Adiposity and physical activity in physically active and inactive elderly women at the university of third age in Palacký University Olomouc

Abstract

Background: Walking is a natural and effective form of physical activity and the core of all daily locomotion movements. The generally accepted value of 10,000 steps/day does not correspond with the elderly people; the recommendation for old person is above the limit of 7,100 steps/day. Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize a group of elderly women attending the University of Third Age at the Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc (U3A FPC UP Olomouc) regarding their body composition and physical activity and assess the differences between selected parameters of body composition in physically active and inactive women. Methods: The research group consisted of 106 women (aged 58–77 years) attending the U3A FPC UP Olomouc. The measurement of body composition was carried out using the bioelectric impedance method through the InBody 720 device. The number of steps was monitored using the Yamax DigiWalker SW- 700 pedometer. To verify the strength of relation between variables Pearson correlation coefficient were calculated. Results: The participants are categorized as physically active women who meet the recommended limit of the number of steps/day with lowered physical activity at weekends, with the average value of the sample being above the limit of 7,100 steps/day. The research group was categorized as overweight according BMI (Body Mass Index; 26.4 ± 3.4 kg/m2) and BFMI (Body Fat Mass Index; 9.4 ± 2.7 kg/m2), with a risk of abdominal obesity (VFA: 118.0 ± 27.7 cm2, WHR: 94.2 ± 5.8%). The difference between physical active and inactive women and average values of the selected parameters of body composition was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The influence of physical activity, measured by the number of steps on the body composition, is thus very minimal and the intensity and spectrum of physical activity play a significant role.