A velhice e a musculação: um estudo sobre os determinantes de adesão na cidade de Porto Velho

Abstract

In recent decades, strength training (bodybuilding) is no longer a physical activity for young people only, and has become the most recommended activity for the maintenance of functional capability and physical independence during old age, due to significant gains in strength and muscle and bone mass, as a result of this practice. As the number of elderly included in this practice is still quite low, this study aimed to raise the determiners of adhesion to bodybuilding practice among elderly from the city of Porto Velho, from a qualitative approach. We used as research strategies, a semi-structured interview and a multiple choice questionnaire, applied in two geographic locations of Porto Velho (7 gyms and Espaço Alternativo, a place for physical activities in general), in which we interviewed a total of 39 elderly. The most important determiners of adhesion were the awareness of the benefits and medical advice, and other equally important factors, yet less important than the previous ones, were perceived free time, previous habit of physical activity, access to the gym, received social support, self perception of health and functional capacity, and stereotypes of the individual about bodybuilding and old age. These factors were influenced by marital status, having children or not, schooling level, monthly income, retirement, type of work performed over the life, diseases, functional capacity, location of the gym, existing cultural values in society about old age and bodybuilding, and having friends/relatives who practice bodybuilding. There are more limiting factors for adhesion to bodybuilding than to physical activities in general, among elderly, resulting in little knowledge about differences of this physical activity and in the still existing stereotypes about old age and bodybuilding. We consider that the poor adhesion of elderly to bodybuilding is because the activity is not included in the current discourse on physical activity and health