Impact of current or past physical activity level on functional capacities and body composition among elderly people: a cross-sectional analysis from the YMCA study

Abstract

Background Physical activity (PA) is recognized as important predictor of healthy aging. However, the influence of the type of voluntary PA as well as age or sex in this relationship is unclear. Thus, we assess the association between current and past PA level and physical performances among voluntary active older adults. Methods Functional capacities (timed Up and Go, sit-to-stand, alternate step test, unipodal balance, grip strength, knee extension strength, estimated muscle power and VO2 max) as well as body composition (DXA: total and appendicular lean masses (LM; kg), fat mass (FM; %)) were measured. Current and last 5-years PA level (time spent on total, aerobic, resistance and body & mind activities) were assessed using an interview. Multiple regressions, adjusted on age, sex and BMI, were performed to assess the relationship between current or past PA level and physical performances. Sub-group analysis, according to the sex (men/women) or age (< 65 yrs. vs. ≥65 yrs) were performed. Results 525 subjects (age:61.7 ± 8.1 yrs.; women:68.9%; BMI:26.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2) were enrolled in this study. After adjustment on confounding factors, total current PA level has positive impact on total FM (β = − 2.09, p = 0004) and balance (β = 0.10; p = 0.05). Moreover, current body & mind activities influence total LBM (β = − 0.22, p = 0.02) and balance (β = 0.17; p = 0.001) whereas resistance activities influence total LBM (β = 0.17; p = 0.05), FM (β = − 0.16; p = 0.04) and sit-to-stand capacities (β = − 0.10; p = 0.05). Globally, these results were more pronounced in women than in men and among people aged over 65 years. Past level of PA has low impact on functional capacities and body composition, regardless of sex. Among people < 65 years, there is no relationship between time spent on total PA and functional capacities or body composition. However, a significant correlation was found between past total PA and balance (r=` 0.19; p = 0.01), alternate-step test (r = 0.24; p = 0.02) and VO2max (r = 0.19; p = 0.02) in people aged over 65 years. More precisely, the past time spent on aerobic and resistance activities influence balance (r = 0.16; p = 0.03 and r = 0.15; p = 0.04, respectively) after 65 yrs. old. Conclusion Even if physical activity history has little influence on physical aging process, being active is associated with body composition and functional capacities, especially among women aged 65 years and over.

Evaluation of Physical Therapy Interventions for Improving Musculoskeletal Pain and Quality of Life in Older Adults

“…Physical therapy interventions that include therapeutic exercise and therapeutic education programs as part of the interventions improve musculoskeletal pain in older adults, which may contribute to a better HRQoL perception and to a lower risk of disability and dependence in older adults [ 11 , 15 , 16 , 20 , 21 , 23 , 26 , 29 , 30 , 32 ]. Since no statistical significance was found between groups, one intervention could not prove to be more effective than the other.…”

“…Baseline HRQoL values were higher than Spanish reference values for people over 60 and very similar to general population values [ 39 ]. HRQoL perception is influenced by several aspects, such as, sex, age, genetic factors, body mass index, lifetime physical activity, and occupational position [ 23 , 44 ]. Silva et al [ 45 ] performed a study with healthy older adults (≥60 years old) to investigate the relationship between health state perception and health predictors among the elderly from four European countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Hungary).…”

“…Pain may decrease physical function and limit overall performance of daily living activities and may lead to a negative impact on HRQoL perception and functioning in older adults [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Some authors posit that structured physical activity, as well as therapeutic exercise, have a positive effect on preventing musculoskeletal pain, chronic diseases, and functional limitation, leading to better QoL perception [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”

Lifestyle approaches to prevent and retard sarcopenia: A narrative review

“…int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity). Physical activity has been shown to be associated with body composition and functional capacities in older adults [12]. In 2017, a systematic review and meta-analysis described the relationship between physical activity and the presence of sarcopenia from cross-sectional and cohort studies [13].…”

Development and Validation of New Exercises to Promote Physical Activity in Nursing Home Settings

“…On the other side, it is admitted that the implementation of physical activity interventions leads to positive effects on functional ability, cognition, or mood in older adults [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. In fact, being active is associated with body composition and functional capacities [ 14 ]. In addition, physical activity seems to improve mitochondrial density and dynamics (i.e., resistance training) and is related to mitochondrial antioxidant capacity improvements (i.e., endurance training) [ 15 ].…”