Influência de um programa de atividade física sobre o torque muscular, o equilíbrio, a velocidade da marcha e a qualidade de vida de mulheres portadoras de osteoporose.

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration leading to skeletal fragility and increasing of fracture risk. Due to the lack of well defined protocols on the intensity and frequency of physical exercises to reduce multiple risk factors in falls, the purpose of this study was to propose, to apply and to analyze the effects of a physical exercise program in balance performance, gait velocity, ankle muscle torque and quality of life in women with densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis. Subjects: 12 voluntary women (age 68.7 ± 2.7) were submitted to a physical evaluation. The group was re-evaluated after twelve weeks. The physical activity program was oriented by a physical therapist, during twelve weeks, with a frequency of three times per week and duration of 60 minutes. Each session included general stretching exercises; twentyminute walking, exercises to strengthen ankle dorsiflexors and plantar-flexors muscles, with 50% of 10-repetition maximum (10-RM) and balance training. The data were statistically analyzed by Wilcoxon non-parametric tests. The variables analyzed regarding to the balance performance, gait velocity, ankle muscle strength and pain, activities of daily living, flexibility modalities in the quality of life questionnaire showed significant improvement (p ≤ 0,05). Consequently, the results obtained in this study allow to conclude that the physical activity program was efficient to improve balance performance, gait velocity, ankle muscle strength and quality of life, suggesting to be an effective and safe training program to women suffering from osteoporosis.