Changes in anthropometric parameters and physical fitness in older adults after participating in a 16-week physical activity program / Cambios en los parámetros antropométricos y la condición física en adultos mayores luego de participar en un programa de actividad física de 16 semanas

Abstract Introduction: Physical activity is important for achieving healthy aging. Objective: To analyze changes in anthropometric parameters and physical fitness among Chilean older adults after participating in a 16-week physical activity program and to evaluate whether there were differences in relation to their baseline nutritional status or not. Materials and methods: Pre-experimental quantitative study. The study population consisted of 176 older adults (155 women and 21 men) distributed in three groups: normal weight (n = 56), overweight (n=67) and obese (n = 53). The following variables were evaluated: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHR) and physical fitness. Results: Significant decreases between pre- and post-measurements were found for WC (p<0.001), BMI (p=0.015), and WHR (p<0.001). Improvements were observed in the following tests: chair stand (p<0.001), arm curl (p<0.001), 2-min step (p<0.001), chair sit-&-reach (p=0.018) and back scratch (p=0.014). Regarding BMI, significant changes were observed between normal weight vs. overweight participants (p=0.001) and between normal weight vs. obese participants (p=0.001). Conclusion: Older adult participants that regularly attended the physical activity program were able to reduce their WC, BMI and WHR, and also improved their physical-functional performance on the chair stand, arm curl, 2-min step, chair sit-&-reach and back scratch tests. In addition, anthropometric parameters and physical fitness also improved regardless of their baseline nutritional status.

Resumen Introducción. La actividad física es de gran importancia para lograr un envejecimiento saludable. Objetivos. Estudiar los cambios en los parámetros antropométricos y la condición física de adultos mayores (AM) chilenos después de 16 semanas de participación en un programa de actividad física, y evaluar las diferencias en relación con su estado nutricional inicial. Materiales y métodos. Estudio pre-experimental cuantitativo. Población: 176 AM (155 mujeres y 21 hombres) distribuidos en 3 grupos: normopesos (n = 56), sobrepesos (n=67) y obesos (n = 53). Se evaluaron las siguientes variables: índice de masa corporal (IMC), perímetro de cintura (PC), índice cintura-estatura (ICE) y condición física. Resultados. Se observaron reducciones significativas en PC (p<0.001), IMC (p=0.015) e ICE (p<0.001), y mejoras en las siguientes pruebas: sentarse y levantarse de una silla (p<0.001), flexiones del codo (p<0.001), dos minutos de marcha (p<0.001), flexión del tronco en silla (p=0.018) y juntar las manos tras la espalda (p=0.014). Se encontraron diferencias significativas respecto al IMC entre participantes normopesos y sobrepesos (p=0.001), y entre normopesos y obesos (p=0.001). Conclusión. Los AM que participaron regularmente en el programa de actividad física lograron reducir su PC, IMC e ICE y mejorar su rendimiento físico-funcional en las pruebas de sentarse y levantarse de una silla, flexiones de codo, dos minutos de marcha, y flexibilidad del tren inferior y superior. Además, sus parámetros antropométricos y su condición física mejoraron independientemente de su estado nutricional inicial.

Valores de referencia para la batería de pruebas Senior Fitness Test en mujeres mayores chilenas físicamente activas / Reference values for the senior fitness test in Chilean older women

Background:: The Senior Fitness Test (SFT) is frequently used to assess physical fitness and functional independence in older people. Aim: To establish reference values for the SFT in Chilean physically active older women according to age ranges. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study that included 1048 Chilean women aged between 60 and 85 years. Chair stand (CS), arm curl (AC), two-min walk (2 min), chair sit-and-reach (CSr), back scratch (BS), and timed up-and-go test (TUG) were evaluated. The reference values are presented in percentiles (p5, p10, p25, p50, p75, p90 and p95) and are distributed age intervals (60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and ≥ 80 years). Results: There was a decrease in strength (CS and AC), aerobic resistance (2 min) and flexibility (CSr and BS) along with age, whereas the time required to perform the timed up and go increased along with age. Conclusions: Physically active older women show a deterioration in physical fitness along with age. These women have higher reference values in CS, AC, 2 min and CSr, and lower in BS and TUG, than those reported abroad for the SFT.

