RESISTANCE TRAINING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: QUALITY OF LIFE, AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and apply a resistance training program adapted for people with physical disabilities, and verify the effect of this program on functional autonomy, as well as the perception of quality of life for them. Six people with spinal cord injury participated in this study, ages range between 24 and 56 years old, of both sexes, in a city in the interior of the state of São Paulo. The instruments used for data collection were Kawanishi; Greguol tests (2014) and the Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The results showed a significant difference between the pre- and post-test questionnaire, to the extent that in the four areas analyzed (physical, psychological, social and surrounding) can detect a positive perception of the quality of life after engagement in a resistance training program. The average of the physical domain was 56%, increased to 79.8%, as in the psychic realm was 68.8% to 88.9%; in the social field was 63.9 to 80.6 and in the surrouding field from 61.1 to 91.6. Regarding the overall quality of life, increased from 66.7 to 91.7 and the health quality of life was 66.7 to 87.5. As for functional tests, it was not possible to identify statistically significant changes. Concluding, therefore, that the practice of physical exercise, specifically resistance training, can promote the improvement of the perception of quality of life of people with physical disabilities.

Received on: 2021/07/07

Reformulated on: 2021/01/12

Accepted: 2021/01/12