Correlação entre força muscular (torque muscular) de flexores e extensores de joelho e risco de quedas em idosos

Abstract

Falls are common and frequent among the elderly, being in the rank among the most serious clinical problems affecting this population. About 30% of elderly fall at least once a year and about half falls on a recurring basis. Aim: To correlate the risk of falls in older women with muscle torque of knee flexors and extensors. Methods: The sample consisted of 19 elderly women, between 60 and 90 years old. The instruments for data collection used were the Downton fall risk index and muscle strength assessment by isokinetic dynamometer at speeds of 120,180 and 240 degrees. For this research the Microsoft Windows Excel was used. It was analyzed descriptive statistics like frequency, mean, standard deviation and the exploratory analysis as: tables, Pearson´s Correlation and Student's t tests, and it was considered significant when the p-value <0.05, among the variables with 95% confidence level. Results: There were significant differences in strength among the elderly that has no risk of falls and those with the risk of falling, these significant differences were observed in 120 ° flexion RK (right knee), LK 120 ° flexion (left knee) and LK 180 ° flexion (left knee). Conclusion: In all speeds, the group of elderly women at risk of falling had a peak torque lower than those who had no risk of falling. The muscle strength decrease in elderly may be associated with the risk for falls.