PHYSICAL FITNESS AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY OF MASTERS ATHLETES ACCORDING TO THREE LEVELS OF ENERGY EXPENDITURE

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15952325280510

• Palavras-chave: esportes, exercício físico, metabolismo, envelhecimento, qualidade de vida

• Keywords: sports, physical exercise, metabolism, aging, quality of life

• Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the physical fitness and functional capacity of masters athletes based on three energy expenditure levels (METs). Methods: Ninety-one masters athletes from Santos, SP, of both sexes, who practice high-intensity sports (HI) (> 6.5 METs: swimming, adapted volleyball, track and field and tennis); moderate-intensity sports (MI) (4-6.5 METs: choreography, ballroom dancing and table tennis); and low-intensity exercises (LI) (< 4 METs: chess, shuffleboard, bocce, dominoes, checkers and gin rummy) physical fitness were evaluated. Results: Right and left handgrip strength was higher in the MI group; the best results on average in vertical thrust (18.0 cm), getting up from a chair in 30 seconds (19.2 repetitions) and static balance (29.3 seconds) occurred in the HI group; flexibility in the MI and HI groups ranged from 27.4 to 25.8 cm without significant differences; stationary gait in the HI group averaged 135.6 repetitions; in the Shuttle run the MI and HI groups had the shortest time on average, 15.8 and 15.7 seconds respectively, with significant differences. Conclusion: Masters athletes who practice sports in HI have greater flexibility, balance, agility and aerobic power compared to LI practitioners, indicating better health, physical fitness and functional capacity.