Relationship between functional indicators, muscle strength, and mobility in institutionalized older adults engaged in physical exercise

Authors

  • Daniel Vicentini de Oliveira Universidade Estadual de Maringa, Ivaiporã, PR. Brasil.
  • Ricardo Alexandre Carminato Universidade Estadual de Maringa, Ivaiporã, PR. Brasil.
  • Gabriela Silva Breda Universidade Estadual de Maringa, Ivaiporã, PR. Brasil.
  • Danielly Salvador de Mello Universidade Estadual de Maringa, Ivaiporã, PR. Brasil. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8505-8829
  • Daniela Cunha Universidade Estadual de Maringa, Ivaiporã, PR. Brasil.
  • Adrian Fellipe Pereira de Oliveira Universidade Estadual de Maringa, Ivaiporã, PR. Brasil.
  • José Roberto Andrade Nascimento Júnior
  • Andreia Paula Basei Universidade Estadual de Maringa, Ivaiporã, PR. Brasil.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1679-9836.v105i3e-240350

Keywords:

Activities of Daily Living, Sarcopenia, Postural Balance, Functional Capacity, Aging

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the functional profile and investigate the relationships between muscle strength, mobility, balance, and functional capacity in institutionalized older adults participating in a physical and recreational activity group. This was a quantitative, analytical, observational, cross-sectional study conducted in a Long-Term Care Facility for the Elderly in Ivaiporã-PR, with ethical approval. Eleven older adults with independent gait participated, with a mean age of 68.9 years; most were men (72.7%), White (90.9%), had no falls in the past year (90.9%), and used three or more medications (72.7%). The following instruments were applied: Timed Up and Go (TUG), 8-meter gait speed, handgrip strength, 30-second chair stand test, functional reach test, SARC-Calf questionnaire, and Katz Index. The mean results were: TUG = 18.65s; gait speed = 0.57 m/s; handgrip = 16.1 kgf; chair stand = 9.2 repetitions; functional reach = –8.2 cm; SARC-Calf = 7.6 points; Katz = 5.3 points. Analyses showed significant correlations between mobility, muscle strength, and functional independence. The TUG showed a strong negative correlation with Katz (r = –0.88), indicating that longer execution time is associated with lower independence. Gait speed and upper-limb strength were positively correlated with functional performance. It is concluded that, although engaged in physical and recreational activities, the older adults presented limitations in strength, flexibility, and mobility. The findings highlight the need for continuous interventions focused on muscle strengthening, balance training, and stimulation of functional independence.

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Author Biography

  • Daniel Vicentini de Oliveira, Universidade Estadual de Maringa, Ivaiporã, PR. Brasil.
    Graduação em Educação Física e Fisioterapia pelo Centro Universitário Cesumar (UNICESUMAR), especialização em Anatomia Funcional (UNICESUMAR), especialização em Gerontologia pela Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná (UENP). Mestrado em Promoção da Saúde na linha de pesquisa Envelhecimento ativo (UNICESUMAR). Aluno no Programa de Doutorado em Gerontologia pela Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM) da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Atua como parecerista de periódicos na área da atividade física e saúde,educação física, gerontologia e fisioterapia. Professor adjunto da Faculdade Metropolitana de Maringá (FAMMA) no Departamento de Educação física (bacharelado). Coordenador do curso de pós graduação Lato Sensu em Exercício físico e reabilitação do idoso da FAMMA. Possui experiência na área de Educação física e Fisioterapia, com ênfase em morfologia do aparelho locomotor, exercício físico e reabilitação em geriatria e gerontologia, exercício físico e reabilitação de grupos especiais. Membro da Sociedade Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia (SBGG).

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Published

2026-04-30

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Vol. 105 No. 3 (2026)

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Artigos Originais/Originals Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Daniel Vicentini de Oliveira, Ricardo Alexandre Carminato, Gabriela Silva Breda, Danielly Salvador de Mello, Daniela Cunha, Adrian Fellipe Pereira de Oliveira, José Roberto Andrade Nascimento Júnior, Andreia Paula Basei

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How to Cite

Oliveira, D. V. de, Carminato, R. A., Breda, G. S., Mello, D. S. de, Cunha, D., Oliveira, A. F. P. de, Nascimento Júnior, J. R. A., & Basei, A. P. (2026). Relationship between functional indicators, muscle strength, and mobility in institutionalized older adults engaged in physical exercise. Revista De Medicina, 105(3), e-240350. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1679-9836.v105i3e-240350