INFLUÊNCIA DO PERFIL SOCIODEMOGRÁFICO E FREQUÊNCIA DE TREINO NA CAPACIDADE FUNCIONAL E QUALIDADE VIDA DE IDOSOS PARTICIPANTES EM PROGRAMAS PÚBLICOS DE EXERCÍCIOS FÍSICOS

Abstract

Population aging is a worldwide phenomenon. This demographic growth needs to be accompanied by a better quality of life (QoL) and functional capacity. In this context, the practice of physical activity has been encouraged, especially those performed in groups. However, several factors may influence the functional capacity and QOL of the elderly.The objective was to analyze the influence of sociodemographic profile and training frequency on the functional capacity and QoL of elderly participants of public physical exercise programs. This is a cross-sectional and analytical study with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 108 elderly participants of public physical exercise programs in the city of Goiânia, GO, Brazil. An initial evaluation form was used as instruments, the Mental State Mini-Exam (MMSE), the World Health Organization Quality of Life - Bref (WHOQOL-BREF), the World Health Organization Quality of Life - Older (WHOQOL-OLD), the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, (IPAQ), Barthel Index (IB), Lawton Index (IL), the Hand Grip Strength (HSG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the 30 second chair stand (30-s CST). The results showed that there was worse perception of QoL in the elderly with lower income and schooling, who live without a partner and older age. The male had a better score in the psychological domain (p = 0.01), while the women had a better score in the sensorial functioning (p = 0.02). In relation to functional capacity, the elderly with lower income and schooling, who live without a partner with more advanced age and who participate in public physical exercise programs up to 3x per week presented worse functional performance (p <0.05). Elderly people participating in the programs in regions with lower Municipal Human Development Index (HDI) presented worse functional capacity and QoL. It was concluded that the sociodemographic variables influence the QoL and the functional capacity of the elderly. The training frequency presented associations only with the functional capacity. Knowledge about these factors may provide support for more effective intervention strategies, and these should be planned with the focus on the most vulnerable elderly.