Functional Fitness In Older Women Research Articles

Multicomponent training: the effect of a strenght training program on physical and functional fitness in older women

Ageing is a natural, irreversible and progressive phenomenon. It is strongly associated with decreased physical abilities and motor skills, thus facilitating the appearance of degenerative diseases, being aggravated by factors such as a sedentary lifestyle. Multicomponent training applied in to the Third Age, namely, physically active elderly women, could constitute a valid mechanism in the development of anthropometric parameters and motor abilities. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a multicomponent training program on the anthropometric parameters and physical and functional fitness in elderly women. The study was conducted with fifteen volunteer elderly women, ages sixty-five and ninety-four, who performed daily living activities independently and autonomously. We used the Functional Physical Fitness Protocol Test Battery developed by Rikli & Jones (1999) (Pre and post-test). For the statistical data analysis, we used SPSS software version 25.0, for Windows. For comparison, between the study groups, at the two moments of evaluation, we used the t-test for paired samples. For the association between the variables under study, at the second moment of evaluation, we used Spearman's correlation coefficient (r). The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. We concluded that multicomponent training provided benefits in functional physical fitness and body composition of the elderly women under study. It seems fundamental to include physical exercise for the development of motor skills, in its entirety, through multicomponent training exercises, to promote performance capacity in daily life activities, as well as in tasks with a higher level of demand.

Functional vs. dual-task training effects on trunk muscle function and functional fitness in older women with and without chronic low back pain: A randomized clinical trial

IntroductionNon-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP) predominantly affects women aged 40–80 years. Physical exercise is a primary treatment form, with functional training (FT) and dual-task training (DT) emerging as potential modalities due to their distinct characteristics. However, limited information exists regarding the effects of these exercise modalities on CLBP. ObjectiveTo compare the FT and DT effects on trunk function and functional fitness in CLBP older women. MethodologyThis was a randomized clinical trial with two training groups (FT and DT) and CLBP and non-CLBP individuals. We assessed the trunk stability, maximum isometric strength, endurance of trunk muscles, and functional fitness before and after 16 weeks of training ResultsWe found only time effects for circular stability and instability (p <.001), flexors (p =.006), and extensors endurance (p <.001). For the lateral flexors, there was an average reduction of 17.3 units in lateral flexor endurance in the FT compared to the DT in CLBP individuals. For the strength of the flexor, CLBP individuals exhibited an increase of 69.3 units compared to non-CLBP. For the strength of extensors, CLBP individuals showed a decrease of 75.1 units compared to non-CLBP individuals. We identified a time effect for all functional fitness measures (p <.050) ConclusionFT and DT increase trunk stability, maximum isometric strength, and endurance of trunk muscles, besides the functional fitness of CLBP older women SignificanceProfessionals can choose either training type, as there are no differences in the initial 16 weeks of intervention.

Adaptive Behavior is Related to Body Adiposity and Functional Fitness in Older Women

To determine whether indicators of body adiposity and functional fitness are related to adaptive behavior in Chilean elderly women. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 162 elderly adult women. Body adiposity (BA) was determined by body mass index (BMI) and fat mass (FM). Functional fitness (FA) was assessed by means of four physical tests: Arm flexibility, 30-second right arm strength endurance (RFBD), 30-second chair stand (up-and-go) test and the agility test (2.44 m). Adaptive behavior (AC) was assessed using a scale called AC Self-Perception of AC for Women (ACAM). There were negative correlations between AC with chronological age, BMI, MG, and Agility (∼ r= -0.27 to -0.45, p<0.05), while the relationship was positive with leg strength, flexibility, and RFBD (∼ r= 0.17 to 0.26, p<0.05). Comparisons of CA and PA between CA categories were small and medium. The effect size between women categorized as low and high CA was medium (∼ 0.31 to -0.46). However, among women categorized with medium and high CA level it was small (∼ 0.07 to -0.30). The study found that, in women aged 65-84 years, AC tends to decrease with age, while body adiposity increases and functional fitness decreases. It is recommended to implement strategies that address these negative effects of aging, such as prevention and management of body adiposity, functional exercise programs, and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

Effects of weight-bearing dance aerobics on lower limb muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women.

