Relación entre el tiempo de reacción, el control inhibitorio y diferentes manifestaciones de la fuerza y la funcionalidad en adultos mayores del programa de actividad física para la salud de la Universidad Santo Tomás

Abstract

Functional mobility, muscle strength, and cognitive-motor ability are critical factors for maintaining independence and preventing falls in older adults. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between lower body muscle strength, reaction time variables, and functional mobility in older adults. Methods: A total of 51 older women (67.61 ± 6.063 years) participated in this study. The following parameters were assessed: reaction time (visuomotor TDR), movement time (MT), and Inhibition Index (%Inh) using the MOART Model 35600; visuopedic reaction time (visuopedic TDR), Squat Jump (SJ), and Countermovement Jump (CMJ) using the Opto Gait; body composition using the InBody 770; functional mobility (using the TUG test), muscle strength (using a dynamometer), and functional capacity using the Senior Fitness Test. Results: The results show that TDR Hand, TDR Foot, and % Inh exhibit moderate and inverse correlations with strength measures, specifically with SJ (TDR Hand: r = -0.476; TDR Foot: r = -0.598; % Inh: r = -0.476) and CMJ (TDR Hand: r = 0.490; TDR Foot: r = -0.614; % Inh: r = -0.490). A strong inverse correlation between TDR Foot and CMJ (-0.614**) is noteworthy. Additionally, a moderate and positive increase was found in the TUG test compared to TDR Hand (0.424*) and TDR Foot (0.497*). Conclusion: Lower body muscle power and TUG functional mobility are moderately associated with visuomotor and visuopedal response time, movement time, and inhibitory control performance. Specifically, higher levels of lower body muscle power and better performance on the TUG test are related to shorter reaction times, shorter movement times, and better inhibitory control performance.