Functional Fitness Components Research Articles

Accelerometer-Measured Volumes of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Functional Fitness in Older Adults.

The objective of this study is to investigate the association between different volumes of accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and functional fitness in older adults in a cross-sectional study (n = 242; 66 ± 5years; 80% women). MVPA was assessed by accelerometer for 1week. Based on the MVPA recommendations, the participants were classified as: (a)inactive (<50min/week), (b)somewhat active (50-99min/week), (c)moderately active (100-149min/week), and (d)active (≥150min/week). These groups reflect <33%, 33%-66%, 67%-99%, and ≥100% of the MVPA recommendations, respectively. Functional fitness was assessed by the Senior Fitness Test battery: 6-min walk test (6MWT), timed up and go (TUG), 30-s chair stand test, 30-s arm curl test, chair sit-and-reach test, and back scratch test. In addition to the analysis for each functional fitness test, a total functional fitness score was calculated by the sum of the z scores of all tests. Generalized linear models were used for data analyses (reference: inactive). Compared with the inactive group (n = 59), the somewhat active group (n = 47) had better performance on the 6MWT and TUG (p < .05). The moderately active group (n = 47) had better performance on the 6MWT, TUG, 30-s chair stand test, and the total functional fitness score (p < .05). The active group (n = 89) had better performance on the 6MWT, TUG, 30-s chair stand test, chair sit-and-reach test, and the total functional fitness score (p < .05). Older adults who engaged in higher volumes of MVPA had better performance in more functional fitness components. However, lower than recommended volumes of MVPA (meeting ≥50min/week) were also associated with greater lower limb functional fitness performance.

Impact of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation and Resistance Training on the Level of Functional Fitness in Elderly Women

ABSTRACT &#x0D; Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) and resistance training (RT) on the level of functional fitness in a group of elderly women.&#x0D; Participants: 63 women (60-65 years) were randomly divided into 2 experimental groups (19 in WB-EMS, 22 in RT) and one control group (22 women). Both experimental groups underwent a ten-week lasting interventional program, the control group was asked to maintain their usual daily regimen and lifestyle.&#x0D; Methods: Senior fitness test battery (SFT) determined the level of functional fitness in participants, and the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) assessed the body composition. &#x0D; Results: The RT group reported a statistically significant difference between pre-and post-test in values of the Chair Stand test (p = 0.04), 8 Foot up and Go (p = 0.03), in the Back Scratch test left side (p = 0.02) and the Chair Sit and Reach test right side (p = 0.05). The WB-EMS interventional program had a positive statistically significant effect only the on level of flexibility of the lower limbs measured by the Chair Sit and Reach test left side (p = 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: The results of all individual components of functional fitness measured by SFT in both experimental groups (WB-EMS, RT) show an improving tendency. Comparing WB-EMS and RT groups, better results were confirmed in the RT group.&#x0D; Study limitations: Extending the length of intervention programs could have a more significant effect on the level of functional fitness in elderly women.&#x0D; Keywords: ageing, functional fitness, Senior fitness test, DXA, resistance training, WB-EMS

Effects of Virtual Reality Sessions on the Quality of Life, Happiness, and Functional Fitness among the Older People: A Randomized Controlled Trial from Taiwan

Background and ObjectiveAgeing is a complex process with physical, psychological, and social changes, which can lead to diseases and disability, and further reduce happiness levels. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology with the potential to improve overall well-being, quality of life (QoL), muscle activity and balance. Our study aimed to determine the influence of VR sessions on the QoL, happiness, and functional fitness components of an elderly cohort. MethodsA non-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted. Sixty participants, who visited the active ageing center at the university were randomized into two groups- intervention and control. The intervention group received VR experience sessions for 15 min twice a week for a duration of 6 weeks, while the control group received no sessions. Participants filled out a questionnaire for QoL assessment and happiness assessment. They were also tested for several functional fitness components. Both questionnaires and fitness tests were conducted at the beginning and at the end of study. ResultsQoL improved by some metrics assessed (Pain/Discomfort and Anxiety/Depression). Happiness significantly improved in the intervention group relative to the control group. Among the functional fitness tests, the back scratch test 1st and back scratch test 2nd were measured to be significantly improved in the intervention group in comparison to control group. ConclusionsVR sessions have potential to influence the well-being and functional fitness of older adults and further support the process of healthy and active ageing. Future considerations could focus on supporting more physical and psychological aspects of the older people through VR content. Trial registrationNCT04166747.

