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

Abstract

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 (R-2= 0.48). HDL cholesterol and the level of physical activity were predictors of the two minutes step test (R-2= 0.31). Serum lipids, suprailiac skinfold and age were predictors of the back-scratch test (R-2= 0.41). Fasting blood glucose and HDL cholesterol were predictors of the chair sit and reach test (R-2 = 0.24). Serum lipids and body mass index were predictors of the arm curl test (R-2 = 0.37). Body mass index and serum lipids were predictors of the chair stand test (R-2 = 0.49). Conclusions: Anthropometric variables, serum lipid levels and blood glucose were predictors of different physical fitness parameters in these women.