The Study of Health-Related Fitness Normative Scores for Nepalese Older Adults

Abstract

Physical fitness tests are important to maintain and promote the health status of people. The purpose of this study was to develop health-related fitness evaluation norms according to the age and gender of Nepalese older adults. One thousand nine subjects (449 males, 560 females) above 60 years, residing in 19 wards (rural and urban) of Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City participated in this study. The test included the PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire), social aspects questionnaire, blood pressure test, height, weight, BMI (body mass index), percent body fat, and four physical fitness components (grip strength, 1-minute sit-to-stand, sit and reach, and 2-minute step tests). Mean, SD, and fitness evaluation norms for each component were obtained after the main test and statistical analyses. This study showed higher BMI and percent body fat in female age groups than in male age groups. Grip strength, relative grip strength, sit-to-stand, and 2-minute steps scores were better in male age groups than in female age groups, but in contrast, flexibility was better in female age groups. This study may help the related sectors to assess physical fitness, identify fitness levels, and develop appropriate physical activities or exercise programs for older adults based on age.

Investigating functional fitness of older adults in Korea in the period 2013–2018

“…Significantly higher values were found in 2015–2018 than in 2013–2015, regardless of gender and across all specific age groups (65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, 85–90). Compared to other studies 10 – 12 , 17 , 18 , the aerobic endurance scores in terms of genders and different age groups seem higher than those in these studies. The evaluation standard scores found in our study also seem higher than those of other studies with regards to gender and age 10 – 12 .…”

“…Compared to other studies 10 – 12 , 17 , 18 , the aerobic endurance scores in terms of genders and different age groups seem higher than those in these studies. The evaluation standard scores found in our study also seem higher than those of other studies with regards to gender and age 10 – 12 .…”

“…As such, Chen et al 11 recommended removing the 3-min step test from the aerobic endurance assessment. The aerobic endurance test has been mainly used in past studies related to health and functional fitness 12 , 16 . A unified examination may be necessary to produce more reliable outcomes for aerobic endurance across participants.…”

“…Physical activities also need to be safe and enjoyable for older adults and, at the same time, meet the scientific standards for reliability and validity 11 . In a study of health-related fitness among Nepalese older adults 12 , five parameters were used to measure fitness, which were body compositions (e.g., BMI), hand grip strength, sit and reach, sit to stand, and the two-minute step test. Researchers in different countries have developed different parameters of fitness tests for older adults, according to their specific needs and circumstances.…”

Upaya Menjaga Kebugaran Jasmani Dan Kesehatan Melalui Koreografi Senam Imaji Pandemi Pada Siswa MIM Delegtukang

“…Merujuk pada pengaruh serangan virus COVID-19 yang dapat melemahkan sistim imun tubuh maka dipandang perlu untuk melakukan upaya pemeliharaan dan peningkatan imunitas tubuh melalui latihan fisik yang adekuat agar menjaga kekuatan dan daya tahan tubuh tetap dalam kondisi optimal [14]. Selain menunjang pemeliharaan kebugaran jasmani, latihan fisik yang adekuat juga berkontribusi penting dalam kinerja kognitif seseorang [6]. Untuk itu, usaha pemeliharaan kebugaran jasmani melalui aktivitas latihan fisik, perlu dilakukan secara teratur dan berkesinambungan sehingga dapat memberikan manfaat jangka panjang yang lebih maksimal.…”