Influence of kinetic and functional requirements of health outcomes in the functional mobility of elderly people

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Functional mobility is a determinant factor to promote the independence of the elderly, with influence on physical and mental health. Tests to assess the functional capacity of the elderly should be aimed at simulating daily living activities of locomotion. OBJECTIVE: To verify the influence of functional kinetic requirements and health outcomes on the functional mobility of the elderly in a basic health unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed with 88 elderly, who underwent functional tests to evaluate functional mobility, static balance and lower limb muscle strength. In addition, a depression scale was applied and variables related to elderly health were collected. RESULTS: Functional kinetic requirements and depressive symptomatology were also correlated with locomotion capacity, but muscle strength (Spearman correlation = 0.52, p = 0.000) showed a greater influence on functional mobility. The variables that had an association with a worse functional mobility were: history of falls (p = 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.008) and hypertension (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: In the elderly evaluated, lower limb muscle strength has a greater influence on functional mobility. Being hypertensive, diabetic and/or already having fallen can influence the functional performance of locomotion.