Avaliação da qualidade de vida e força de preensão manual de pessoas idosas fisicamente ativas

Abstract

In the current scenario of the world's demographic dynamics, we can see an increase in the percentage of human aging growth. In the aging process, several changes occur in the physical, mental and social dimensions. These changes can reduce independence, autonomy and ability to perform daily activities, which negatively impacts people's quality of life. This study aimed to verify the strength of manual pressure and the quality of life of physically active elderly people. Methodology: It is an observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study. It was carried out in the university extension program, Open University for the Elderly of the Federal University of Alagoas (UnATI-UFAL). The sample consisted of 23 elderly people, men and women, aged 60 years or older, who were participating in gym classes offered by UnATI - UFAL. In the data collection, the EUROHIS – QOL 8 questionnaire was used to verify the self-perception of the participants about the quality of life, and the test to verify the handgrip strength, through the SAEHAN dynamometer. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics with measurement values of central tendency and dispersion of quantitative variables. Results: The results showed that most people evaluated were female, aged between 70 and 80 years (60.9%), widowed (43.5%), and with a self-report of 1 to 5 morbidities (87%). The total mean score among the domains in the quality of life assessment scale by the questionnaire was 71.2, which is considered a regular self-assessment. The highest averages in the quality of life questionnaire were in the of domains satisfaction with oneself (77.39) and personal relationships (76.52), while the lowest was in financial satisfaction (60) and health (62.6). Mean handgrip strength was higher in the dominant hand (20.14kgf) than in the non-dominant hand (18.99kgf). Conclusion: Regarding handgrip strength, there was no significant difference between the dominant and non-dominant hand. And the quality of life was perceived at a regular level.