Fatores relacionados à força de preensão palmar em idosos vinculados a um centro de convivência em Itaqui/RS

Abstract

The handgrip strength (HGS) is an indicator that allows qualifying the functional health of the elderly, which contributes to prevent functional limitations, thus providing a better life quality to such population. Within this context, the purpose of this study was to assess factors regarding handgrip strength in the elderly participating in a community center in Itaqui-RS. This was a cross Psectional study, as the research considered a convenience sample and involved all the elderly participating in the community center that met eligibility criteria. HGS was verified through a manual dynamometer, which was adjusted to the hand size of each individual. Explanatory variables of the study were: gender,age, nutritional status and physical activity. For the data analysis, descriptive statistics were carried out, and the Student to tests or Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were applied for comparison among groups (p<0.05). NinetyPtwo elderly individuals participated in the study, with an average age of 69.45 ± 6.12 years, from both genders. This HGS test showed that the greater strength levels corresponded to the male, older age group (≥ 70 years), to the nutritional status qualified as low weight and active elderly individuals (≥ 150 min/week), although only gender was statistically significant. This way, results found unusual and important information regarding the factors linked to HGS in the elderly in the SouthPWestern Brazilian border.