Índice de desempenho físico global de idosos

Abstract

This paper aimed to adjust the Global Physical Performance Index for the Elderly [Índice de Desempenho Físico Global de Idosos – IDFGI) in the population of both sexes of Cuiaba city, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, and compare them. We selected 134 men and 218 women, aged 65 years or older. The physical valences were assessed by 10 tests: gait speed, flexibility, right and left unipodal balance, grip strength of right and left hands, legs and lower back and shoulder, to dress and undress the shirt, and sitting and rising from a chair. The IDFGI was determined by multivariate statistics of factor analysis and classified by quintiles, standardizing measurement units and reducing the result in a score. The comparison between the sexes was done by Student's t test. The IDFGIMF for both sexes was: very weak ≥ 9.57 (n = 16); weak 9.56 to 8.31 (n = 129); regular 8.3 to 7.06 (n = 143); good 7.05 to 5.8 (n = 57); very good ≤ 5.79 (n = 7). The IDFGIMF overestimates men and underestimates women by approximately 8% and 16%, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of IDFGIM and IDFGIF were 8.9 ± 1.8 and 7.7 ± 0.09, respectively (p <0.0001). The IDFGI could assess the overall physical condition of the elderly in Cuiaba city, but it seems to be necessary that normative values are divided by sex, possibly due to biological differences that may influence physical performance. Still, the IDFGI can qualitatively and quantitatively assist the design and evaluation of exercise programs.