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The objective of this study was to assess and compare the effects of two programs of physical activities (general exercises and walking training) in manual motor skill of healthful sedentary elderly persons. Thirty elderly persons were recruited (12 men, 18 women), average age of 68.6 years old, sedentary, non-institutionalized. They had their motor skill assessed through a graphic test. The subjects were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 10 each: GA carried out a general exercising program. GB took part in a walking training program. GC acted as the control. GA and GB exercised for four months, twice a week, within a one-hour session, presenting maximum heart rate between 40-70%. The graphic test was applied again and the number of lines and the percentage of correct lines were extracted from it. This datum was later compared to the results obtained in the baseline test of the individual and between the groups through Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the groups. As a result, both tasks improved significantly in GA. In GB, only the percentage of correct lines improved significantly. The effects of the general exercises in the motor skill performance are known. GB's motor skill changes can be related to general physical improvement of the subjects in this group. General exercises and walking training improve manual motor skill in healthful sedentary elderly persons. General physical exercises provide more quantitative and qualitative improvement compared to walking training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aging process is growing in the world. Exercise improves well-being and auto-esteem of aged people by many factors, leading to QOL (quality of life) improve. This study intended to assess the effects of a respiratory exercise program developed in two ways - aquatic and non-aquatic - in the QOL of aged persons. Methods: fifty-nine volunteers between 60 and 65 years were randomized into 3 groups. G1 underwent a program of aquatic respiratory exercises. G2 participated in the same program, but out of the water. G3 did not undergo an exercise program, acting as the control. All volunteers answered SF-36 generic questionnaire to measure QOL. At the end of the program, subjects were assessed once again, with the same questionnaire. Individual results were compared to each subject before and after the program. Average group results were compared between the groups. Results: There were no significant differences among experimental groups. However, physical and emotional aspect responses showed p-values close to the critical point (p= .059 and .054, respectively). Conclusions: Aquatic respiratory exercises seem to improve functional and emotional aspect of aged subjects. However, it does not seen to affect the other SF-36 aspects. Studies with higher intervention time are recommended to get definitive conclusions about it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which compares the forces produced by knee extensors during the make-test and break-test muscle strength tests, and determines the reliability of each test procedure with two retestings. The tests on elder women have been performed using a dynamometer. It has been found that the forces produced during the break-test were significantly larger than the forces produced in the make-test. It is concluded that the make-test seems to be more indicated for elder people.

The article evaluates the flexibility, chest expansion and respiratory muscle strength of individuals with ankylosing spondylitis. Fisher defines the condition as a rheumatic condition characterized by ligament insertion and joint inflammation. Reduction of pulmonary volumes is one of the manifestations of condition. Individuals were tested for maximum respiratory pressures and chest mobility.