INTRODUCTION: The elderly population is presented in an accelerated growth associated with increased life expectancy. The changes in aging can affect the pattern of gait and balance in the elderly may predispose them to falls. As prevention strategy, regular physical activity is indicated to gain strength, balance, proprioception and gait improvement. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of an exercise program on gait and mobility of elderly. MATERIALS ANS METHODS: Eight subjects (three men and five women) over 60 years old participated in the study. They underwent two assessments: 1) march, by the method of marking walkways, and balance through the Time Up and Go Test (TUGT) before and after the six months intervention. For data analysis, we used R software (2.9.0). To compare the data we used the Student's "t" test paired and Pearson correlation, p < 0.05. RESULTS: An increase in stride length and (0.71 ± 0.19 to 0.80 ± 0.19 cm) and D (0.73 ± 0.17 to 0.81 ± 0.17 cm), and stride E (1.44 ± 0.36 to 1.59 ± 0.32 cm). For TUGT observed reduction in the time of the test (of 13.92 ± 3.84 to 9.46 ± 1.68 seconds), and a strong correlation between age and gait speed and support base. CONCLUSION: The exercise program targeted to prevention of falls improved the performance of elderly and positively affected the gait variables.
Aging; Physical activity; Locomotion; Postural balance
