The aging process involves whole bodily changes and decline in almost all functions. The regular practice of physical exercise is an attractive and effective strategy for slowing the losses. This study aimed to evaluate the results of physical exercise on the hand muscle strength, flexibility and functional mobility in elderly users of basic healthcare units in Uberaba, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Seventy four elderly participated (56 women and 18 men), matched by sex and age, divided in two groups with 37 individuals each. Hand muscle strength, functional flexibility and mobility were evaluated. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test (p < 0.05). There were significant differences for the two groups concerning flexibility. This study highlights the effectiveness of supervised exercise in the basic healthcare units with respect to flexibility and indicates the importance of modifying training, implementing a more defined protocol with respect to strength.
Elderly; Muscle Strength; Flexibility; Exercise; Catalepsy