[Reference values for the senior fitness test in Chilean older women]. / Valores de referencia para la batería de pruebas Senior Fitness Test en mujeres mayores chilenas físicamente activas.

BACKGROUND: The Senior Fitness Test (SFT) is frequently used to assess physical fitness and functional independence in older people. AIM: To establish reference values for the SFT in Chilean physically active older women according to age ranges. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study that included 1048 Chilean women aged between 60 and 85 years. Chair stand (CS), arm curl (AC), two-min walk (2 min), chair sit-and-reach (CSr), back scratch (BS), and timed up-and-go test (TUG) were evaluated. The reference values are presented in percentiles (p5, p10, p25, p50, p75, p90 and p95) and are distributed age intervals (60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and ≥ 80 years). RESULTS: There was a decrease in strength (CS and AC), aerobic resistance (2 min) and flexibility (CSr and BS) along with age, whereas the time required to perform the timed up and go increased along with age. CONCLUSIONS: Physically active older women show a deterioration in physical fitness along with age. These women have higher reference values in CS, AC, 2 min and CSr, and lower in BS and TUG, than those reported abroad for the SFT.

Relación entre calidad de sueño y calidad de vida con el estado nutricional y riesgo cardiometabólico en adultos mayores físicamente activos / Relationship between sleep quality and quality of life with nutritional status and cardiometabolic risk in physically active older adults

Introducción: El incremento de la población de adultos mayores (AM) es una realidad global que plantea a las sociedades grandes retos y oportunidades. Objetivo: Relacionar la calidad de sueño y percepción de la calidad de vida con el estado nutricional y riesgo cardiometabólico en AM chilenos físicamente activos. Material y método: Estudio transversal que evaluó 212 AM. Se estudió el índice de calidad del sueño de Pittsburgh, la escala de somnolencia de Epworth, la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud SF-36, el estado nutricional según el índice de masa corporal y el riesgo cardiometabólico según perímetro de cintura e índice cintura estatura. Se realizaron comparaciones a través de la prueba t de Student y asociaciones por medio de regresión logística, considerando un p<0,05. Resultados: Los AM evaluados presentaron diferencias significativas sólo entre las mujeres para latencia al sueño (p=0,022). Además, la regresión logística manifestó relación entre menor latencia al sueño con baja probabilidad de presentar sobrepeso/obesidad (OR=0,276; IC95%=0,086-0,887; p=0,031). Por su parte, menor cantidad de sueño aumenta la probabilidad de presentar sobrepeso/obesidad (OR=3,921; IC95%=1,061-14,490; p=0,031). La calidad de vida no reportó relaciones significativas con el estado nutricional ni con el riesgo cardiometabólico. Conclusiones: Los AM chilenos que participan en talleres gubernamentales de actividad física que presentan mayor latencia al sueño y menor cantidad de sueño exhiben más riesgo de poseer sobrepeso/obesidad. Además, la percepción de la calidad de vida es positiva independiente de su estado nutricional o riesgo cardiometabólico

Introduction: The increase in the population of older adults is a global reality that poses great challenges and opportunities to societies. Objective: To relate sleep quality and the perception of quality of life with the nutritional status and cardiometabolic risk in Chilean physically active older adults. Material and method: Cross-sectional study that evaluated 212 older adults. We studied the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the health-related quality of life SF-36, the nutritional status according to body mass index and the cardiometabolic risk according to waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. Comparisons were made through the Student's t-test and associations through logistic regression, considering p<0.05. Results: Older adults evaluated showed significant differences only among women for sleep latency (p=0.022). In addition, the logistic regression showed a relationships between lower sleep latency with a low probability of being overweight/ obesity (OR=0.276, 95% CI=0.086-0.887, p=0.031). On the other hand, less sleep increases the probability of being overweight/obesity (OR=3.921, 95% CI=1.061-14.490, p=0,031). The dimensions of quality of life did not report significant relationships with nutritional status or cardiometabolic risk. Conclusions: Chilean older adults participating in physical activity governmental workshops that present greater sleep latency and less sleep exhibit a higher risk of being overweight/ obesity. In addition, the perception of quality of life is positive regardless of their nutritional status or cardiometabolic risk