The effect of 8weeks of freestyle swim training on the functional fitness of adults with Down syndrome.

Studies conducted on adults with Down syndrome have demonstrated the improvement of functional fitness (aerobic capacity, muscular strength, balance, flexibility, functional ability, body mass or body mass index) with varying exercise modalities but often with one or two components in isolation. Such modalities included walking, running, cycling, rowing or resistance training. Freestyle swim training has shown significant improvements of all parameters associated with functional fitness in the general population. Swimming is an aerobic activity where many of the large muscle groups are involved and may provide more functional fitness benefits. As a consequence, the purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of freestyle swim training on the functional fitness of adults with Down syndrome. Twenty-six adults with Down syndrome (33±6years; 34±9kg/m2 ) were randomly allocated to an exercise (n=13; 81.3kg) or control group (n=13; 81.5kg). The exercise group performed 8weeks of freestyle swim training, three times a week, 30min per session (increased to 40min after 4weeks). To evaluate differences between groups, a one-way analysis of variance was used, controlling for differences at baseline. After 8weeks of training, the results showed significant differences between the exercise and control group for body mass, body mass index, aerobic capacity, dynamic balance, muscular strength, 12-m swim time and functional ability (P<0.05). Effect sizes ranged from small to large. Various components of functional fitness improved significantly after an intervention period of freestyle swim training. The collective improvement of many functional fitness parameters shown by this study may hold benefits for these often-neglected and in many cases functionally impaired individuals.

The relationship between the level of physical activity, independence in daily activities, and life quality and satisfaction in women over 80 living in rural areas - a pilot study.

Better medicine and health care steadily increases the human life expectancy. Growing number of elderly people and the imbalance of population structure will affect many fields of life, including social security system, joborientation and culture. Therefore it is crucial that the elderly maintain not only good physical health but keep the ability to self-care as long as possible, stay functionally fit and express satisfaction of life in all domains. This study aims to analyse the factors that affect the quality of life in different domains (physical, psychological, social and environmental), like the independence in performing everyday life activities and the level of physical activity of women above 80 years old, living in own households. The study was performed from March to August 2015 in Opole, Lower Silesia and Silesia voivodeship, mosty in rural areas, on 67 women, age above 80 (average 82.9), who filled the standarized questionnaires of life quality (WHOQOL-BREF), physical activity (IPAQ), and self-maintenance in daily living (IADL, Lawton scale). The results show that the life satisfaction of women above 80 years old living in own households in rural areas is highest in the social and environmental domains, while is the lowest in physical health domain. There is a strong positive correlation between the level of physical activity, the level of self-maintenance and the life quality in four of its domains. Self-maintenance and higher level of physical fitness, which are the components of functional fitness, positively correlate with self-assesed life-satisfaction in all domains. It is crucial to stress the importance of physical activity in seniors, preferably in way of dedicated exercising of moderate and high intensity, that will bring benefits not only in domain of physical health but in overall well-being and higher life-satisfaction, the significant factors in healthy ageing.

Balance and mobility relationships in older adults: A representative population-based cross-sectional study in Madeira, Portugal

BackgroundBalance and mobility impairments are important modifiable risk factors associated with falls in older people. PurposeTo investigate how different functional fitness components relate to balance and mobility, after controlling for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and different physical activity (PA) domains. MethodsThis representative cross-sectional study included 802 individuals, 401 males and 401 females (69.8 ± 5.6 years) from Madeira, Portugal. The Fullerton Advance Balance (FAB) scale was used to assess balance. Mobility in terms of gait velocity, cadence, stride length, and gait stability ratio (GSR) were assessed using the 50-foot Walk test. PA was assessed through a face-to-face interview using the Baecke questionnaire, and functional fitness was assessed with Senior Fitness tests (strength, flexibility, and aerobic endurance). ResultsBalance and mobility were negatively associated with age and BMI, and positively related to PA and functional fitness. Moreover, male presented better performance in balance and mobility. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that functional fitness explained the highest amount of variance in balance and all mobility parameters (over and above age, sex, BMI, and PA). Specifically, entering functional fitness components significantly increased explained variance in FAB (+19%), gait velocity (+25%), cadence (+15%), stride length (+9%), and GSR (+ 31%). In these models, aerobic endurance consistently had the strongest contribution. ConclusionStrength, flexibility, and especially aerobic endurance, over and above non-modifiable variables like age and sex, are crucial for maintaining or improving balance and mobility and, thereby, prevent falls in older people.

