Força do tronco de acordo com a idade e o nível de atividade física: as mulheres ativas mais velhas são tão fortes quanto as jovens inativas?

Objectives: To evaluate trunk extensors and flexors muscle strength according to age and physical activity level. In addition to comparing inactive young women with active older women on maximal trunk strength. Methods: Twenty-eight young and thirty older women physically inactive participated in the research. They became active later, with the inclusion of physical activity in their routines. Participants were evaluated for maximal isometric strength of trunk extensors and flexors muscles using a strength sensor connected to a stable wooden seat that isolated the trunk muscles. Dependent and independent t-tests were used for analysis regarding age and level of physical activity. The significance level adopted was ≤ 5%. Results: Regarding the strength of the trunk extensors and flexors, physically active young and older women had a higher level of strength when compared to inactive conditions. Regarding the comparison between inactive young and active older women, it was found that the active older women presented similar levels of extensor muscle strength when compared to the inactive young women. Conclusion: The strength of trunk flexors and extensors was influenced by age and physical activity level. Physically active older women have the same level of trunk extensor muscle strength as inactive young women.