To investigate the effects of 12-week weight-bearing dance aerobics (WBDA) on muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women. This controlled study recruited 37 female participants (66.31y ± 3.83) and divided them into intervention and control groups according to willingness. The intervention group received 90-min WBDA thrice a week for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained normal activities. The groups were then compared by measuring muscle thickness, fiber length and pennation angle by ultrasound, muscle strength using an isokinetic multi-joint module and functional fitness, such as 2-min step test, 30-s chair stand, chair sit-and-reach, TUG and single-legged closed-eyed standing test. The morphology, strength, and functional fitness were compared using ANCOVA or Mann-Whitney U test to study the effects of 12 weeks WBDA. Among all recruited participants, 33 completed all tests. After 12 weeks, the thickness of the vastus intermedius (F = 17.85, P < 0.01) and quadriceps (F = 15.62, P < 0.01) was significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group, along with a significant increase in the torque/weight of the knee flexor muscles (F = 4.47, P = 0.04). Similarly, the intervention group revealed a significant improvement in the single-legged closed-eyed standing test (z = -2.16, P = 0.03) compared to the control group. The study concluded that compared to the non-exercising control group, 12-week WBDA was shown to thicken vastus intermedius, increase muscle strength, and improve physical function in older women. In addition, this study provides a reference exercise program for older women.

Selected Elements of Lifestyle and the Level of Functional Fitness in Older Women.

Background: The appropriate level of functional fitness is a very important element for seniors to maintain self-reliance in daily life. The aim of this research was to assess sociodemographic differences, selected elements of lifestyle, and functional fitness in the older residents of social welfare homes and community dwellers Methods: The analysed group comprised 693 women aged 65–79, including 173 subjects living in social welfare homes and 520 community-dwelling women. Basic anthropometric features were measured, and functional fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test. Basic sociodemographic characteristics, as well as data on health self-assessment and selected elements of lifestyle, were also collected. Results: The female residents of social welfare homes were found to have a lower body mass index (BMI), and they came from smaller cities, compared with community-dwelling older women. Furthermore, almost a third of them had no children and completed primary or vocational education. They also reported smoking, poor health conditions, and lack of physical activity. The functional fitness of women living in social welfare homes was significantly lower than in community-dwelling women. Conclusions: As seniors living in social welfare homes have such a significantly reduced level of functional fitness, compared with their peers living independently, it is necessary to include them in adaptive physical activity and diversified daily activities.

The impact of resistance training on body composition, muscle strength, and functional fitness in older women (45-80 years): A systematic review (2010-2020).

As women age, they typically experience a progressive decrease in skeletal muscle mass and strength, which can lead to a decline in functional fitness and quality of life. Resistance training (RT) has the potential to attenuate these losses. Although well established for men, evidence regarding the benefits of RT for women is sparse and inconsistent: prior reviews include too few studies with women and do not adequately examine the interactive or additive impacts of workload, modalities, and nutritional supplements on outcomes such as muscle mass (MM), body composition (BC), muscle strength (MS), and functional fitness (FF). The purpose of this review is to identify these gaps. Thirty-eight papers published between 2010 and 2020 (in English) represent 2519 subjects (mean age = 66.89 ± 4.91 years). Intervention averages include 2 to 3 × 50 min sessions across 15 weeks with 7 exercises per session and 11 repetitions per set. Twelve studies (32%) examined the impact of RT plus dietary manipulation. MM, MS, and FF showed positive changes after RT. Adding RT to fitness regimens for peri- to postmenopausal women is likely to have positive benefits.

120 min/week of neuromotor multicomponent training are enough to improve executive function and functional fitness in older women.

The study aimed at comparing the effects of a neuromotor multicomponent training program (MCTP) on executive function, functional fitness, blood pressure, body composition and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), compared with a concurrent strength and endurance exercise training program (CONTROL-EXE) and a cognitive training program (CONTROL-COG). 56 older women (73±6years) completed the 30-weeks intervention. The three groups attended two 60-min sessions per week and they were assessed before and after the intervention. MCTP showed a moderate improvement in Stroop C condition (28±7 vs 32±8 correct items; p=0.001; d=0.53) and Stroop interference score (-7.4±7.3 vs -3.7±6.1; p=0.035; d=0.55), while no changes were observed among control groups. MCTP showed a small to moderate improvement in Timed Up and Go test (TUGT) (5.85±0.58 vs 5.46±0.56s; p<0.001; d=0.71) and Chair-Stand test (CST) (18±4 vs 19±4 repetitions; p<0.001; d=0.47); while CONTROL-EXE only improved moderately at TUGT (7.02±1.1 vs 6.44±0.91s; p=0.005; d=0.59) and CONTROL-COG showed a moderate to small worsening in TUGT, CST and handgrip strength. Additionally, MCTP enhanced body composition and HRQOL. Lastly, both exercise groups showed lowered blood pressure values. Our results suggest that a neuromotor MCTP could be considered as a highly suitable training to enhance executive function, functional fitness, HRQOL and body composition in older women.

