OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between flexibility of flexion and extension of the glenohumeral and coxofemoral joints and functional performance among physically active and functionally independent elderly women. METHODS: Six sets of range of motion (ROM) measurements relating to flexion and extension of the glenohumeral and coxofemoral joints were determined in 22 volunteers (age 70±6 years), using assisted-active goniometry. Functional performance was measured using the following tests: normal walking speed (NWS); maximum walking speed (MWS); sit-to-stand test (SST); timed up and go test (TUGT); putting on a blouse (PBL); going up stairs (GUS); rising from dorsal decubitus (RDD); picking up a coin from the floor (PCF); and 6-minute walk test (6WT). The relationships between the ROM variables and functional performance were tested using simple and multiple regression techniques. RESULTS: There were significant correlations (p<0.05) between coxofemoral ROM and the SST (r=0.42 and r=0.45), GUS (r=0.52 and r=0.53) and 6WT (r=0.58 and r=0.59) (right and left sides, respectively). The multiple regression ratified the results (r²=0.51; p<0.05), thus indicating that coxofemoral ROM accounted for 51% of the variance in the tests. There were no significant correlations between the glenohumeral ROMs and the functional performance tests. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant association between assisted-active flexibility of the coxofemoral joint and some specific functional performance tests. No relationship involving glenohumeral ROM was identified. Additional studies are needed in order to elucidate the relationships between passive flexibility of different joint groups and functional performance in elderly people.
aging; physical activity; flexibility; goniometry; physical fitness