Nordic Walking Training Causes a Decrease in Blood Cholesterol in Elderly Women Supplemented with Vitamin D.

Different studies have demonstrated that regular exercise can induce changes in the lipid profile, but results remain inconclusive. Available data suggest that correction of vitamin D deficiency can improve the lipid profile. In this study, we have hypothesized that Nordic Walking training will improve lipid profile in elderly women supplemented with vitamin D. A total of 109 elderly women (68 ± 5.12 years old) took part in the study. First group [experimental group (EG): 35 women] underwent 12 weeks of Nordic Walking (NW) training combined with vitamin D supplementation (4,000 IU/day), second group [supplementation group (SG): 48 women] was only supplemented with vitamin D (4,000 IU/day), and third group [control group (CG): 31 women] was not subject to any interventions. Blood analysis of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and 25-OH-D3 was performed at baseline and after the 12 weeks of NW training. Additionally, a battery of field tests specifically developed for older adults was used to assess the components of functional fitness. The same blood analysis was repeated for the EG 6 months after the main experiment. After 12 weeks of NW training and vitamin D supplementation, in the EG a decrease in TC, LDL-C, and TG was observed. In the SG, no changes in the lipid profile were observed, whereas in the CG an increase in the HDL-C level was noticed. Positive physical fitness changes were only observed in the EG. Our obtained data confirmed baseline assumption that regular exercise induces positive alternations in lipid profile in elderly women supported by supplementation of vitamin D.

Optimal retraining time for regaining functional fitness using multicomponent training after long-term detraining in older adults

ObjectivesLittle is known about the optimal retraining time for regaining functional fitness through multicomponent training following long-term detraining in older adults. This study first investigated the time course of functional fitness changes during 12-month multicomponent training, 12-month detraining, and 9-month retraining in 18 older adults (68.33±3.46) and then determined the optimal retraining time for regaining the post-training functional fitness level after a 12-month detraining period. MethodsFunctional fitness, including lower and upper limb strength, lower and upper limb flexibility, aerobic endurance, and dynamic balance, was assessed at baseline, 12 months post-training, 12 months post-detraining, and 3, 6, and 9 months post-retraining. ResultsThere were significant increases in all of the functional fitness components except upper limb flexibility at post-training and no significant decreases at post-detraining. For lower and upper limb strength and lower limb flexibility, a 3-month period was required to regain the post-training condition. For aerobic endurance and dynamic balance, a retraining period ≥9months was necessary to regain the post-training functional fitness condition. ConclusionsTo regain the post-training condition of all functional fitness components, a retraining period ≥9months was required. This information might be useful for health professionals to encourage older adults not to interrupt retraining until they regain their post-training functional fitness condition.

SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FUNCTIONAL FITNESS IN OLDER WOMEN FROM A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association of sociodemographic (skin color, socioeconomic level, educational level, occupational and marital status) and health (high blood pressure, self-reported health problems, use of medicines and health perception), with the functional fitness in older women. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigates sociodemographic and health variables assessed by questionnaires and the association with functional fitness measured with the "Senior Fitness Test". Statistical analysis used the Kruskal -Wallis test to check for differences between age groups, chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses to investigate associations between each component of functional fitness and independent variables. Results: The final sample consisted of 1,806 older women, mean age 68.93 years (SD 6.6). Sociodemographic (skin color, socioeconomic class and educational level) and health variables (High blood pressure, self-reported health problems and health perception) were associated with different components of functional fitness and the overall score of functional capacity. Conclusion: Among all the independent variables, educational level and health perception were those most correlated to functional fitness.

Effects of short-term step aerobics exercise on bone metabolism and functional fitness in postmenopausal women with low bone mass.

