Abstract

Research in older adults suggests that percent body fat may be most strongly associated with physical function performance, resulting in increased risk for disability and loss of independence; however, the component of body composition that is most strongly associated with physical function in middle-aged females is incompletely characterized. This cross-sectional study examined the impact of lean mass and percent fat on physical function performance in middle-aged females. Eighty females (ages 52.58 ± 6.10 years) were assessed for body composition (lean mass, percent fat) via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, physical activity and sedentary time via accelerometer (steps per day, minutes per day), and physical function via Timed Up-And-Go, 30-Second Chair Stand, Transfer Task, Six-Minute Walk and Lift and Carry. Lean mass (total mass, lean mass index) was not related to any measure of physical function (all p > 0.05), while percent fat was related to Transfer Task, 30-Second Chair Stand, and Six-Minute Walk performance (all p ≤ 0.05). Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed: (1) age, steps per day, and percent fat were related to Transfer Task, 30-Second Chair Stand, and Six-Minute Walk performance (all p ≤ 0.05); (2) age, sedentary minutes per day, and percent fat were related to Timed Up- And-Go; (3) age, and average steps per day, but not percent fat, were associated with Lift and Carry performance (p > 0.05). In middle-aged women, percent fat was most strongly associated with physical function performance, suggesting that modifying percent fat via intervention may be a method for improving functional performance.

Highlights

  • IntroductionWomen over the age of 65 years, are at the highest risk for poor physical function outcomes compared to age-matched men [28]

  • Research in older adults suggests that percent body fat may be most strongly associated with physical function performance, resulting in increased risk for disability and loss of independence; the component of body composition that is most strongly associated with physical function in middle-aged females is incompletely characterized

  • Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed: (1) age, steps per day, and percent fat were related to Transfer Task, 30-Second Chair Stand, and Six-Minute Walk performance; (2) age, sedentary minutes per day, and percent fat were related to Timed UpAnd-Go; (3) age, and average steps per day, but not percent fat, were associated with Lift and Carry performance (p > 0.05)

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Summary

Introduction

Women over the age of 65 years, are at the highest risk for poor physical function outcomes compared to age-matched men [28]. The influence of body composition on physical function in older adults has been widely studied [3, 4, 6, 10, 17,19, 20, 24, 25] This is an important area of investigation as an estimated 38.1% of American females over the age of 60 years old are classified as obese [29], and more than one third of the American population may be at risk for physical disability due to a modifiable condition. In terms of understanding the influences of physical function limitations and physical disability, it is disadvantageous for women to be underrepresented in the literature as women are at a greater risk for having functional limitations and less than optimal body composition compared to age-matched males [16]

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