Balance and aerobic capacity of independent elderly: a longitudinal cohort study

To evaluate the variation in aerobic capacity and postural balance of independents elderly for a period of three years.

The aerobic capacity of the volunteers was assessed using a six minutes walk test (6MWT), the postural balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the number of falls was self-reported and physical activity level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - long version). Evaluations undertaken in 2008 were compared to those performed in 2005.

There were no differences in balance and number of falls between 2008 and 2005 (p>0.05). There was a decrease in aerobic capacity over time of 52.46±8.4 meters walked. The IPAQ showed an increase in physical activity on the second evaluation (83.3%).

The present study demonstrated that balance, evaluated using BBS did not change in the active independent elderly for a period of three years. However, over the there year period there was a decrease in aerobic capacity evaluated using the 6MWT.