Asociación entre fuerza, flexibilidad, medidas antropométricas y estimaciones de masa muscular en ancianas activas

Resumen

Objective: to characterize physically active elderly women and correlate the variables muscle strength and flexibility with anthropometric parameters, Body Mass Index, Waist-Hip Index, Estimated Muscle Mass, and Muscle Mass Index. Methods: cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, developed in a program entitled “Universidade Aberta à Terceira Idade” (Open University for the Elderly) of a public higher education institution, in 2016. Muscle strength was assessed by Handgrip Strength, flexibility by the Sit and Reach test, and anthropometric variables by tape measure. The Estimated Muscle Mass and Muscle Mass Index were calculated from the circumferences of the calf, thigh, and arm. Sociodemographic data were assessed through anamnesis. The Shapiro-Wilk test and Pearson's correlation test were used with a significance level of 5%. Results: 25 elderly women participated, with a mean age of 66.6 (±6 years), medication users, and a Body Mass Index of 30.77 (±5.85). Significant positive correlations were found between Body Mass Index and Waist-Hip Index (r=0.43, p=0.032); Estimated Muscle Mass and Body Mass Index (r=0.77, p=0.00); Muscle Mass Index and Body Mass Index (r=0.83; p=0.00); Muscle Mass Index and Estimated Muscle Mass (r=0.92, p=0.00); Handgrip Strength and Estimated Muscle Mass (r=0.40, p=0.047). And, a negative correlation between flexibility and Body Mass Index (r=-0.42, p=0.036). Conclusion: excess weight limits the flexibility of elderly people and although muscle mass is associated with strength, other physiological adaptations influence the degree of muscle strength.