Association between fitness, anthropometric indices and laboratory parameters in elderly women.

BACKGROUND

Aging causes an involution of anthropometric and health indices that can affect physical fitness.

AIM

To determine the influence of anthropometric and health indices on the physical fitness of elderly women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Anthropometric parameters, serum lipids, blood glucose and physical fitness evaluated using Senior Fitness Test, were assessed in 140 women aged 70 ± 5 years. The association between parameters was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression models.

RESULTS

In the regression models serum lipids and the suprailiac skinfold were significant predictors of the up and go test (R2= 0.48). HDL cholesterol and the level of physical activity were predictors of the two minutes step test (R2= 0.31). Serum lipids, suprailiac skinfold and age were predictors of the back-scratch test (R2= 0.41). Fasting blood glucose and HDL cholesterol were predictors of the chair sit and reach test (R2= 0.24). Serum lipids and body mass index were predictors of the arm curl test (R2= 0.37). Body mass index and serum lipids were predictors of the chair stand test (R2= 0.49).

CONCLUSIONS

Anthropometric variables, serum lipid levels and blood glucose were predictors of different physical fitness parameters in these women.