The major goal of this study was to determine the effects of short-term group-based step aerobics (GBSA) exercise on the bone metabolism, bone mineral density (BMD), and functional fitness of postmenopausal women (PMW) with low bone mass. Forty-eight PMW (aged 58.2±3.5years) with low bone mass (lumbar spine BMD T-score of -2.00±0.67) were recruited and randomly assigned to an exercise group (EG) or to a control group (CG). Participants from the EG attended a progressive 10-week GBSA exercise at an intensity of 75-85% of heart rate reserve, 90min per session, and three sessions per week. Serum bone metabolic markers (C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen [CTX] and osteocalcin), BMD, and functional fitness components were measured before and after the training program. Mixed-models repeated measures method was used to compare differences between the groups (α=0.05). After the 10-week intervention period, there was no significant exercise program by time interaction for CTX; however, the percent change for CTX was significantly different between the groups (EG=-13.1±24.4% vs. CG=11.0±51.5%, P<0.05). While there was no significant change of osteocalcin in both groups. As expected, there was no significant change of BMD in both groups. In addition, the functional fitness components in the EG were significantly improved, as demonstrated by substantial enhancement in both lower- and upper-limb muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance (P<0.05). The current short-term GBSA exercise benefited to bone metabolism and general health by significantly reduced bone resorption activity and improved functional fitness in PMW with low bone mass. This suggested GBSA could be adopted as a form of group-based exercise for senior community.

A canonical correlation analysis on the relationship between functional fitness and health-related quality of life in older adults

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the relationship between the functional fitness (FF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults, and to identify the key subdimensions of FF and HRQoL influencing their overall relationship. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed among 851 independent community members (65–84 years; men=402). The Senior Fitness Test and the Short Form 36 Health Survey were used to measure FF and HRQoL, respectively. A canonical correlation analysis was conducted using seven fitness variables as predictors of eight HRQoL variables to examine the relationship between FF and HRQoL. ResultsThe overall FF was positively correlated with the overall HRQoL in both men (canonical correlation=0.350) and women (canonical correlation=0.456). The up-and-go and 2-min step contributed the most to FF, and physical functioning contributed the most to HRQOL among men. Conversely, the up-and-go and 30-s chair stand contributed the most to FF, and physical functioning contributed the most to HRQoL in women. ConclusionsThere were positive and moderate relationships between overall FF and overall HRQOL in older adults. The FF has a significant influence on HRQoL, particularly physical functioning. The main FF components influencing the relationship between FF and HRQoL in men are balance and agility and aerobic endurance, whereas in women they are balance and agility and lower extremity muscle strength. Results from this study facilitate comprehensively understanding the relationship between FF and HRQoL, and generating critical insight into HRQoL improvement from the perspective of FF enhancement.

Simulation of realization of ski-racers’ functional potentials in passing ski trails of different complexity

Purpose: to substantiate model characteristics of functional fitness components of elite ski-racers, depending on competitions’ conditions. Material: We tested 20 sportsmen of combined team of Ukraine. Results: it was found that climbing hills of different length and steepness is accompanied by certain functional tension of organism and changes in cardio-respiratory system. It influences on effectiveness of further descent and moving on plain. It was also determined that correlation of aerobic and anaerobic efficiency changes according to trail relief. Conclusions: we worked out model characteristics of skiers’ fitness most important parameters, usage of which can facilitate maintaining high special workability on all segments of competition distance. In particular it concerns climbing hills of different steepness.

Functional training reduces body fat and improves functional fitness and cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women: a randomized clinical trial.

This randomized clinical trial with concealed allocations, and blinding of the assessors and the data analyst, was aimed at determining the effects of 16 weeks of functional training on the body composition, functional fitness and lipid profiles in postmenopausal women. The study began with 64 subjects (N.=32 functional training and N.=32 control group) and ended with 50 subjects (N.=28 functional training and N.=22 control group). The exercise was conducted in circuit training format with 8 stations related to the development of muscular strength (using elastic bands for resistance) plus 3 stations focused on balance, coordination, and agility. The training session also incorporated an 18 to 30 minute walk. The control group did not participate in the exercise programs during the period of study. The participants were evaluated before and after the training period as regards their body composition (fat and lean mass), functional fitness, abdominal strength and blood chemistry variables. Significant reductions were observed in all body composition variables related to fat (FM= -3.4 and Android FM= -7.7%) (P<0.05). The functional fitness components had significant improvements in coordination (-33.3%), strength (66.5%), agility (-19.5%) and aerobic capacity (-7%), and significant improvement in abdominal strength (188.2%). We observed significant improvements in total cholesterol (-4.4%) and HDL (-9.9%). The observed data lead us to conclude that functional training utilizing with elastic bands and unstable bases causes significantly improved in body composition, functional fitness and lipid profiles.

