EVOLUTION OF ANTHROPOMETRIC VARIABLES OF PHYSICAL FITNESS IN ACTIVE ELDERLY WOMEN AFTER FOUR-YEAR PERIOD

Abstract

PURPOSE to compare the evolution of anthropometric variables in active elderly women after a four-year period from 1997 to 2001. METHODS Sample consisted of 82 women from 52 to 82 years old (x: 68.9 ± 6.6 years) who have been taking part in a physical activity program offered by a Senior Center. They were involved in an aerobic program that included low impact aerobics and stretching activities, twice a week, 50 minutes per session during 5.1 ± 4.2 years. This group is part of The Longitudinal Study of Aging and Physical Fitness which has been evaluating a group of active elderly men and women every six months since 1997. The variables measured were: body weight (BW), body height (BH), sitting height (SH), body mass index (BMI), waist (WC) and hip (HC) circumferences, waist/hip ratio (WHR), and body adiposity determined through the mean of three skinfolds (triceps, subscapular and suprailiac). Results at the baseline, and after four years, were compared using “t” test for dependent samples, and the delta Δ variations (p < .01). RESULTS Data showed a significant (p < .01) reduction in adiposity (−9.52%) after four years in the group. However, none of the other anthropometric variables showed any variation from the baseline data.Table: No Caption AvailableCONCLUSION These results suggested that a regular exercise program contributed to reduce adiposity, and to maintain the other anthropometric variables that usually are negatively affected by aging.