Promoción de la independencia funcional en ancianos institucionalizados

Abstract

Introduction: With aging there is a decline in the physical and cognitive function of the elderly, which leads to impairment of the Functional Independence (F.I.) of the elderly person. Objective: To compare functional independence of two elderly groups with initially similar characteristics, living in a residential structure for the elderly, one of the groups being submitted to a Physical Exercise Program (P.E.P.) Method: Quantitative, quasi-experimental study. A sample of 20 elderly people divided into two similar groups, experimental and control, of ten elements each. One of the groups practiced P.E.P., which included muscle strength training and aerobic training for 12 weeks, 5 days a week, at moderate intensity. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was used to evaluate the functional independence of the elderly at first, and then in second moment, that is, after the implementation of P.E.P. to the experimental group. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics, namely with Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon, considering p <0.05. Results: At the end of the study the experimental group improved its functional independence in the "bath", "bath and shower" and "stairs" sub-levels, while maintaining all others, while the control group maintained functional independence in all evaluated sub-levels. Conclusion: The practice of physical exercise allows to maintain and/or improve functional independence of the elderly.