Aptidão funcional em idosas do sul do Brasil: valores normativos e comparação com idosas de diferentes países

Functional fitness loss during aging may compromise the quality of life and independence of older subjects. It is important to evaluate and diagnose the functional fitness of the elderly population. This study proposed normative functional fitness scores for a sample of elderly women from southern Brazil and compared values to their counterparts in the US, Extremadura (Spain), Taiwan (China) and Spain. The study sample consisted of 1,783 older women aged 60.0 to 84.9 years (mean 68.7 years; standard deviation 6.3 years) who performed the proposed motor tests of the Senior Fitness Test for functional fitness in older women. The percentile values specific to each age group were calculated based on the seven functional fitness components: body mass index, 6-minute walk, arm curl, 30-s chair stand, chair sit-and-reach, backscratch, and 8-feet up-and-go. The non-parametric binomial test compared the 50th percentile value of Brazilian older women with those from other countries. Older women´s performance in the functional capacity tests decreased across age groups. The mean BMI varied among age groups from 29.11 to 26.76 kg/m2, 6-minute walk from 572.94 to 486.95 m, arm curl from 17.51 to 15.11 repetitions, 30-schair stand from 15.62 to 14.30 repetitions, chair sit-and-reach from 1.01 to - 0.47 cm, back scratch from -4.92 to -10.52 cm and 8-feet up-and-go from 5.96 to 6.83 sec. Functional fitness scores among older women in different countries differed significantly. However, the direction and magnitude of differences were specific to the functional fitness component. Significant differences were observed in the normative scores, suggesting that the use of international normative scores in Brazilian older women may underestimate or overestimate potential functional limitations.

Physical exercise and functional fitness in independently living vs institutionalized elderly women: a comparison of 60- to 79-year-old city dwellers.

PurposeTo compare functional fitness (FF) levels among independent-living (IL) and day care (DC) elderly women of different age groups and to analyze changes in FF after 8 months of participation in an exercise program intervention for the IL elderly women.Materials and methodsA total of 674 elderly women were divided into four IL groups with age in the range of 60–64 years (IL60–64, n=149), 65–69 years (IL65–69, n=138), 70–74 years (IL70–74, n=135), and 75–79 years (IL75–79, n=83), and four DC groups with age in the range of 60–64 years (DC60–64, n=35), 65–69 years (DC65–69, n=34), 70–74 years (DC70–74, n=47), and 75–79 years (DC75–79, n=53). The intervention consisted of a multimodal exercise training, 3 days per week for 8 months. Senior Fitness Test battery performances were obtained at baseline and after 8-month intervention.ResultsSignificant differences were identified between all IL groups and DC groups in all FF tests (P<0.001), except between IL70–74 and DC70–74 in the chair sit-and-reach. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) identified significant improvements in all FF tests between pre- and posttests in the IL groups (P<0.001), except in the chair sit-and-reach for the IL70–74. ANCOVA also showed a significant declining performance in all FF tests for DC groups (P<0.001), except in the chair sit-and-reach for the DC70–74 and DC75–79.ConclusionIL women are more fit than institutionalized DC elderly women. The multimodal training was effective in improving all FF components related to daily living activities, in all age groups. In contrast, institutionalized elderly showed a clear tendency to worsen their FF over the time.

Portugues

INTRODUCTION: The aging process associated with sedentary lifestyle becomes a concern when analyzing the risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Knowing the benefits of physical activity for health is common to see groups of elderly people seeking a more active life. Thus we sought to know the real effects of systematic training of gymnastics in the functional components of elderly in Triunfo-PE.OBJECTIVE: Identify the effects of gymnastics training on components of functional fitness of elderly in Triumph-PE.METHODOLOGY: Ten (10) elderly subjects were selected from sixty (60) to eighty (80) years. A physical assessment using as reference the battery of Furlleton test was performed. After twelve (12) weeks to re adopted the same procedures used at the beginning of the study was performed. In the analysis, the data of the two assessments were compared by observing the standard deviation between the values obtained in both tests.RESULTS AND DISCURTIONS: After twelve (12) weeks no loss of sampling so that the ten (10) participants of the 3rd age group underwent reassessment. All data collected showed improvement in indices of functional capacity after 12 weeks except for the agility and dynamic balance that exhibit a reduction in the indices obtained from revaluation.CONCLUSION: Systematic training of gymnastics performed between 12 weeks caused positive changes in force levels lower and upper, flexible members, as well as cardiorespiratory fitness. However the training did not influence significantly the levels of agility and dynamic balance, thus causing a reduction in this component in the elderly evaluated.

