Differences in fitness level between women aged 60 and over participating in three different supervised exercise programs and a sedentary group

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare fitness levels in women aged 60 and over participating in a supervised exercise program (involving tai chi, recreational gymnastics, and/or aquatic fitness) with those in a sedentary group. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on a total of 171 women aged from 60 to 92 who attended public community clubs for older adults. The instruments used included the Senior Fitness Test, the Tinetti Balance Assessment Tool, the Katz Index, and the Lawton & Brody Activities of Daily Living Scale. Significant differences in fitness levels were observed when we compared the exercise groups with the sedentary group. Women with better fitness levels had a lower risk of suffering falls and greater autonomy in performing activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Agility and gait control were found to be independently associated with exercise groups.

KEYWORDS:

• Exercise
• older adults
• physical fitness
• women

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the Lleida City Council, and especially Pilar Planella from the Department for Older People, for their valuable help at the beginning of this study and also all the professionals who helped us to collect the data.

All of the authors contributed to the conception and design of the study and/or to the acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation of data, drafting of the article, critical revision of the article for important intellectual content, and final approval of the version to be submitted.

Funding

Funding was provided with the support of the Departament de Salut of the Generalitat de Catalunya through the PERIS program.

Additional information

Funding

Funding was provided with the support of the Departament de Salut of the Generalitat de Catalunya through the PERIS program.