Muscle Power Mediates The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Functional Fitness In Older Women

Muscle power is critical for older people to independently and safely perform the activities of daily living. Physical activity in general and resistance training, in particular, are essential for the prevention of muscle power loss with ageing. PURPOSE: To analyze the associations between moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and functional fitness in older women, including the role of muscle power in mediating these associations. METHODS: Participants were 54 older women with a mean age 73.5±6.8yrs. MVPA (min day−1) was measured by accelerometry. Lower limb peak muscle power (W/kg) was assessed using a mechanography ground reaction force platform. Functional fitness (lower body strength, agility/dynamic balance, and aerobic endurance) was objectively assessed through physical fitness tests from the Senior Fitness Battery, respectively: 30s chair stand (repetitions), 8-foot up-and-go (s), and 6-minute walk test (m). Functional fitness was also subjectively evaluated via the 12-item Composite Physical Function Scale Questionnaire which gives a global score of physical function (points). Direct and indirect mediation model effects were estimated using the PROCESS macro developed by Preacher and Hayes, and 95% bootstrap confidence intervals were constructed to test the hypothesis that muscle power mediated associations. Age was examined as a covariate. RESULTS: A significant portion (40-78%) of the total effect of MVPA on functional fitness in older women was explained by muscle power. The indirect effects were observed on physical function global score (β=0.040 95% CI [0.010, 0.099]) and in each of the functional fitness parameters: lower body strength (β=0.048, 95% CI [0.013, 0.117]), agility/dynamic (β=-0.009, 95% CI [-0.024, - 0.002]) and aerobic endurance (β=0.656, 95% CI [0.146, 1.694]). There were no direct effects of MVPA on functional fitness. CONCLUSION: To improve functional fitness in older women, physical activity interventions should consider the mediating role of muscle power and include activities that require force to be rapidly generated.

The Effect of Exercise Order in Circuit Training on Muscular Strength and Functional Fitness in Older Women

The Effect of Exercise Order in Circuit Training on Muscular Strength and Functional Fitness in Older Women

신체활동 교육이 여성 노인의 보행능력과 전도관련기능체력에 미치는 영향

신체활동 교육이 여성 노인의 보행능력과 전도관련기능체력에 미치는 영향

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.

Functional fitness and body composition of active older women in different age categories

Abstract Introduction: Physical activity is one of the basic elements that affect functional performance and body composition. The age may result in adverse changes in these parameters. The study aimed to compare the functional fitness and body composition in physically active women over 60 years old in different age groups and determine the relationship between those two components. Material and methods: The study participants attended gymnastic classes at the University of Third Age of Warsaw University of Technology. A total of 39 women were examined in three age categories - 60-64 years (13 women), 65-69 years (13 women), 70-74 years (13 women). The study used the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) to assess functional fitness. Body composition was tested using a device Tanita BC 420. Results: Statistical analysis showed no statistically significant (p≤0.05) differences in functional fitness and body composition between women of different age groups. A statistically significant negative correlation was found for Back Scratch test with BMI and percentage of body fat and a positive with muscle mass. Additionally, 8-ft up-and-go test positively correlated with BMI and percentage of body fat and negatively with muscle mass. Conclusions: Regular physical activity allows to maintain the level of functional fitness in older women. Element requiring additional commitment are flexibility exercises. The study confirmed the relationship between body composition and functional fitness of older women.

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.

