Imagem corporal e desempenho físico: uma comparação entre idosos em atendimento fisioterapêutico e idosos sedentários

Abstract

Introduction: Projections indicate that the elderly population will reach approximately two billion people in the world by 2050. This expressive number intensifies the need for specialized attention on ageing process, which might lead to several declines. Physical activity has the ability to slow down aging processes, thus improving the perception of body image, which is the mental representation of the individual about his physical appearance and reflects on his life satisfaction. Objective: Compare self-perception of body image and physical performance among elderly people who does physical therapy and sedentary elderly, as well as the connection of physical activity with satisfaction of body self-perception. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study, held from February to May 2019, with 28 elderly aged ≥ 60 years, 12 of which were in an active group (had been performing physical therapy for at least 6 months) and 16 were in a sedentary group (about to enter the sector). For evaluation, the test used was the 6 Minute Walking Test (6MWT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Jamar ® Hand Dynamometer, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and Silhouette Matching Task (SMT). The methodology used was statistical tests that led to the following results: the 6MWT test showed 0.01 of significance level between the groups and on the TUG test it was 0.03, the BSE and the dynamometry didn't showed any statistical differences, SMT results showed impressive 0.02 in the sedentary elderly group. Conclusion: Elderly who undergo physical therapy demonstrate better mobility, functional capacity and self-perception of body image.