FUNCTIONAL GYMNASTICS IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS WITH OBESITY AND OSTEOARTHRITIS CASE REPORT.

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by a high levels of body fat. This is associated in its initial stage with a number of different risk factors: lifestyle and lack of physical activity being the most important, giving rise to. Other conditions including osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Case reports: Two cases of female geriatric patients with obesity in which physical therapy and functional gymnastics applied are presented. The first 70 years with medical diagnosis of spondyloarthritis presenting limited motion of the head and trunk. The second 80 years with medical diagnosislumbosacral osteoarthritis which limited her mobility and their daily activities. Discussion: Functional gymnastics in elderly patients with obesity problems is very beneficial from several viewpoints as it helps to improve coordination, muscle strength and self-esteem as well as decrease the risk of falls.