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

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Ogonowska-Słodownik ◽  
Eliza Maria Bober ◽  
Bartosz Molik

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.

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Agata Mroczek ◽  
Iwona Dobrowolska ◽  
Magdalena Golachowska

Background: The average lifespan is increasing worldwide, although the healthspan and quality of life is not. Many older adults either have a chronic disease, excessive body mass, or do not follow the healthy lifestyle recommendations as for nutrition and physical activity. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the relationship between body composition among senior women and health behaviors in the five domains of nutrition, body care, rest, safety and physical activity. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 36 women attending fitness classes. The Positive Health Behavior Questionnaire was used as the qualitative measurement and participant height, weight and body composition were measured. Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR ), Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) were calculated. Results: Significant correlations (p≤0.05) were found between attending organized physical activities and higher muscle mass and higher BMR. Moreover, (a) sleeping at least six to seven hours at night correlated with a lower BMI and lower body fat mass; (b) spending at least 20–30 minutes a day resting correlated with lower visceral fat; (c) devoting at least 30 minutes daily to moderate or heavy physical exertion correlated with lower body fat mass, percent of body fat and visceral adiposity. Conclusions: The study shows strong relationships between physical activity, dietary patterns, rest, length of sleep, BMI, adiposity and muscle mass of physically active senior women. The results suggest it is necessary to actively promote and support older women in implementing healthy behaviors consistently in their life.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 764-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce W. Bailey ◽  
Pamela Borup ◽  
James D. LeCheminant ◽  
Larry A. Tucker ◽  
Jacob Bromley

Background:The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between intensity of physical activity (PA) and body composition in 343 young women.Methods:Physical activity was objectively measured using accelerometers worn for 7 days in women 17 to 25 years. Body composition was assessed using the BOD POD.Results:Young women who spent less than 30 minutes a week performing vigorous PA had significantly higher body fat percentages than women who performed more than 30 minutes of vigorous PA per week (F = 4.54, P = .0113). Young women who spent less than 30 minutes per day in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) had significantly higher body fat percentages than those who obtained more than 30 minutes per day of MVPA (F = 7.47, P = .0066). Accumulating more than 90 minutes of MVPA per day was associated with the lowest percent body fat. For every 10 minutes spent in MVPA per day, the odds of having a body fat percentage above 32% decreased by 29% (P = .0002).Conclusion:Vigorous PA and MVPA are associated with lower adiposity. Young women should be encouraged to accumulate at least 30 minutes of MVPA per day, however getting more than 90 minutes a day is predictive of even lower levels of adiposity.


2007 ◽  
Vol 44 (10) ◽  
pp. 885-889 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis R. Ownby ◽  
Edward L. Peterson ◽  
Dorothy Nelson ◽  
Christine C.L. Joseph ◽  
L. Keoki Williams ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 85-92
Author(s):  
Jasmina Pluncevikj Gligoroska ◽  
Sanja Manchevska ◽  
Ljudmila Efremova ◽  
Lidija Todorovska ◽  
Slobodan Nikolic

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between active and passive body mass components and maximal aerobic consumption (VO2max) in adult male soccer players.Methods: The study involved seven hundred (700) male soccer players, mean age 25.06 ± 4.41 years (range 18 to 35), divided in six age groups. Body composition was assessed according the anthropometric protocol by Matiegka, and relative muscle mass (MM%), bone (BM%) and fat (BF%)  and absolute muscle mass (MMkg), bone (BMkg) and fat (BFkg) components were calculated. The Bruce protocol (incremental multistage treadmill test) was used for the estimation of maximal oxygen consumption.Results: Mean values of body mass components for total sample were as follows: muscle mass (MM%)= 52.75 ± 2.63%, bone mass (BM%)=16.63 ± 1.29% and body fat (BF%)=14.12 ± 1.54%.  Mean VO2max was 48.89±5.17 ml/kg/minute. Relative muscle mass (MM%) showed similar values across age different groups (ANOVA: F=2.174; p=0.06) while absolute muscle mass (MMkg) showed tendency of increment with age (ANOVA: F=2.136; p=0.01). Body fat (BFkg and BF%) was statistically higher in the older groups (ANOVA F=3.737; p<0.01; ANOVA F=4.117; p<0.01). Weak positive correlation between VO2 max and muscle component (r=0.243; p<0.001) and a weak negative correlation between VO2max and body fat (r=-0.08;p<0.05) were found.Conclusions: Our results confirm the assumption that subjects with larger muscle mass have greater endurance and higher maximal oxygen consumption compared to subjects with larger body fat component. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (7S) ◽  
pp. 396-397
Author(s):  
Vera Zymbal ◽  
Luis Carrasco ◽  
Borja Sañudo ◽  
Diana Luís ◽  
Filomena Carnide ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
César Leão ◽  
Miguel Camões ◽  
Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽  
Pantelis Theo Nikolaidis ◽  
Ricardo Lima ◽  
...  

