HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL FITNESS IN MALES AGED 15-69.

Abstract

426 While a positive relationship has been documented between functional independence and strength in the elderly, the health implications of musculoskeletal fitness in younger males have not yet been established. Musculoskeletal fitness components of strength (hand grip, push and pull), muscular endurance (curl-ups and push-ups), lower back flexibility (sit and reach), back extensor endurance (Sorensen test) and leg power (vertical jump) were assessed in 260 males, 15-69 yr. Physical activity participation was determined by self report and aerobic fitness was estimated according to Ainsworth et al., Med Ex Nutr Health, 1:75-82, 1993 . Health status was expressed as a composite score derived from responses to three questionnaires. Upper and lower tertiles of the composite score distribution were termed high and low health, respectively. Analysis of covariance (controlling for body composition, aerobic fitness and smoking), indicated that high health status was related to high scores in hand grip strength, pull strength and physical activity participation, while low health status was related to low scores on these fitness components. Chi square analysis indicated a significant relationship between high health status and high scores in muscular strength (hand grip, push and pull), muscular endurance (curl-ups and push-ups), leg power (vertical jump), back extensor endurance (Sorensen test) and physical activity participation. We conclude that musculoskeletal fitness and physical activity participation have a positive association with health status in males, regardless of age.