Evolution of physical fitness and functional capacity in active elderly women over 50 years of age according to chronological age in Santos city

The scope of this study was to compare the evolution of physical fitness, functional capacity and bone mineral density in active elderly women over a one-year period. The sample consisted of 78 women from 50 to 79 years of age (c:62.4 ± 7.1) participating in an aerobic program, twice a week, 50 minutes per session during 3.4 years and divided into three age groups: A: 50-59 (n:38); B: 60-69 (n:28); C: 70-79 (n:12). Results were compared using Two Way ANOVA, "post-hoc" Bonferroni and delta (D%) variations (*p<.o1). The velocity of rising from a chair and gait speed revealed a significant difference in the three groups ranging from -14.3% to -45.5%; there was a significant improvement in A and B groups in walking speed (-12.1% to -13.9%), and also in maximum gait speed (-15.4% to -18.5%), elbow flexion in all the groups (18.9% to 24.1%), vertical jump (22.5% to 43.9%) in groups B and C, and rising from a chair in 30 seconds (25.2% to 30.8%) in groups A and B, the flexibility test showed an increase in group A (16.2% to 33.3%) and stationary walking in the three groups of (16,4% 30.0%) and bone mineral density (BMD) presented a significant increase (3.1% to 10.2%). The results indicate the salutary effect of regular physical activity.