Avaliação da capacidade funcional das pessoas idosas com sequelas de Acidente vascular cerebral do PROAMDE

Abstract

In the aging process, it is natural for an individual’s functional capacity to decline with advancing age—that is, their ability to perform activities that enable self-care and full independence in daily life. However, functional decline is also associated with health conditions, such as sequelae from Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA), which reduce autonomy and independence in older adults. This research is an observational, cross-sectional case study with a qualitative data collection approach. Our objective was to assess the functional capacity of older adults with stroke sequelae enrolled in Group H of the Motor Activities Program for Individuals with Disabilities at the Federal University of Amazonas, as a way to guide classroom activities and promote increased autonomy among participants. The instrument used was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), which evaluates gait speed, lower limb strength, and static balance, classifying functional capacity as: poor, low, moderate, or good. Four older adults with stroke sequelae participated in the assessment, 75% of whom were female. The results showed that two had poor performance and two had very poor performance. These findings highlight a significant level of functional impairment, reinforcing the need for specific interventions that promote autonomy and improve functionality.