Associations between physical activity levels with nutritional status, physical fitness and biochemical indicators in older adults.

Abstract

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the major health concerns of all societies that is associated by an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this regard, we compared the anthropometric parameters, physical fitness (PF), lipid profile, and nutritional status of older adults with different levels of physical activity (PA). In this cross sectional study, 220 older people (age: 67.39±2.08yrs) according to their PA levels had been categorized at high (n=72), moderate (78) and low (n=70) PA groups. The International Physical Activity Questionnaires and food frequency questionnaire has been used to determine the PA and nutritional status, respectively. Waist and hip circumference, height, weight, and body mass index of subjects were measured and calculated. Both lower and upper body strength, flexibility, static and dynamic balance, and endurance performance factors were used to determine the level of PF. To assess blood biochemical factors, subjects were asked to visit the laboratory after 12h of fasting. The results showed waist circumference, hip circumference, and body fat percent were significantly lower in the high PA group compared to the low PA group in both males and females (P≤0.05). Upper body strength, lower body strength, static balance, dynamic balance flexibility and endurance were significantly better in the high PA group compared to the low PA group in both males and females (P≤0.05). Moreover, triglyceride was significantly lower in the high PA group compared to the low PA group in both males and females (P≤0.05). According to the post hoc results, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and fasting glucose were significantly better in the high PA group compared to the low PA group in both males and females (P≤0.05). All participants regardless PA levels showed insufficient consumption of zinc, calcium, vitamin E, and vitamin D (P≤0.05). On the other hand, carbohydrate, sodium, iron, vitamin C and niacin intake significantly above recommended dietary allowance (P≤0.05). The results of the current work showed that a higher level of PA improved anthropometric indicators, PF, and lipid profile in Iranian older adults. Moreover, older nutrition should be monitor to maintain their physical health and to prevent them from developing chronic diseases and their malnutrition complications.