MULTICOMPONENT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM: STUDY WITH FALLER AND NON-FALLER OLDER ADULTS
Falls are considered a public health problem and physical activity is an effective strategy to prevent fall. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of a physical activity program on physical fitness, fear of falling and quality of life in groups of faller and non-faller older adults. Study was conducted with participants of a multicomponent program of physical activity at a university in Brazil. The participants were assigned to: faller (n=25) and non-faller (n=133) groups. Participants were assessed using the Senior Fitness Test, Falls Efficacy Scale-International Brasil and The Medical Outcomes Study 36. Mean, standard deviation, Student “t” test and effect size were conducted. There was a difference between faller and non-faller individuals at LLFLEX (p=0,05), LLS (p=0,04), BA (p=0,03), FES (p=0,00), SF36 (p=0,00). The group of non-faller elderly people improved physical fitness. The pre test of the faller group showed increased fear of falling in comparison to the nonfaller group. The physical activity program did not influence fear of falling in any of the groups. The quality of life showed better results in the non-faller group, with variation in some aspects between groups and over time. Elderly people with a previous history of falls need a differentiated physical program.