Functional capacity and quality of life of older adults practitioners of câmbio: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the levels of functional capacity and quality of life in older adult practitioners of câmbio. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytic study that evaluated men and women aged over 60 years, practitioners of câmbio in the Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The participants underwent a functional capacity assessment, composed of the sit- and stand-up and handgrip tests. In addition, quality of life was assessed through the WHOQOL-bref questionnaire. Results: Participants were 69 ± 6 years and had a body mass index of 27.9 ± 4.1 kg/m2. The participants practiced câmbio approximately 2.7 ± 1.2 times per week. Regarding the quality of life, results according to the domains of the questionnaire, it was observed that the participants presented values above 75% of the maximum possible. Regarding the performance in the sit- and stand-up test, participants had mean of 22 repetitions (95%CI: 20 to 23) and the average time for 5 repetitions was 7.1 seconds (6.8 to 7.5). In the grip strength test, participants had mean 35 kg (95%CI: 33.7 to 38.2). Conclusion: Older adult practitioners of câmbio presented satisfactory levels of quality of life and a good functional capacity.

Maximum number of repetitions at different percentages of maximum strength in older men: a crossover study

Abstract Introduction: Based on the inverse relationship between the amount of weight lifted and the maximum number of repetitions (RM) performed, the intensity prescription method based on a percentage of maximum strength (%1RM) has been widely used in different populations, including older adults. However, considerable inter-individual variability in RM performed at a given %1RM has been reported in previous studies on this topic. Aim: To compare the number of repetitions performed at 60, 75, and 90%1RM in lower and upper limb resistance exercises in older adults. Methods: Fifteen men aged between 60 and 75 years performed two preliminary sessions (familiarization + and 1RM tests) and three experimental sessions (RM tests at 60, 75, and 90%1RM on knee extension and elbow flexion exercises). Movement velocity for each concentric and eccentric muscle action was 1.5-2 s. Statistical comparisons regarding the RM performed in each %1RM were tested using the Generalized Estimating Equations analysis. Results: The RM during knee extension exercise was significantly lower when compared to elbow flexion at 60% 1RM. On the other hand, the RM during knee extension exercise was significantly higher when compared to elbow flexion at 90%1RM. A similar number of repetitions at 75%1RM were performed in both exercises. Conclusion: Physically active older men can perform different RM at 60% and 90%1RM in knee extension and elbow flexion exercises, suggesting that the use of a specific RM range cannot be associated to the same percentage of 1RM in this individuals.