The aim of the present study was (a) to describe the anthropometric profile of a large group of soccer players based on different age groups and their playing positions on the field, and (b) to examine the variations of body composition among adult soccer players using diverse equations based on skinfold thickness. A total of 618 Greek soccer players who were grouped by age (i.e., 12–14, 14–16, 16–18, and 18–37 years) and playing position (i.e., goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward) were evaluated for weight, height, and skinfolds. The Pařízková formula was used to estimate the percentage of body fat. Furthermore, for players who were 18 years or older the Reilly and Evans formulas was used to estimate the percentage of body fat. Independent of the age, in this large sample, goalkeepers presented higher values for weight, height and the percentage of body fat estimation as compared with other field positions. An anthropometric pattern was observed in each tactical position, namely, across a specific age of increasing maturation process (14–16 years). With the Pařízková formula, we found a mean (SD) range of variation in the percentage of body fat estimation between 4.87 ± 1.46 and 5.51 ± 1.46 as compared with the Evans formula. The same pattern of differences was found when the Reilly equation was considered. In conclusion, we observed a position specificity of anthropometric characteristics across different age categories. Additionally, the same data supported different validated equations which resulted in large differences in the final outcome estimations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
You HW ◽  
Tan PL ◽  
Mat Ludin AF

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity is an essential element in our daily life that leads to long-term health benefits. Physical activity refers to movement of the body that requires energy. Body mass index (BMI) indicates a ratio of body weight to squared height, which is a useful health indicator. On the contrary, body composition describes the body by measuring percentages of fat and muscle in human bodies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the relationship between physical activities, BMI and body composition among pre-university students from one of the universities in Selangor, Malaysia. Stratified random sampling was employed to recruit 70 pre-university students into this study. RESULTS: From the study, 50% of the respondents are categorized as minimally active. In addition, there is significant difference between the physical activity levels of male and female respondents. The relationship between physical activity and BMI indicates a very weak negative correlation. Similarly, the correlation between physical activity and fat mass is a weak negative relationship. Meanwhile, there is a weak positive correlation between physical activity and muscle mass. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it can be concluded that when physical activity increases, BMI and body fat mass will decrease, while muscle mass will increase. Moreover, it was shown that there was a significant relationship between physical activity and body composition. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 58-74
Author(s):  
Rudīte Lagzdiņa ◽  
Maija Rumaka

An appropriate level of physical activity (PA) is beneficial for health and weight management. This study examines the relationship of habitual PA and activity energy expenditure (AEE) in a typical week with gender and body composition parameters. Data of habitual PA of 72 healthy adults were collected with the heart rate and motion sensor (Actiheart). Total and segmental body fat was measured with bioelectrical impedance analyser. Men were more active in total and on working days and had shorter light and longer moderate and vigorous PA on working days than females (p<0.05). Females had less inactive and sitting time on days off. Inactive and sitting time in working days for both genders correlated positively with visceral fat rating, body and leg fat % (p<0.05). In male’s duration of working days’ moderate PA correlated inversely, but light PA positively with these parameters (p<0.05). Males with more vigorous PA in working day and AEE in days off had lower body fat % (p<0.05). A distinctive PA pattern on working days and days off indicates a gender-related differences. Decrease of time of inactivity and light PA and increase of duration of moderate and vigorous PA was associated with lower body and segmental fat amount.


2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Hechler ◽  
Elizabeth Rieger ◽  
Stephen Touyz ◽  
Pierre Beumont ◽  
Guy Plasqui ◽  
...  

The study aimed to compare differences in physical activity, the relationship between physical activity and body composition, and seasonal variation in physical activity in outpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and healthy controls. Physical activity (CM-AMT) and time spent in different intensities of 10 female individuals with AN and 15 female controls was assessed across three seasons along with the percentage body fat. The two groups did not differ in their physical activity and both demonstrated seasonal variation. The percentage body fat of individuals with AN, but not that of the controls, was negatively related to CM-AMT and time spent in low-moderate intesnity acitivy (LMI). Seasonal variation in physical activity emerged with increases in engagement in LMI during the summer period for both groups. Possible interpretations of the finding that decreased physical activity was related to a normalization of percentage body fat in the individuals with AN are discussed and implications for treatment are highlighted.


Women ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 143-168
Author(s):  
Lynda B. Ransdell ◽  
Heidi A. Wayment ◽  
Nanette Lopez ◽  
Cori Lorts ◽  
Anna L. Schwartz ◽  
...  

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.


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