PHYSICAL FITNESS OF THIRD-AGE-GYM GOERS WITH SYSTEMIC ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN MARINGÁ, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT This study investigated the physical fitness of elderly individuals with Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) who use third-age gyms (TAGs) in the municipality of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil. It included 79 senior citizens, of both sexes, users of 13 TAGs located in the city and diagnosed with SAH. For identification of their sociodemographic and health profile, a semi-structured questionnaire was used. Resting blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) were measured. Muscle strength was assessed through elbow flexion and sit-to-stand tests. The participants' physical fitness level was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The findings reveal active/very active seniors, with controlled blood pressure, low index of sedentary behavior and high upper limb strength, but with BMI representing overweight, and low lower limb strength. When it comes to sex, men presented greater values for body mass (p = 0.020), but other factors related to physical fitness showed no statistically significant difference between elderly males and females. It is possible to conclude that the senior TAG goers with SAH, both men and women, presented excellent physical activity levels, associated with good health behaviors, low indexes of sedentary behavior, and controlled blood pressure.