Implementación de un programa físico-recreativo en el club de enfermos crónicos del Centro de Salud Tomebamba

Abstract

Aging is a natural process that involves a progressive decline in physical and emotional capacities, directly impacting the autonomy and quality of life of older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of a physical-recreational program in older women with chronic conditions from the Chronic Patients Club of the Tomebamba Health Center in Cuenca, Ecuador. A quantitative, pre-experimental, and longitudinal design was used with a sample of 14 women (average age: 65 years) with controlled chronic diseases. Sociodemographic data were collected through a structured questionnaire, and physical condition was assessed using validated instruments: 30-second chair stand test, handgrip dynamometry, and the Tinetti test for balance and gait. The intervention lasted 12 weeks, with one-hour sessions held three times per week. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v25, applying descriptive and inferential statistics, with significance set at p < 0.05. The results showed significant improvements in all physical variables: handgrip strength (+1.34 kg; p = 0.0002), chair stand repetitions (+4.93; p = 0.0009), and Tinetti score (+3.78; p = 0.00002). Anthropometric indicators also improved: BMI (-0.44; p = 0.0004), abdominal circumference (-2.05 cm; p = 0.0017), and WHtR (-0.014; p = 0.0017). In conclusion, the physical-recreational program was effective in enhancing strength, balance, gait, and body composition, demonstrating its viability and safety as a strategy to promote active aging in older women with chronic diseases in community settings.