Investigating functional fitness of older adults in Korea in the period 2013–2018

Abstract

The purpose of this study is two-fold: (a) to examine differences in the body compositions and the functional fitness tests across genders, age groups, and the test periods; and (b) to develop the functional fitness standards for older Korean adults. This is a cross-sectional study using data from the Korea Institute of Sport Science Fitness Standards. The data were derived from 155,256 old adults aged 65–90 who participated in the National Fitness Award Project from 2013 to 2018 in Korea. A series of t-test, ANOVA, and Cajori’s 5-grade method were used to analyze the data. The group comparison tests revealed significant differences in the body compositions and the fitness tests across genders (p < 0.001 for all items), five age groups (p < 0.001 for all items), and two test periods (p < 0.001 for all items, except for sit-reach [p = 0.138] in males and body mass index [p = 0.258] and grip strength [p = 0.130] in females). The study also proposed the guidelines for the functional fitness standards for this population. This study would provide useful information to practitioners to design more effective physical activity programs or interventions for people at-risk of declining health, thus improving health conditions of the older adults in Korea.

Otago Exercise Program Improves Physical Functional Performance and Reduces Falling Risk in Elderly Korean Women

“…The TUG test assessed the dynamic balance 21. The reliability and validity of the functional physical performance were reported in a previous study involving older Korean adults 22…”

“…21 The reliability and validity of the functional physical performance were reported in a previous study involving older Korean adults. 22 Fear of falling Fear of falling was assessed using the Korean version of the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES). 2 The FES is a 10-item questionnaire covering the following categories: (1) taking a bath or shower, (2) reaching into cabinets or closets, (3) walking around the house, (4) preparing meals not requiring carrying heavy or hot objects, (5) getting in and out of bed, (6) answering the door or telephone, (7) getting in and out of a chair, (8) getting dressed and undressed, (9) personal grooming (ie, washing your face), and (10) getting on and off of the toilet.…”

The relationship between blood pressure and functional fitness of older adults in Korea

“…The functional fitness battery developed by the project for older adults comprised seven tests as follows: (a) aerobic endurance (2-min step), (b) upper body muscle strength (hand grip strength), (c) lower body muscle endurance (chair sit-and-stand), (d) flexibility (sit-and-reach), (e) agility (Timed Up and Go), and (f) body composition (BMI and body fat percentage). Their height, weight, and BP were also recorded ( Jeoung and Pyun, 2022 ). All functional fitness parameters were measured at the center.…”

Impact of Sex on the Association between Flexibility and Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults

“…It was a nationwide project to evaluate physical fitness levels and facilitate a healthy lifestyle among the general Korean population [12]. The study participants were recruited from the general population, and physical fitness tests were conducted at the strength certification centers in Korea [13].…”

“…When the examiner provided the start signal, the participants lowered their upper bodies and used their fingertips to push the measurement plate as far as possible. The distance from the starting point and the location of the measurement plate was measured twice, and the maximum value was recorded in units of 0.1 cm [13].…”