Mensuração da força de preensão palmar das pessoas idosas frequentadoras do Projeto Vida Ativa em Miracema-To

Abstract

The research evaluated the effects of the Active Life Project program on the handgrip strength of the elderly, an important indicator of muscle functionality and health. The recruitment of participants was done by non-probabilistic sampling through a direct invitation to the Active Life Project (UFT), and had 15 eligible elderly people, 12 females and 3 males. The analyses were performed using the Student's t-test and processed with the Statistical Package for the Social Science - SPSS software, ® version 20.0 for Windows®, considering the significance value p <0.05. The results showed significant increases in muscle strength in both women (2.9 kgf) and men (3.1 kgf), evidencing the program. While women achieved satisfactory functional values, men remained slightly below the reference standard, highlighting the need for intensified stimuli. The study concludes that regular physical activity programs, such as the Active Life Project, are effective tools for active aging, contributing to the functionality, independence, and well-being of the elderly population.