Força de preensão manual relativa em idosas com diferentes perfis de desempenho funcional de membros inferiores

Abstract

Handgrip strength (HGS) is associated with functional capacity in the elderly. Lower limb muscle strength and dynamic balance are important predictors of functional performance in this population. Therefore, analyzing whether there are differences in relative Handgrip Strength values(HGSrel) between different profiles of lower limb muscle strength and dynamic balance may help to identify older individuals with reduced functional performance simply, rapidly, and cheaply. The aim of the present study was to compare the relative handgrip strength between the different functional performance profiles of lower limbs in elderly women. Sixty-six inactive elderly women (67.1 ± 4.8 years) were submitted to: i) evaluation of HGS ii) evaluation of lower limb strength; and iii) assessment of agility and dynamic balance. Lower limb strength and dynamic agility and balance were categorized as superior performance (above 25th percentile) and lower (below 25th percentile) performance. From this three functional performance profiles were considered: Upper Performance Group (GDS), Moderate Performance Group (GDM), Lower Performance Group (GDI). The one-way ANOVA statistical test with Bonferroni post hoc was used. The elderly women in the GDS presented a higher relative MPF (0.65 ± 0.19 kg) when compared to the elderly GDM (0.46 ± 0.12 kg, p <0.001) and the elderly GDI (0.45 0.14 kg, p = 0.006). We conclude that elderly women with lower functional performance presented low values of relative handgrip strength.