Aptidão Física e Fatores de Risco Auto Reportados: Estudo Descritivo com Idosos da Região Norte de Portugal

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe physical fitness of the older adults from the Northern Region of Portugal. The sample consisted of 693 older adults (mean age= 74.09 ± 6.59 years; Female= 70.40%) physically independent to perform daily living activities. Physical fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease and risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity and smoking) was self-reported. Male, compared to female, had higher cardiorespiratory fitness (504.04 ± 148.13 m versus 449.97 ± 149.80m, respectively; p=0.000), upper body strength (19.39 ± 5.47 versus 17.76 ± 5.37; p<0.001), lower body strength (17.13 ± 4.99 versus 15.69 ± 5.5, respectively; p ˂0.01) and agility (6.49 ± 4.58 seconds versus 7.60 ± 4.63 seconds, respectively; p˂0.05). In contrast, older female, compared to older male, had higher upper (-16.37 ± 14.68 cm versus -22.01 ± 15.31 cm, respectively; p˂0.001), and lower body flexibility (-5.94 ± 10.88 cm versus, -10.77 ± 14.31cm respectively; p˂0.001). It was also observed that all components of physical fitness decreased as age increased. Cávado was the geographical region were older adults had the highest physical fitness scores, while older adults from Viana do Castelo and Ave were those with the worst physical fitness. Regarding the risk factors, 27.80% self-reported hypertension (Female 26.40%, Male: 24.90%, p = 0.218), 14.40% dyslipidemia, (Female: 13.90%, Male: 8.60%; p = 0.013), 13.20% diabetes (Male: 14.20%, Female: 10.70%; p = 0.659) and 29.21% obesity (Male: 29.90%, Female: 28.90%; p = 0.802).