Relation between functional mobility and muscle strength of the elderly in a public physical activities program

Objective: to verify the relationship between functional mobility and muscle strength in a group of elderly people participating in a public program of physical activities, called “Programa Mexa-se”, in the Joinville/SC city. Methods: This was a quantitative, correlational descriptive study, carried out in a non-probabilistic, intentional type. Included a random sample of 42 elderly people (27 women and 15 men), aged between 60 and 75 years, to whom two balance tests were applied: the Sit and Stand Test (TSL) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). The elderly also answered a questionnaire about sociodemographic factors, health and physical activity. Results: Statistically significant (p<0.05) relationships were found for TUGT, evidencing that there is astatistically significant correlation between TUGT and TSL (p <0.022). Regarding the values obtained for TSL with TVM, it also observeda significant correlation (p <0.000), as well as toTUGT and TVM (p <0.003). Conclusion: This study showeda correlation between the functional mobility of the elderly through TSL and TVM tests result. Alsodemonstrated that the group participating in the program had positive resultsregarding the level of physical activity practiced. This results indicates the importance of optimization in the prevention and rehabilitation programs for the elderly, to maintain the functional mobility of elderly community members and reduce the body mass index.