Objective:

To describe the effect of a dose of gradual and progressive exercise of low cardiovascular impact on physical self- concept in a group of seniors.

Methods:

Randomized, controlled clinical trial with a blinded experiment in two equivalent groups (experimental one and control one), under a repeated model of measures The sample consisted of 20 individuals per group. Male and female seniors from 60 to 70 years old with no heart risk, were selected. Seniors with pathologies that could cause limitations on the musculoskeletal function cardiopulmonary functionality were excluded. The intervention consisted of performing exercise gradually and progressively, 3 times a week for 10 weeks. The indicator for assessing physical self-concept was the Self-Description Questionnaire (SDQ), with a Likert response pattern.

Results:

45 individuals were taken; control group 22 adults (age 66.6 ± 6.14) and experimental group 23 adults (age 67.0 ± 7.19); 38 adults completed the progrAm In both groups, women predominated (66.7%), medium socioeconomic level (73.3%) and basic schooling (44.6%). There was no significant difference between the groups before the intervention, in contrast, after the intervention there was a significant difference between them, which resulted in an increase in physical self-concept in the experimental group and a decrease in physical self-concept in the control group.

Conclusion:

The intervention of controlled, gradual, progressive and low cardiovascular impact exercise of three sessions per week for 10 weeks proved to be effective in increasing physical self-concept in the experimental group of adults.

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