Índices antropométricos y condición física en varones mayores físicamente activos: estudio preliminar / Anthropometric indexes and physical fitness in physically active older males: preliminary study

Introducción: El envejecimiento de la población ha concitado gran interés desde el mundo científico, lo que ha permitido el estudio de variables relacionadas con el envejecimiento saludable. Objetivo: Relacionar los índices antropométricos con la condición física en adultos mayores de sexo masculino que participan en los talleres de actividad física del Instituto Nacional de Deportes, región de La Araucanía, Chile. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal que evaluó 40 varones mayores de 60 años, físicamente activos. Las variables analizadas fueron el índice de masa corporal (IMC), perímetro de cintura (PC), índice cintura estatura (ICE) y condición física medida a través del Senior Fitness Test. Se realizaron correlaciones por medio del coeficiente de Pearson, considerando un p<0,05. Resultados: Los adultos mayores evaluados presentan un IMC, PC e ICE de 29,2 kg/m2, 98,2 cm y 0,62 respectivamente. Su condición física presentó un rendimiento igual (52,5%) o superior (41,7%) al de su edad y sexo. Se encontraron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05) directas entre el PC con el puntaje de agilidad y equilibrio dinámico, e inversas, entre el IMC e ICE con la flexibilidad del tren superior. Conclusión: El exceso de peso corporal en varones mayores físicamente activos no afectaría su rendimiento físico-funcional, limitándolos sólo en la flexibilidad del tren superior, agilidad y equilibrio dinámico

Introduction: The aging of the population has attracted great interest from the scientific world, which has allowed the study of variables related to healthy aging. Objective: Relate the anthropometric indexes with the physical fitness in elderly of male sex who participate in physical activity workshops of the National Sports Institute, La Araucanía region, Chile.Material and methods: Cross-sectional study evaluating 40 physically active males over 60 years of age. The variables analyzed were body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHR) and physical fitness measured through the Senior Fitness Test. Correlations were made using the Pearson's coefficient, considering a p<0.05. Results: The elderly showed a BMI, WC and WHR of 29.2 kg/m2, 98.2 cm and 0.62, respectively. His physical fitness presented an equal performance (52.5%) or higher (41.7%) than his age and sex. Statistically significant correlations (p<0.05) direct were found between the PC with the agility and dynamic balance score, and inversely, between the BMI and WHR with the upper train flexibility. Conclusion: Excess body weight in physically active older males would not affect their physical-functional performance, limiting them only in upper train flexibility, agility, and dynamic balance

Asociación entre índices antropométricos de salud y condición física en mujeres mayores físicamente activas / Association between health anthropometric indexes with physical fitness in physically active elderly women

Resumen: Objetivo: Asociar los índices antropométricos de salud con la condición física de las mujeres mayores (MM) que participan en talleres de ejercicio físico. Material y métodos: Participaron 272 mujeres chilenas mayores de 60 años. Las variables correspondieron al IMC, perímetro de cintura (PC), índice cintura estatura (ICE) y condición física (CF). Se realizaron correlaciones a través del coeficiente de Pearson o Spearman, y asociaciones bivariadas mediante ji cuadrada de Pearson y el test exacto de Fisher, considerando un p<0.05. Resultados: De las MM, 70.8% alcanzó sobrepeso u obesidad; y 68.8% y 96% riesgo cardiometabólico de acuerdo con PC e ICE, respectivamente. Su CF presentó un rendimiento igual (53.5%) o superior (33.8%) según su edad y sexo. Se encontraron correlaciones inversas entre estado nutricional y riesgo cardiometabólico con las pruebas de CF (excepto la agilidad y equilibrio dinámico, en donde la relación fue directa), y asociación directa con juntar manos. Conclusiones: El exceso de peso en MM físicamente activas no afecta su rendimiento físico-funcional; sin embargo, el riesgo cardiometabólico se asocia inversamente con la funcionalidad motriz.

