Assessment of the correlations between the level of physical activity and sociodemographic factors, functional capabilities and cognitive capabilities of elderly persons from south-eastern Poland

Abstract

Introduction: Insufficient physical activity constitutes one of the most problematic issues in the contemporary society. Data show that seniors should take up physical activity as it considerably affects their health and quality of life. Material and method: The study included 76 individuals over 60 years of age who actively participated in social life (Senior Clubs, Country Housewives' Clubs, Folk groups) in southeastern Poland. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Timed Up and Go Cognitive Test (TUG cog), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), right and left handgrip test, Functional Chair Stand Test (FS test), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were applied in the study. Results: It was revealed that male participants (p=0.001), individuals being in a relationship (p=0.02) and subjects who had never had any fractures before (p=0.02) demonstrated higher levels of physical activity. In the examined group, a higher level of physical activity significantly correlated with a higher level of muscle strength of lower limbs (p=0.32) and left handgrip strength (p=0.26), shorter time of covering the distance of 10 metres (p=-0.23) and a higher level of cognitive capabilities (p=0.29).

Effect of Tai Chi versus Aerobic Training on Improving Hand Grip Strength, Fatigue, and Functional Performance in Older Adults Post-COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial

“…This disability can cause early inability to work and loss of independence, as well as decreased psychophysical capabilities which can lead to reduced social participation. 3 The evidence confirmed that the total physical activity time in the elderly reduced above 35% after the COVID-19 pandemic. Regular physical exercise and/or activity play a significant role in preventing contrary health consequences.4,5 Close monitoring and rehabilitation intervention are necessary to ensure the well-being of older adults affected by COVID-19, elderly are highly recommended to exercise after COVID-19 recovery.…”

Nordic Walking Combined With Simple Cognitive Exercises Improves Older Women Ability to Select Visual Stimuli Proportionally to the Increase in Physical Fitness

“…Both cross-sectional and prospective studies have indicated the correlations between regular physical activity and reduced risk of dementia and deterioration of cognitive function (Chodzko-Zajko et al, 2009). Results of experimental studies suggest that regular physical exercise improves general cognitive function such as attention, memory or speed of information processing (Kelly et al, 2014;Voelcker-Rehage & Niemann, 2014;Chodzk-Zajko et al, 2009;Chapman et al, 2013;Eggenberger et al, 2016;Gonzalez-Palau et al, 2014;Szmul et al, 2018). Despite relatively numerous studies that have demonstrated the benefits of the cognitive area the researchers emphasize the need for further research (Brown et al, 2017;Young et al, 2015;Theocharidou et al, 2018).…”