Programa de actividad física y recreativa para fortalecer el equilibrio en el adulto mayor de la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

Older adults are a population more affected by the changes or deterioration of the aging process, being themselves a vulnerable group. Balance is a capacity that is altered over the years, and prevents older people from carrying out their daily activities, reducing their autonomy, adding the risk of falling and even the danger of death. The present work aims to evaluate the effect of the physical and recreational activity program to strengthen balance in older adults. The research design is quasi-experimental with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 30 older adults, divided into two groups: intervention group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15), aged between 65 and 94 years, from the Senior Citizen Care Center (CAAM) in the city of Cuenca. The Tinetti test was applied to them to evaluate: gait, balance and risk of falls. A physical and recreational activity program was carried out for three months, twice a week and lasting 60 minutes each session. The results were analyzed using the Student t test, which showed significant statistical differences in the experimental group, with a p value <0.007. This shows that the physical and recreational activity program had a positive result in improving and strengthening balance in the elderly.