O papel da força muscular do tronco para o equilíbrio e desempenho físico-funcional de idosos residentes na comunidade: revisão de literatura

Abstract

Introduction: The decline in muscle strength, postural balance and physical-functional performance represents a worse health outcome for the elderly population. Several strategies have been aimed at improving balance and consequently reducing functional disability. Understanding the role of trunk muscle strength in postural balance and physical-functional performance in the elderly is fundamental for clinical practice. Objective: To review the available literature on the role of trunk muscle strength in postural balance and physicalfunctional performance of elderly people in the community. Methodology: This is a literature review carried out in the Scielo, PEDRo and Medline/Pubmed databases, from 2013 to 2023. Observational and/or longitudinal studies that included elderly people (over 60 years old) were selected. residents in the community. Results: Our findings reinforce that there is a positive relationship between trunk muscle strength and balance and physical-functional performance in the elderly, confirmed by 5 cross-sectional studies, 1 cohort and 2 randomized controlled clinical trials. A moderate association was observed mainly between lateral flexors and trunk extensors in relation to the clinical outcomes studied. Furthermore, additional trunk muscle strength training can contribute to improving balance and physical-functional performance in the elderly population. Conclusion: Trunk muscle strength was associated with postural balance and physical-functional performance of elderly people in the community. The inclusion of trunk strengthening can be used in treatment to improve balance and physical-functional performance in the elderly.