Treinamento de força na prevenção de quedas em idosos: revisão da literatura

Abstract

Abstract: Aging leads to physiological changes that impair muscle strength, balance, and mobility in older adults, significantly increasing the risk of falls one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in this population. Objective: To analyze the effects of strength training in preventing falls among the elderly, highlighting its functional benefits. Methodology: A literature review was conducted, selecting articles published between 2014 and 2025 from the PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases, using descriptors in both Portuguese and English related to strength training, fall prevention, and elderly. Included studies focused on individuals aged 60 or older and evaluated the impact of strength training on balance, gait, and muscle function. Results: After screening, seven studies were included. The findings indicate that strength training significantly improves lower limb strength, postural balance, and gait parameters, effectively reducing the risk of falls. Conclusion: Strength training is an effective, safe, and evidence-based approach to fall prevention in older adults and should be incorporated into physiotherapy practices aimed at healthy aging and promoting functional autonomy Key-Words: elderly; falls; physiotherapy; strength training; aging.