Avaliação do equilíbrio, velocidade de marcha e risco de quedas em idosos ativos

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is accompanied by the decline of biological functions and presents significant mental, functional, and social challenges. In this context, balance, gait speed, functional capacity, and independence should be developed, minimizing the risk of falls. Objective: To describe balance, gait speed, and risk of falls in active elderly individuals, as well as to correlate these variables with age, sex, type of physical activity, and cognition. Methodology: Observational and analytical study involving 50 elderly individuals who underwent the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) to assess functional capacity and the Clock Drawing Test to evaluate cognition. Results: The mean age of the participants was 74 years. There was no statistically significant difference in functional capacity when comparing age groups, sex, education level, and type of physical activity performed. It was observed that 60% of the participants had good balance, 92% had alterations in gait speed, 66% were at risk of falls, and 58% had moderate functional capacity. Cognitive impairment was more prevalent in males (p=0,04) and elderly individuals with elementary education (p=0,01). Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of cognitive impairment in males and those aged over 70 years. Regarding functional capacity, the results showed moderate risk of falls and low gait speed. It was demonstrated that better cognitive function was associated with higher functional capacity.