An evaluation of frailty factors among elderly and their mutual links in elderly women in the Olomouc region

• Main Authors: Tereza Kaplanová, Miroslava Přidalová, Vendula Zbořilová
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Palacký University Olomouc 2017-03-01
• Series: Acta Gymnica
• Subjects: body composition; aging; bone density; muscle strength
• Online Access: https://gymnica.upol.cz/artkey/gym-201701-0005_An_evaluation_of_frailty_factors_among_elderly_and_their_mutual_links_in_elderly_women_in_the_Olomouc_region.php

Background: Ageing has a significant impact on the functional status and capacity in physical, cognitive, sensory and nutritional areas. The age-related changes include changes in body composition as well as changes in the musculoskeletal system including a significant loss of muscle mass and demineralization of bone. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between selected parameters of frailty factors in older women from the Olomouc region. Methods: The research group consisted of 225 women (aged 60-81 years) attending University of the Third Age at the Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc and women from senior clubs in Olomouc. Body composition was assessed by multifrequency bioelectrical impedance. Muscle strength in the hand flexors was evaluated using a digital pinch grip. Information on bone density was obtained through local densitometer. To verify the strength of relation between variables Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated. Results: Relationship between body composition, muscle strength and bone density proved to be statistically significant. Moderate positive correlation was found between the grip strengths of both hands, bone density of both calcaneus and the amount of fat-free mass, muscle mass, cell mass and the size of the basal metabolic rate in range from .41 to .49. The relationship between muscle strength and bone density was weak (r < .30) but statistically significant. Conclusions: These results confirm the relationship between aspects of the frailty of elderly women, especially the relationship between muscle strength, bone density and selected parameters of body composition.