Physical activity and differences of functional fitness and quality of life in older males

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between amount and type of physical activity (PA) with functional fitness, quality of life, and mood states in 246 noninstitutionalized male older adults (>= 65 years old). The participants were interviewed using a standardized PA questionnaire, quality of life (EuroQOL-5D) scale, and depression scale (CES-D10). Functional fitness (Senior Fitness Test), anthropometric data, and blood pressure were measured. The data were analyzed with ANOVA using two criteria: tertiles of PA (hours/week) and participation in organized PA. The results showed that most components of fitness were correlated to total PA performed, but the associations did not appear to be lineal. Although a trend to dose-response was observed in fitness, the differences were significant only when compared with extreme PA tertiles. Organized PA was associated with a better fitness, perceived health, and depression scale than unorganized PA.