Abstract: Objective: To associate health anthropometric indexes with physical fitness of elderly women (EW) who participate in physical exercise workshops. Materials and methods: 272 Chilean women over 60 years took part in the study. The variables studied were BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-height index (WHI) and physical fitness (PF). Correlations were made through the Pearson or Spearman coefficient, and bivariate associations using Pearson's Chi-square and the Fisher's exact test, considering p<0.05. Results: 70.8% of the EW were overweight or obese; 68.8% and 96% were at cardiometabolic risk due to their WC and WHI, respectively. Their PF showed equal performance (53.5%) or higher (33.8%) according to their age and gender. Inverse correlations were found between nutritional status and cardiometabolic risk with PF tests (except for agility and dynamic balance [direct]), and direct association with back scratch test. Conclusions: Excess weight in physically active EW would not affect their physical-functional performance; however, cardiometabolic risk would be inversely associated with motor function.

[Relationship between anthropometric health indexes with food consumption in physically active elderly]. / Relación entre índices antropométricos de salud con el consumo de alimentos en adultos mayores físicamente activos.

INTRODUCTION: Programs focused on active aging do not always have actions to guide the elderly about healthy eating. Therefore, the concordance between the feeding habits and the morphological characteristics of this population group is little known. OBJECTIVE: To correlate the anthropometric health indexes with the frequency of food consumption in physically active elderly (PAE). METHODS: The sample consisted of 307 physically active Chilean elders of both sexes (8.4% males), with a mean age of 70.2 years. The studied variables corresponded to nutritional status, abdominal adiposity, cardiovascular risk and frequency of food consumption. A logistic regression model was applied, considering alpha < 0.05. RESULTS: Fruit intake (OR = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.92) and water consumption (OR = 0.20; CI 95%, 0.04-0.90) are shown as protective factors for obesity; on the other hand, alcohol consumption (OR = 4.19; 95% CI, 1.03-17.02) and sweet snacks (OR = 10.68; 95% CI, 1.85-61.74) are presented as risk factors for obesity. In addition, vegetable intake (OR = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.11-0.92) was associated as a protective factor against abdominal adiposity and sweet snack consumption (OR = 6.45; 95% CI, 1.08-38.43) as a factor to present cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSION: The PAE that are more frequent in the consumption of healthy foods also show better nutritional status, abdominal adiposity and lower cardiovascular risk than active Chilean elderly who exhibit less healthy eating behavior.

Relación entre índices antropométricos de salud con el consumo de alimentos en adultos mayores físicamente activos / Relationship between anthropometric health indexes with food consumption in physically active elderly

Introducción: los programas enfocados en el envejecimiento activo no siempre cuentan con acciones que orienten a los adultos mayores en torno a la alimentación saludable. Esta situación hace poco conocida la concordancia entre los hábitos de alimentación con las características morfológicas de este grupo de la población. Objetivo: relacionar los índices antropométricos de salud con la frecuencia en el consumo de alimentos en adultos mayores físicamente activos (AMFA). Métodos: la muestra incluyó 307 adultos mayores chilenos físicamente activos de ambos sexos (8,4% varones), con una edad media de 70,1 años. Las variables estudiadas correspondieron al estado nutricional, adiposidad abdominal, riesgo cardiovascular y frecuencia en el consumo de alimentos. Se aplicó un modelo de regresión logística, considerando un α < 0,05. Resultados: la ingesta de frutas (OR = 0,12; IC 95%, 0,02-0,92) y el consumo de agua (OR = 0,20; IC 95%, 0,04-0,90) se exhiben como factores protectores frente a la obesidad. En cambio, el consumo de alcohol (OR = 4,19; IC 95%, 1,03-17,02) y snacks dulces (OR = 10,68; IC 95%, 1,85-61,74) se presentan como factores de riesgo para la obesidad. Además, la ingesta de verduras (OR = 0,32; IC 95%, 0,11-0,92) se asoció como un factor protector frente a la adiposidad abdominal, y el consumo de snacks dulces (OR = 6,45; IC 95%, 1,08-38,43), como un factor para presentar riesgo cardiovascular. Conclusión: los AMFA que presentan mayor frecuencia en el consumo de alimentos saludables manifiestan también mejor estado nutricional, adiposidad abdominal y menor riesgo cardiovascular respecto a los adultos mayores chilenos activos que exhiben conductas de alimentación menos saludables (AU)

