O COMPORTAMENTO DA FORÇA, EQUILÍBRIO E PROPRIOCEPÇÃO EM MULHERES IDOSAS SEDENTÁRIAS SUBMETIDAS A UM PROGRAMA DE HIDROCINESIOTERAPIA 1 THE BEHAVIOR OF STRENGTH, BALANCE AND PROPRIOCEPTION IN SEDENTARY, ELDERLY WOMEN UNDERGOING A HYDROKINETIC THERAPY PROGRAM

Aging is a natural, irreversible phenomenon which causes a progressive functional and structural loss in the body. Hydrokinetic therapy aims at improving the health of the elderly by slowing and even preventing functional changes. This research aims to evaluate the effect of a hydrokinetic therapy program on balance, strength and proprioception of sedentary elderly women. The sample consists of 22 elderly women. Data were collected using muscle function tests, Berg scale and finger-nose test. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. It was found out that there was no difference between data on strength, balance and proprioception, although the account of the participants confirm the improvement in the willingness and ability to perform the ADLs, in cardiovascular and muscular endurance, which consequently provided an important autonomy development, self-confidence and their body image.