Use of the profile of activities and participation to assess the functionality of physically inactive elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Physical inactivity negatively impacts the functionality of the elderly during aging. Objective: To describe the activity and participation profile of physically inactive elderly people and to investigate associated factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study with physically inactive elderly aged ≥ 60 years, both sexes, with good cognitive function and independent in gait. The data collection instruments covered personal factors, clinical history, history of falls in the last year and identification of the Activity and Participation Profile. Nonparametric statistical tests (SPSS 20.0) were performed, considering p <0.05. Results: The elderly (n = 36) had an average of 72.5 years (± 7.7). Most were women (78%), with schooling from one to four years of study (69%), retired (72%), reporting episodes of falling (58%), affected by two to four comorbidities (53%). In the activity and participation profile, most of the physically inactive elderly presented a slight problem for the items: “crawling, kneeling, crouching, walking long distances, walking on different surfaces, walking around obstacles, climbing and using public transportation". However, "kneeling, crouching, walking on different surfaces and climbing" comprise higher percentages of elderly who had a problem. The advancing age (p = 0.045), the female gender (p = 0.022), episodes of falls (p = 0.037) and the presence of comorbidities (p = 0.031) were identified as factors that can impact functionality. Conclusions: Physically inactive elderly presented a “slight problem” in the items of activities and participation that are more related to strength and walking. Where, elderly over 70 years old, the female gender, presence of episodes of falls and comorbidities showed a significant association with reduced or impaired functionality.

 Keywords: Elderly. ICF. Functional Physical Performance. Social participation.