Efecto de un programa de actividad física en la condición física y el estado de ánimo del adulto mayor de la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic was an event that triggered a number of short and long term consequences, particularly the physical and psychological state of older adults. The objective of this degree project is to analyze the effect of a physical activity program on the mood and physical condition of older adults at the Tomebamba Health Center. The methodology used was quasi-experimental and descriptive. The universe of the study consisted of adults over 60 years of age, with a sample of 20 participants by convenience, who participated freely and voluntarily. The Senior Fitness Test (SFT) battery was used to measure the physical condition variable, which is composed of 6 tests. It is evident that after the intervention the group improved physical capacities: resistance (13-15 laps), strength (18-24 rep.), flexibility (-0.10 cm), speed (5.45 sec). Mood was measured by means of the Mood Rating Scale (EVEA), a questionnaire consisting of 16 items with a Likert scale from 0 to 10. In this case, the results showed that there was an improvement of 85% in the evaluation of happiness and a decrease in the categories of anxiety 15%, depression 10% and hostility 10%. In conclusion, the physical activity program had a positive effect on both physical condition and mood, showing potential values in the posttest results in each of the tests, with benefits for this group.