Age and Task Differences in Functional Fitness in Older Women: Comparisons with Senior Fitness Test Normative and Criterion-Referenced Data

Age and Task Differences in Functional Fitness in Older Women: Comparisons with Senior Fitness Test Normative and Criterion-Referenced Data

Age and Task Differences in Functional Fitness in Older Women: Comparisons With Senior Fitness Test Normative and Criterion-referenced Data

Age and Task Differences in Functional Fitness in Older Women: Comparisons With Senior Fitness Test Normative and Criterion-referenced Data

Age and Task Differences in Functional Fitness in Older Women: Comparisons With Senior Fitness Test Normative and Criterion-Referenced Data

Age-related changes in physical abilities, such as strength and flexibility, contribute to functional losses. However, older individuals may be unaware of what specific physical abilities compromise independent functioning. Three groups of women, aged 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and 80 to 92 years, were administered the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) to determine age differences in physical abilities and risk for functional losses. The oldest group showed significant differences in lower body strength, aerobic endurance, and agility and dynamic balance when compared with the other groups who performed similarly. Across all groups, a faster rate of decline was found for lower body strength (50.6%) and dynamic balance and agility (45.7%) than upper body strength (21.3%) and aerobic endurance (33.6%). Criterion-referenced (CR) fitness standards suggested that 45% of the individuals were at risk for loss of independent functioning. This study highlights age-related differences in physical abilities and the risk for the loss of independence in later life.

Effects of a Moderate-intensity Walking Program on Blood Pressure, Body Composition and Functional Fitness in Older Women: results of a pilot study

Objective : The positive impact of regular physical activity among older adults is well recognized. However, few studies have assessed the effectiveness of walking exercise programs in older women with regard to their impact on physical fitness, body composition and resting blood pressure. Therefore, the aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a moderate-intensity walking program on the physical fitness body composition and resting blood pressure of older women. Design: Twenty-two older women (71.4±5.9 years; BMI= 27.7±2.6) not in the habit of regularly exercising volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were evaluated at three distinct points in time: at baseline, after four months with no exercise, and after participating in a four month walking program. Habitual physical activity, blood pressure, heart rate, body composition (DXA) and physical fitness (Senior Fitness Test) were assessed each time. Training consisted of a 10 minute warm up, 30 minutes of walking at an intensity corresponding to 50-70% HR Reserve and ending with a 10 minute cool-down. Results: After walking, data demonstrated: i) a mean reduction of 12mmHg (p = 0.001) in the women’s systolic blood pressure; ii) improvements of 5 repetitions (p < 0.001) on the muscular endurance of the lower limbs; iii) however, there were no significant alterations after the walking program on body composition variables. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a four month’s walking program with progressive duration and moderate intensity is able to improve the blood pressure of older women and the muscular endurance of the lower limbs.

A Comparison of Functional Fitness of Older Brazilian and American Women

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to generate a functional-fitness profile for older women from the south of Brazil and to compare their functional profile with an age-matched cohort of American women. The Fullerton Functional Fitness Test (body-mass index, 6-min-walk test, chair sit-and-reach, chair stand, arm curl, and 8-ft up-and-go) was administered to 1,033 participants. Z scores indicate that older American women performed better in all functional tests than age-matched Brazilians. This fact could be explained by the delayed establishment of specific health policies for older adults in Brazil. In conclusion, the findings provide guidelines about the normal variation of functional fitness in older women from the southern region of Brazil. In addition, these data can be used to help identify older women with functional losses, thereby assisting in the diagnosis of early disability.

Electrical stimulation versus kinesitherapy in improving functional fitness in older women: A randomized controlled trial

Long-stay hospitalized elderly patients frequently develop a decrease in strength, cardiovascular fitness and balance, which can be improved by exercise. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (ES) might also be effective in this population. The effect of different lower limb rehabilitation programs (3 interventions/week for 6 weeks) on functional fitness in 40 hospitalized old females (82 ± 7 years) were evaluated: kinesitherapy (KT), ES, KT alternated with ES (KT + ES), and no treatment (C). Outcome variables after rehabilitation were: (a) maximal strength of leg extensor and finger flexor muscles; (b) cardiorespiratory fitness (6-min walking test, 6MWT; heart rate, HR); (c) static and dynamic balance and gait skills (Tinetti test). The maximal strength of leg extensor (but not finger flexor) muscles significantly improved in ES (+26%) and KT + ES (+16%) groups only. The distance covered during the 6MWT significantly increased in KT (+15%), ES (+14%) and KT + ES (+9%) groups, but the post-test HR recovery improved in KT group only. Balance (but not gait) skill scores significantly and similarly increased in KT (+11%), ES (+10%) and KT + ES (+11%) groups. In long-stay hospitalized old females ES and KT + ES improved lower limbs isometric strength. Walking ability was improved by all treatments, whereas cardiovascular performance and recovery were ameliorated by KT only.

Electrical Stimulation Versus Physiotherapy In Improving Functional Fitness In Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Electrical Stimulation Versus Physiotherapy In Improving Functional Fitness In Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial