["Physical fitness of institutionalized elderly: comparative analysis with reference values"]

In many elders the causes of dependency and institutionalization appear to be simply a progressive loss of functional capacity to undertake the instrumental daily living activities (personal toilet, dressing, etc.). Various professionals thus show considerable interest in the potential to prevent and reverse functional limitations, disability, and dependency by an appropriate regimen of regular PA. The purpose of this study was to characterize the levels of physical performance of 185 institutionalized elders by gender and age, and compare our results with normative standards to determine their functional status. This study reports: (i) men present better physical fitness; (ii) elders present better scores to the standard in the strength and in the aerobic resistance and (iii) worse scores in the flexibility and agility.