Abstract
Muscle strength and functional ability decline with age. Physical activity can slow the decline but whether recreational golf is associated with slower decline is unknown. This cross-sectional, observational study aimed to examine the feasibility of testing muscle strength and functional ability in older female golfers and non-golfers in community settings. Thirty-one females over aged 80, living independently (golfers n = 21, mean age 83, standard deviation (±) 2.1 years); non-golfers, n = 10 (80.8 ± 1.03 years) were studied. Maximal isometric contractions of handgrip and quadriceps were tested on the dominant side. Functional ability was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and health-related quality of life using the Short Form-36 questionnaire. Grip strength, normalised to body mass, was greater in golfers (0.33 ± 0.06 kgF/kg) than non-golfers (0.29 ± 0.06), however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.051). Quadriceps strength did not differ (golfers 2.78 ± 0.74 N/kg; non-golfers 2.69 ± 0.83; p = 0.774). TUG times were significantly faster (p = 0.027) in golfers (10.4 ± 1.9 s) than non-golfers (12.6 ± 3.21 s; within sarcopenic category). Quality of life was significantly higher in golfers for the physical categories (Physical Function p < 0.001; Physical p = 0.033; Bodily pain p = 0.028; Vitality p = 0.047) but psychosocial categories did not differ. These findings indicated that the assessment techniques were feasible in both groups and sensitive enough to detect some differences between groups. The indication that golf was associated with better physical function than non-golfers in females over 80 needs to be examined by prospective randomised controlled trials to determine whether golf can help to achieve the recommended guidelines for strengthening exercise to protect against sarcopenia.
Highlights
By 2037, the number of people aged 80 or over living in the United Kingdom is anticipated to rise to 6 million [1], equating to one in 12 of the population [1]
The indication that golf was associated with better physical function than non-golfers in females over 80 needs to be examined by prospective randomised controlled trials to determine whether golf can help to achieve the recommended guidelines for strengthening exercise to protect against sarcopenia
Bilateral testing was not performed in the present study and it has yet to be determined if asymmetry applies to recreational golfers over the age spectrum
Summary
By 2037, the number of people aged 80 or over living in the United Kingdom is anticipated to rise to 6 million [1], equating to one in 12 of the population [1]. Progressive declines in muscle strength and functional ability with ageing are well documented, reducing the individual’s independence [2] and leading to sarcopenia [3,4,5]. Endurance and resistance training, has been shown to improve strength and functional ability, as well as reducing decline of muscle mass [6,7] but older people are not active enough. Strengthening recommendations for older people have been proposed in various guidelines The World Health Organisation recommends that those over 65 years should carry out muscle strengthening activities on two or more days per week [10]. Golf is a popular recreational activity for older people requiring balance, flexibility and stamina, and is known to benefit cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and balance aspects [11,12,13]
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