Déficit de velocidade de mudança de direção: uma abordagem complementar para rastear o desempenho físico funcional em idosas

Abstract

Tests based only on linear pathways may not always be adequate to reveal motor disturbances in those with good gait skills. This leads to the need to carry out complementary analyzes based on functional tests already used in the clinical environment. Two relevant tests of physical functional performance (PFP) for the elderly are the walking test (linear velocity) and the timed up and go (TUG). A possible solution for a complementary analysis in these tests is the speed of change of direction deficit (CODv deficit), which has been shown to be a relevant outcome in athletes from different sports. The aim of this study was to examine the correlations between PFP and CODv deficit in the elderly. The study was completed by 44 elderly women (64.8 ± 2.74 years; 66.975 ± 11.248 kg; 1.537 ± 0.056 m). They performed DFF tests, with the crouch jump (SJ) and counter movement (CMJ) tests, four square steps (FSST), TUG, sit and stand five times (STS5T), handgrip (HG) and walk six times meters (6MWT), fall indicators, the Fall Status Questionnaire (FSQ) and the SHORT FES-I, for correlation analysis with the CODv deficit. PFP tests were performed in three trials. Pearson's correlation (bootstrap) was calculated under the following conditions: strength, power, speed and clinical outcomes in the SJ, CMJ, FSST, TUG, STS5T, HG, 6MWT, FSQ and Short FES-I tests with CODv deficit. The correlation between the CODv deficit and the clinical and speed outcomes in the tests were low (SJ= 0.335 and 0.316; CMJ= 0.322 and 0.303; and TUG= 0.312 and 0.382, p< 0.05) and very strong (6MWT= 0.913 and 0.933, p<0.01). The CODv deficit was shown to provide a more isolated measure of functional physical performance than the TUG time and 6-meter walk, as it isolated the effect of 6MWT velocity within the TUG test. The CODv deficit, as a complementary measure, can help in the choice of exercises to improve the ability to change direction in the elderly. These improvements can reduce the risk of falling while walking faster.