged 65-95 years who completed the Chair Sit-and-Reach test (CSR) and the Back-Scratch
test (BS) to measure flexibility of the lower and upper limbs, respectively, before and after a
period of 12 weeks without intervention. The results showed significant decrease during the
control period (BS, p=0.004; CSR, p=0.001). These findings confirm that physical inactivity
could lead to important loss of flexibility of institutionalized individuals, indicating decline of
the elastic properties of musculoskeletal tissues and of connective tissues of joints. Therefore,
the participation of institutionalized older adults in properly prescribed and guided physical
exercises should be continuous and regular.
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Keywords
Flexibility, Older adults, Sedentary Behavior