Does the use of third age fitness centers by the elderly modify morphofunctional parameters? - doi: 10.4025/actascihealthsci.v34i1.8354

Abstract

The objective of the study was to analyze the morphofunctional characteristics from users of Third Age Fitness Centers (TAFC) in the city  of Maringá, Parana State. The study involved 86 individuals – 28 men (67.8 ± 5.4 years of age  old) and 58 women (67.6  ± 6.0 years old). The morphofunctional parameters were divided into anthropometric (Body Mass Index – BMI and Waist-Hip Ratio – WHR) and functional (blood pressure – BP). The method used for data processing was descriptive statistics. With regard to nutritional status, men showed higher BMI values compared to women. As for regional body fat distribution, women had higher WHR when separated by different strata, although in absolute values the male average was higher. As for BP, men showed a trend for higher values, but both genders had reductions in BP values in the reassessment, especially women. We can conclude that the three to six-month period of practice at ATA was not able to produce significant changes in the morphologic parameters of individuals over 60 years of age old, regardless of gender. Changes in cardiovascular function indicate important reductions in blood pressure levels, indicating that individualized prescription and regular physical activity are essentials to achieving most significant improvements.