Stretching in the Physical Activity Program for Elderly (PROFIT): improving the elderly’s functional fi tness

Abstract

Several studies have reported physical and psychosocial benefi ts of regular physical activity.Stretching exercises, once they are easy to apply and learn, become a simple and effective way to improve functionalcapacity and quality of life of elderly individuals. In 2009 was created an activity within the extensionproject Physical Activity Program for Elderly (PROFIT), called Stretching group. It aims to present the technical/administrative organizational aspects involved in implementing a stretching group within the university extensionproject and to illustrate the applicability of this type of intervention in the elderly. The group is directed towardwomen, aged 60 years or older who do not engage in systematic physical activity. Due to the support provided bythe university and the ease understanding and applicability of the exercises performed in the stretching group, itseems to be a relatively simple alternative to be implemented within a university extension project. In addition,there was a positive change in the Global functional fi tness index (IAFG) of elderly participants. Thus, the implementationof other groups in different places should be encouraged. It is noteworthy that the multidisciplinaryparticipation in health (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, etc.) would enrich the benefi tsprovided by this type of intervention for the elderly.