INTRODUCTION: One of the natural processes of senescence is the decrease in muscle strength and mass, called sarcopenia, a slow and progressive process that in the elderly will affect the functionality and quality of life by increasing morbity, dependence, recurrent hospitalizations, risk of falls and fractures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of balance exercises on the strength and flexibility in elderly. METHODS: 13 volunteered elderly women aged 60 to 83 years (73 years ± 5.15), engaged in physical activity were evaluated for strength and flexibility of the lower limbs before and after the application of a balance program, for 12 consecutive weeks, once a week. Strength was evaluated using the test sitting and standing and the flexibility through the sit and reach test. The results were analyzed by ANOVA (p>0.05). RESULTS: There was no significant gains (p>0,05) in the strength and flexibility, but there was a maintaining in the values. CONCLUSION: 12 weeks of application of balance exercises, performed once a week are enough to maintain strength and flexibility of non-sedentary elderly.
Balance exercises; Elderly; Women; Muscle strength and flexibility