Effectiveness of combined exercise training to improve functional fitness in older adults: A randomized controlled trial.

The present randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of different exercise training modalities on functional fitness responses in apparently healthy older men. A total of 59 community-dwelling older men were randomly assigned to an aerobic training group (ATG, n=19), a combined aerobic and resistance training group (CTG, n=20) or a control group (n=20). Both exercise training programs were moderate-to-vigorous intensity, 3 days/week for 9 months. Six independent functional fitness tests (back scratch, chair sit-and-reach, 30-s chair stand, arm curl, 8-ft up-and-go, 6-min walk) were measured on five different occasions. The data were analyzed using a mixed-model ANOVA. ANOVA showed a significant main effect of group (P<0.001) for all functional fitness tests, with significant differences between both training groups and controls. However, the ATG only improved the chair sit-and-reach and the 30-s chair stand performance, whereas CTG improved in all functional fitness tests. ANOVA also identified a significant main effect of time for 8-ft up-and-go (P=0.031) in the CTG. Only the combined exercise program was effective in improving all functional fitness components related to daily living activities.

Normative Functional Fitness Standards and Trends of Portuguese Older Adults: Cross-Cultural Comparisons

This cross-sectional study was designed to develop normative functional fitness standards for the Portuguese older adults, to analyze age and gender patterns of decline, to compare the fitness level of Portuguese older adults with that of older adults in other countries, and to evaluate the fitness level of Portuguese older adults relative to recently published criterion fitness standards associated with maintaining physical independence. A sample of 4,712 independent-living older adults, age 65-103 yr, was evaluated using the Senior Fitness Test battery. Age-group normative fitness scores are reported for the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles. Results indicate that both women and men experience age-related losses in all components of functional fitness, with their rate of decline being greater than that observed in other populations, a trend which may cause Portuguese older adults to be at greater risk for loss of independence in later years. These newly established normative standards make it possible to assess individual fitness level and provide a basis for implementing population-wide health strategies to counteract early loss of independence.

State of motor performance of Slovak elderly women

Functional fitness and appropriate level of motor performance is a major determinant of quality of life and one of the key predictors of many health outcomes in later life. The purpose of the study was to measure individual performances in different motor abilities in elderly women and compare their average value of achieved performance with existing norms from different age category point of view. From the Senior Fitness Test battery (Rikli, & Jones, 2001) that consists of six performance-based tasks validate to measure functional fitness components we picked up 3 of them (back scratch test, 8-foot up-and-go test and chair stand test). For further measurements we chose 3 additional tests like modified sit and reach test, test of lateral spine flexion and one leg stand test. 129 elderly women in age from 60 to 89 years participated in our research. We divided respondents into five age categories where we provided comparison of average value of achieved motor performance in selected tests with existing norms. Women of all examined age categories (60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and 80-89 years) achieved average level of motor abilities in all measured test except in chair stand test, where three age categories of Slovak elderly women (60-64, 65-69 and 70-74 years) showed even above-average level of lower limbs strength. In all tested motor abilities active elderly women presented higher level of motor performance comparing sedentary elderly women. On the basis of our results we can confirm, that Slovak elderly women have an appropriate level of their motor performance, where better results were found in-group of active elderly women. By providing different tests we are not recommending one leg stand test for elderly who are older than 85 years of age.

Influência de 12 anos de prática de atividade física regular em programa supervisionado para idosos

Aging is an inevitable process and is associated with declining physiological and functional capacity in humans. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-year supervised physical training program on functional fitness in the elderly. Ten women (mean age: 65 years) participated in the study. The subjects were divided into two groups: a) a trained group consisting of women who had been attending a supervised program including different types of physical activities of moderate intensity over the last 12 years; b) an untrained group consisting of women who were not engaged in any supervised physical activity program over the last 12 years. Functional fitness was assessed using the AAHPERD field-test battery which comprises five single motor tests: coordination, flexibility, strength endurance, agility and dynamic balance, and overall aerobic endurance. The results showed a better performance of elderly women who participated in a physical activity program over the last 12 years. Thus, whereas elderly women who perform regular physical activities in a supervised program tend to show improvement of all functional fitness components even after a period of 12 years, a tendency towards a reduction in most of these components is observed in their non-active peers. These findings seem to predict an increasing gap in functional fitness between these two groups as they grow older, with opposite effects on the quality of life of these subjects.