The influence of a program to physical activity related to health in women over 50 years - doi: 10.4025/actascihealthsci.v33i1.7619

Abstract

The senior population is increasing considerably in the last decades. This stage of life is marked mainly by the loss of autonomy on its functional capacities. The loss of the strength is considered a relevant factor on the aging process. A weight training program can improve strength and increase the muscle mass in older individuals. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of a program of AF on health-related variables: Activities of Daily Living, body composition and flexibility, for ten months in women over 50 years old. The subjects were tested before and after the program. The data were processed using the statistical package SPSS 13 for Windows. Was used the descriptive statistical methods to analyze the data with a significance level of 95%. The proposed exercises were: leg press, bench press, rowing catch, calf extension, triceps pushdown, leg abduction, biceps curl with free weights and leg extension. The results obtained in the tests of Activities of the Daily Life were significant, corroborating the hypothesis that a program for the development of strength can be effective on the improvement of aspects of the senior women's daily life, helping for the maintenance and increasing the autonomy of the functional capacities of this group.