LAUSR

INTRODUCTION Walking speed (WS) is an easy, quick and inexpensive measure that could be used to discern between older people with greater and lesser function and thus individualize physical exercise programs. OBJECTIVES To analyze the differences in physical capacity, physical activity, and quality of life in people over 65years of age who attended a physical exercise program according to their WS and age. METHODS 55 women (mean age: 76.67±6.66years) were divided into groups based on their WS (low WS: ≤1.59m/s and high WS: >1.59m/s) and age (older-younger: ≤76years and older-older: >76years). The following parameters were compared: 10Meters Walk Test (10MWT), Arm Curl Test, Handgrip, Chair Stand Test, 8Foot Up and Go Test (8FUG), 6Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and the Minnesota and The Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires. RESULTS The level of physical activity was higher than 3000METs/week in all groups. The high WS group had better results in the Arm Curl Test, 10MWT, 8FUG and 6MWT and in the Physical Role and Vitality dimensions of the SF-36 (P<.05). The older-older group had lower weight, BMI and Handgrip (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS The best results in physical capacity and quality of life are in those women with higher WS, suggesting that WS could be useful to individualize physical exercise programs.