Physical fitness levels and body composition of elderly women with varying frequen-cies of physical activity

Abstrakt

Starting point: The aim of this study was to examine differences in physical fitness levels and body composition between groups of elderly women with varying frequencies of physical activity. Group: The sample comprised 70 elderly women divided into two groups: (a) higher frequency (TJ group; n = 30; mean age = 74 years), who engaged in moderate-intensity exercise for 60 minutes twice per week; and (b) lower frequency (U3 group; n = 40; mean age = 70 years), who engaged in moderate-intensity exercise for 90 minutes once every two weeks.

Methods: Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) with the InBody 230 device, yielding measures of body fat and skeletal muscle mass (kg). Physical fitness was evaluated using four tests from the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) battery, assessing upper and lower limb strength, aerobic capacity, and dynamic balance. Additional data on physical activity levels and quality of life were collected via questionnaire.

Results: Questionnaire responses indicated that participants had no major diseases that would prevent their participation. The TJ group reported higher subjective well-being than the U3 group. Correspondingly, the TJ group demonstrated significantly better performance in the SFT compared to the U3 group, particularly in upper and lower limb strength and aerobic capacity tests. These findings support the hypothesis that higher-frequency physical activity is associated with enhanced physical fitness in elderly women.

Conclusions: Future studies should incorporate pre- and post-intervention assessments following structured fitness programs, alongside evaluations of nutritional habits, to establish comprehensive recommendations for healthy aging.