Effects of a similar amount of regular non-structured or competitive physical activity across late adulthood: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION

Master athletes are examples of successful aging. It is not clear whether it is the competitive-oriented training or just the amount of total regular exercise that reduces the age-related decline in physiological functions. We aimed to compare health-related parameters in competitive (C) and physically active older adults (A) that performed the same weekly physical activity (PA) amount.

METHODS

Seventeen C and 17 A were matched for age (8 and 9 male participants under and over 70 years old respectively, for both groups) and weekly PA amount (GPAQ). Body composition, leg and arm maximal strength, balance and reaction time were measured; moreover, leg and arm exercise efficiency, estimated VO, and VO/HR relationships were evaluated. Perception of life and sleep quality was also assessed through specific questionnaires (SF-36 and PSQI). The effect of group (C vs. A), age (U70 vs. O70) and their interaction was examined through a Two-Way ANOVA test.

RESULTS

C dedicated more time to vigorous PA compared to A ( = 0.03), while less to moderate daily work ( < 0.01) and active commuting ( = 0.06). C exhibited better body composition (all < 0.05), higher leg maximal strength ( < 0.05) and a trend for elevated arm strength ( = 0.06). Reaction time, leg and arm cycling efficiency were similar in the two groups (all p > 0.05), while balance reduced in A O70. Estimated VO was higher for C in leg cycling ( = 0.05) and remained constant across ages (all  > 0.05). VO/HR relationship, life and sleep quality did not differ for groups and ages.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular physical exercise of about 6,000 METs/week seems to have a beneficial effect on health-related parameters, both in non-structured and competitive PA, when compared to sedentary behaviour. However, the older adults engaged in competitive training exhibit further advantages: better body composition, higher arm and leg muscle strength, and higher leg VO. This study highlights the importance of encouraging active lifestyles for maintaining long-term health, high levels of life quality perception and reducing age-related decline. However, vigorous training suitability needs to be verified by a team of PA specialists.