A study determining the functional fitness and physical activity level and assessing correlation between ıpaq and sft in elderly people

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is threefold: To determine the FF and PA levels, examine the differences of FF and PA, determine the correlation between International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Senior Fitness Test (SFT) of older-age people living in Şırnak. Total of 134 participants’ (63 were male; height 168.98±15.28cm; Body weight (BW) 79.40±13.10kg; 71 females; height 158.20±6.43cm; BW 76.01±13.55kg) level of physical activity (PA) was evaluated with IPAQ and functional fitness (FF) was estimated by using SFT. Kruskal Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for the analysis of data. In case of difference in Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney-U test was used to determine which group caused the difference. In the comparison of female participants according to age groups there was only in 2min step test statistically significant difference (p=.022). There was a significant difference between 60-64 age males and females chair stand and arm curl tests in favor of males, however in back scratch test was statistically significant difference in 75-80 ages in favor of females. Chair stand, arm curl, 2min step and 8 Ft up-and-go tests was significantly difference between genders (p<.05). IPAQ energy consumption in both gender was dominant on minimal active and it was decreasing with aging. It is seen that a positive and moderate level correlation between IPAQ (MET-min/wk) and SFT (2min step test) (r=.426; p<.001). This study found that there is a continuous decline in PA and FF with aging for both of the genders. This situation accelerates after the age of 70 and age-related decrease of females stand out compared to males.