Differences in fitness level between women aged 60 and over participating in three different supervised exercise programs and a sedentary group

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare fitness levels in women aged 60 and over participating in a supervised exercise program (involving tai chi, recreational gymnastics, and/or aquatic fitness) with those in a sedentary group. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on a total of 171 women aged from 60 to 92 who attended public community clubs for older adults. The instruments used included the Senior Fitness Test, the Tinetti Balance Assessment Tool, the Katz Index, and the Lawton & Brody Activities of Daily Living Scale. Significant differences in fitness levels were observed when we compared the exercise groups with the sedentary group. Women with better fitness levels had a lower risk of suffering falls and greater autonomy in performing activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Agility and gait control were found to be independently associated with exercise groups.

Condición física funcional de los adultos mayores en dos ciudades colombianas

“…También, la implementación de políticas públicas que propician ambientes urbanos saludables para la población de adultos mayores puede explicar la diferencia (18). Nuestros resultados muestran que los de mayor edad presentaron menor capacidad aeróbica, lo cual ha sido reportado por otros autores (6,23,24). La disminución de la condición física en los adultos de mayor edad los lleva a disminuir su desempeño durante las actividades básicas e instrumentales de la vida diaria y a afectar la autonomía funcional (6).…”

“…Nuestros resultados muestran que los de mayor edad presentaron menor capacidad aeróbica, lo cual ha sido reportado por otros autores (6,23,24). La disminución de la condición física en los adultos de mayor edad los lleva a disminuir su desempeño durante las actividades básicas e instrumentales de la vida diaria y a afectar la autonomía funcional (6). En un estudio previo se reportó que entre las variables asociadas con una menor condición física están los mayores de 80 años que, además, presentaron niveles bajos de actividad física, dos situaciones interrelacionadas; es decir, los adultos mayores inactivos físicamente tienen una menor capacidad funcional que, a su vez, disminuye su independencia y autonomía para caminar y acceder a escenarios para realizar actividad física como los parques (24).…”

“…Son diversos los factores que determinan la condición física de las personas mayores, entre ellos las características individuales, como el sexo, la edad o el nivel de escolaridad (6).…”

Functional Capacity of Tai Chi-Practicing Elderly People

“…The effects of specific physical exercise programs on older adults have been analysed, but few studies have analysed differences in fitness capacities between different types of fitness programs [ 23 , 24 ]. Studying differences between programs—including its subjectively perceived attractiveness and adherence capacity—may help us to identify or design the most appropriate modalities for older adults and the ones that offer them the most significant benefits.…”

Effect of aquatic resistance interval training and dietary education program on physical and psychological health in older women: Randomized controlled trial

“…In particular, strength exercise in an aquatic environment has been related to improved balance ( 21 – 24 ), as the buoyancy force of the water and hydrostatic pressure/density help participants to slow down movement, and the additional sensory cues provided by the viscosity of the water facilitate the timing of muscle recruitment ( 25 ). Thus, aquatic exercise can ameliorate the negative physiological effects of aging, which are modifiable risk factors and predisposing factors for fall ( 26 ).…”