Testes mais utilizados para avaliar o equilíbrio em idosos: uma revisão de literatura

Abstract

Aging is an active process in which several morphological and physiological changes occur throughout the body. These changes are characterized as a dynamic, constant and irreversible process, linked to biological, psychological and social factors that lead to an increased vulnerability to non-communicable diseases. The aim of the present study is to investigate which tests are used to assess the balance of the elderly. The inclusion criteria of the studies were the analysis of articles that presented some types of tests used to assess the balance of the elderly. The search for articles occurred in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO) databases. To search for articles, a combination of the keywords [(elderly) AND (falls) AND (balance)] was used. Of the 23 articles studied, we noticed that there are 18 tests to assess the balance of the elderly, which help to assess the condition of body instability that can be used to identify the decline in body balance. Among the results, the relationship between age and sex with the risk of falls, it is known that age above 60 years is estimated as a risk factor for injuries, justifying by the natural aging process. However, it causes structural and functional changes, such as decreased muscle strength, elasticity, sensory and nervous system. The articles that make up this literature review present the most used tests, such as: Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Lawton Scale, Katz scale or Katz Index. These are rapid tests that assess the balance of the elderly. It is concluded that the usual fall is common and fatigue represents a risk factor.