Introduction: Programs focused on active aging do not always have actions to guide the elderly about healthy eating. Therefore, the concordance between the feeding habits and the morphological characteristics of this population group is little known. Objective: To correlate the anthropometric health indexes with the frequency of food consumption in physically active elderly (PAE). Methods: The sample consisted of 307 physically active Chilean elders of both sexes (8.4% males), with a mean age of 70.2 years. The studied variables corresponded to nutritional status, abdominal adiposity, cardiovascular risk and frequency of food consumption. A logistic regression model was applied, considering α < 0.05. Results: Fruit intake (OR = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.92) and water consumption (OR = 0.20; CI 95%, 0.04-0.90) are shown as protective factors for obesity; on the other hand, alcohol consumption (OR = 4.19; 95% CI, 1.03-17.02) and sweet snacks (OR = 10.68; 95% CI, 1.85-61.74) are presented as risk factors for obesity. In addition, vegetable intake (OR = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.11-0.92) was associated as a protective factor against abdominal adiposity and sweet snack consumption (OR = 6.45; 95% CI, 1.08-38.43) as a factor to present cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: The PAE that are more frequent in the consumption of healthy foods also show better nutritional status, abdominal adiposity and lower cardiovascular risk than active Chilean elderly who exhibit less healthy eating behaviors (AU)

[Association between health anthropometric indexes with physical fitness in physically active elderly women]. / Asociación entre índices antropométricos de salud y condición física en mujeres mayores físicamente activas.

OBJECTIVE: To associate health anthropometric indexes with physical fitness of elderly women (EW) who participate in physical exercise workshops. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 272 Chilean women over 60 years took part in the study. The variables studied were BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-height index (WHI) and physical fitness (PF). Correlations were made through the Pearson or Spearman coefficient, and bivariate associations using Pearson's Chi-square and the Fisher's exact test, considering p<0.05. RESULTS: 70.8% of the EW were overweight or obese; 68.8% and 96% were at cardiometabolic risk due to their WC and WHI, respectively. Their PF showed equal performance (53.5%) or higher (33.8%) according to their age and gender. Inverse correlations were found between nutritional status and cardiometabolic risk with PF tests (except for agility and dynamic balance [direct]), and direct association with back scratch test. CONCLUSIONS: Excess weight in physically active EW would not affect their physical-functional performance; however, cardiometabolic risk would be inversely associated with motor function.

OBJETIVO: Asociar los índices antropométricos de salud con la condición física de las mujeres mayores (MM) que participan en talleres de ejercicio físico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Participaron 272 mujeres chilenas mayores de 60 años. Las variables correspondieron al IMC, perímetro de cintura (PC), índice cintura estatura (ICE) y condición física (CF). Se realizaron correlaciones a través del coeficiente de Pearson o Spearman, y asociaciones bivariadas mediante ji cuadrada de Pearson y el test exacto de Fisher, considerando un p<0.05. RESULTADOS: De las MM, 70.8% alcanzó sobrepeso u obesidad; y 68.8% y 96% riesgo cardiometabólico de acuerdo con PC e ICE, respectivamente. Su CF presentó un rendimiento igual (53.5%) o superior (33.8%) según su edad y sexo. Se encontraron correlaciones inversas entre estado nutricional y riesgo cardiometabólico con las pruebas de CF (excepto la agilidad y equilibrio dinámico, en donde la relación fue directa), y asociación directa con juntar manos. CONCLUSIONES: El exceso de peso en MM físicamente activas no afecta su rendimiento físico-funcional; sin embargo, el riesgo cardiometabólico se asocia inversamente con la funcionalidad motriz.