Functional capacity in young and elderly women: projections for an appropriate exercise prescription

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the functional fitness performance between young and older Brazilian women. The sample comprised 80 women designed into two groups: Young Group (YG; 23.2 ± 2.83 year-old) and Older Group (OG; 62.45 ± 8.16 year-old). The functional fitness was assessed through AAHPERD fitness test battery: flexibility (FLEX), coordination (COOR), agility/dynamic balance (AGIL), muscle strength/endurance (MSE) and Endurance (ENE). The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and comparisons of means by Student test for independent measures. The YG showed significant (p<0, 05) better results for all functional fitness components compared to the OG. However, for each component, the magnitude of difference between the groups was distinct. The performance of the OG was inferior to the YG in 22.83% for FLEX; 48.90% for COOR; 57.72% for AGIL; 11.51% for MSE e; 22.62% for ENE. In conclusion, the aging process and/or associated factors impact on a distinct way each of the functional fitness components in women.