Efeitos do Programa Nine Matrices Exercise no Equilíbrio, Força Muscular e Flexibilidade dos Membros Inferiores em Idosos

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a physical exercise programme (Nine Matrices Exercise -NME) on Balance, lower limbs Muscle Strength and Flexibility in the elderly adults. The sample consisted of a total of 29 subjects, aged between 64 to 87 years old, divided by: intervention group (IG; age= 76,17± 5,21 yrs., n= 18; 4 male) and control group (CG; age= 70,45 ± 5,35 yrs.; n=11; 6 male). Two tests from the Senior Fitness Test of Rikli and Jones, (2001) were used: Chair Stand Test - testing lower body strength; and Chair Sit and Reach Test - evaluating the lower body flexibility. Finally, in order to evaluate static and dynamic balance, the "POMA" test battery was used. The results indicated that: 1) the IG improved significantly from the 1st to the 2nd evaluation in the strength (+ 15.4%), in the flexibility (+ 113.8%) and in the dynamic balance (+18.3 %) of the lower limbs; 2) the CG did not obtain significant improvements from the 1st to the 2nd evaluation in any of the parameters, significantly decreasing the flexibility (-76.1%). The results of the study suggest a positive influence of the Nine Matrices Exercise programme on physical and functional abilities of Elderly adults.