The aim of this study was to verify the physical performance (PP) and daily sitting time in the oldest population in a rural community dwelling in southern Brazil. In addition, to analyze the association between physical performance tests (PPT) and daily sitting time (ST). This was a cross-sectional, population-based household study. All residents aged 80 years and older were examined in 2010. PPT included standing balance (four measures of static balance), five times “sit-to-stand” test and “pick up a pen” test (assessed by time). Daily ST was estimated by questionnaire. Women of the younger age groups displayed better results in the PPT compared to older women. The men had good results in the tests, independent from their age group (except for 95-100 years of age). For women, the mean time in the “sit to stand” test decreased with the advancing age, whereas for men, we observed the opposite. Men and women displayed similar means in the “pick up a pen” test. The mean daily ST increased with the advancement of age. After adjustment for sex, age, and number of morbidities, the daily ST was ~52 minutes lower for those with better balance (β -52.6; p = 0.001). For those with better performance in the “sit to stand” test, the time was ~35 minutes lower (β -35.8; p = 0.001). Men and women differ in the rate of decline in PPT. The results suggest that longer sitting time is a limiting factor of good performance in tests for the oldest of the population.
