Contributions of hidrogymnastic to activities of daily living and flexibility in older women

Abstract

This study verified the effects of hidrogymnastic on flexibility and daily living activities (AVD) in older women, who were randomly assigned into two groups: experimental (GE - n=18) and control (GC - n=11). Flexibility was measured using a Laffayette goniometer and AVD using the protocol proposed by Andreotti & Okuma. Data were examined through analysis of variance. In relation to AVD, it was observed significant difference between GC and GE for stair-climbing index; in GE it was verified significant increases between pre and post tests for seat and rise from the chair (13,5%), go up steps (14,8%), stair-climbing (8,8%), get up from the floor (22,8%) and put on socks (26,3%). In relation to flexibility, only cervical column rotation to the right increased in GE. It was concluded that, in older women, hidrogymnastic increases AVD ability while its effects on flexibility were modest.