Fadiga e cinemática durante a atividade isométrica dos membros superiores

Abstract

Introduction: Fatigue, prevalent and limiting in the elderly, translates into fatigability when normalized to a specific activity. Upper-limb position-sustained isometric task (ULPSIT) is associated with daily activities and can be used to improve health and functional performance. However, it is associated with a high metabolic and ventilatory demand and can significantly impact fatigability. This thesis, comprising a series of articles, examines the influence of ULPSIT on the elderly’s fatigability and its relationship with quality of life and physical activity. Methodology: Three quasi-experimental studies were conducted to explore the effects of ULPSIT on fatigability and its relationship with sample characteristics (I), kinematic changes during activity, and their relationship with performance (II) and perceived (III) fatigability. Results: ULPSIT caused changes in perceived and performance fatigability in the elderly, but they were not strongly related. There were changes in the kinematics of the upper limb, with sex-related specific characteristics associated with perceived fatigability. Conclusions: The use of instruments, such as an IMU module, can be used to early detect fatigue and make strategic adjustments to improve physical and functional performance in the elderly.