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Comparative study of the physical capacities of the elderly: Age range vs. physical activity

Abstract:

Introduction: Age range and level of physical activity are variables to be borne in mind when determining the physical capacities of elderly people with a view to designing the strategies required to implement specialized physical activity programs. Objective: Determine the physical condition (strength, flexibility and balance) of elderly people with a significant difference in their age range and physical activity level. Methods: Two separate samples were studied (Group 1: 6 elderly people, 82.5 years, and Group 2: 4 elderly people, 66.5 years; Difference: ±16 years). Only the first group was involved in physical training through physical recreation activities adapted to their needs. Several tests were applied to both groups to assess their physical capacity: chair-sit and reach, back scratch, chair stand, arm curl and static balance. The results obtained by each group were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test (p? 0.05). Additionally, a study was conducted of another two groups from the same senior care centers as the above samples (Group 3: 7 elderly people: 85-89 years, and Group 4: 11 elderly people: 80-100 years). The short IPAQ Questionnaire was applied to theoretically assess their physical condition and the features resulting from belonging in a similar age group but not receiving any physical training at their nursing homes. Results: Group 1 obtained better results in the right (R) and left (L) arm curl test (Average Range: R 6.17 and AR: L 6.25), the chair stand test (AR: 6.67), the back scratch test (AR: 4.50) and the left and right chair-sit and reach test (AR: R 5.83 and AR: L 6.83), whereas Group 2 did better in the left and right static balance test (AR: R 7.75 and AR: L 6.50). Differences were not significant in most tests. Group 3, on the other hand, exhibited better theoretical physical potential indicators (Moderate) than Group 4 (Low). Conclusions: It has been shown that irrespective of their age range, a group may be of significantly higher age and exhibit better physical indicators if involved in specialized physical activity than a group of a significantly lower age range not involved in physical activity, encouraging other subjects not involved in controlled activity to obtain better physical indicators.