Physical Activity

The intervention consisted of elderly-specific physical activity program for one year. During this period a total of 123 physical activity sessions were carried out. Each session lasted 50 minutes and included stretching, aerobic endurance exercises, resistance exercises, activities involving coordination, agility and flexibility, respiratory exercises and relaxation exercises. The sessions took place three times a week, according to American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommendations. Workloads were adjusted for each subject bimonthly according to their capacity. The sessions were standardized and carried out by previously trained physical educators.

The one-leg stance test (OLST) was used to evaluate static balance. A point was marked at eye level on a board approximately one meter from the volunteer. Focusing on this point, the volunteer, with arms akimbo, lifted the leg of his or her choice by flexing the knee. The performance was timed with a chronometer (precision: 1ms) until either the individual lost balance or 30s was reached. The test was then carried out with the opposite leg and the series was repeated until three trials per leg had been performed. The mean time of the three trials was used for analysis.

Aerobic endurance was measured using the one-mile test or the Rockport Walking Test, which consists of having subjects walk 1,609 meters quickly, but without running. The time spent performing the task and the final heart rate were measured.