Physical Function Loss in Active Community-Residing Older Women

Abstract

Ability to perform activities of daily living is associated with physical function that deteriorates with age. However, this deterioration does not probably occur at the same degree if different attributes of physical function are considered. PURPOSE: To analyse physical function loss related to age in active community-residing older women. METHODS: Participants were 422 females living in community aged 65 to 87 years (69.3±5.8yrs), who participated at least twice a week during the last year in a supervised exercise programme. Body mass index, lower and upper body strength and flexibility, agility, aerobic endurance and multidimensional balance were evaluated by the Fullerton batteries for functional fitness and advanced balance. RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed that variance explained by age was higher for multidimensional balance (R2=13.1%, β=−0.362, p < 0.001), agility (R2=11.5%, β=0.339, p<0.001), and aerobic endurance (R2=8,5%, β=−0.292, p<0.001), than for lower limbs strength (R2=4.0%, β=−0.201, p<0.001) and flexibility of lower (R2=4.1%, β=−0.201, p<0.001), and upper limbs (R2=2.6%, β=−0.162, p<0.001). After sample division into five age groups of 60-64 yrs (A), 65-69 yrs (B), 70-74 yrs (C), 74-79 yrs (D) and ≥80 yrs (E), and having the 60-64 yrs group as reference, ANOVA showed a decrease in multidimensional balance, agility and aerobic endurance since 70-74 yrs (A = 35±4 vs. C=32±5points, p<0.001; A=5.2±0.8 vs. C=5.9±1.7s, p<0.001; A=543±69 vs. C=499±76m, p<0.001, respectively), and a decrease in lower body strength and flexibility of lower and upper limbs since ≥80 yrs (A=18±5 vs. E=14±4rep, p<0.001; A=3±8 vs. E=−5±12 cm, p<0.001; A=−4±9 vs. E=−12±12cm, p=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Balance, agility and aerobic endurance were more negatively impacted by age with diminution occurring earlier than loss in muscle strength and flexibility that were maintained until 80 yrs old in this sample of active older women. Thus, exercise intervention for similar groups should be designed taking into account training priorities.