Abstract

MUNOZ-ARRIBAS, Alberto et al. Physical fitness evolution in octogenarian population and its relationship with a sedentary lifestyle. Nutr. Hosp. [online]. 2014, vol.29, n.4, pp.894-900. ISSN 1699-5198.  https://dx.doi.org/10.3305/nh.2014.29.4.7212.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the changes in physical fitness over two years of following up in octogenarian people and to check whether a sedentary lifestyle modify these variations. Methods: Physical fitness of 182 subject (48 men, 134 women) with a mean age of 82,3 ± 2,3 years were evaluated using 8 different tests. A repeated measures analysis was carried out to see the differences between the two evaluation periods and to see the physical fitness differences between sedentary people (sit > 4 hours/day) and non sedentary people (sit < 4 hours/day). Results: Between the two evaluation periods, we found a significant decrease in the agility test (p < 0.05), walking speed (p < 0.01) and endurance (p < 0.01). In relation to the subjects who spent sitting <4 hours/day, there was a slight increase in the arm strength test between the two evaluations (p < 0.05). In subjects who spent sitting >4 hours/day there was a decrease in the walking speed test between the two evaluations (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a decrease of walking speed and endurance between the two evaluation periods in both sedentary and nonsedentary people (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In two years of following up, there are adverse changes in the level of physical fitness in octogenarians. Long periods of sitting time may translate into a loss of agility. Walking speed and endurance seem to be the components of physical fitness more affected by the ageing process in this population; and this loss is not determined by the hours of sitting per day.

Keywords : Ageing; Physical activity; Elderly people; Aerobic capacity; Agility; Strength.

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