<b> Which is the impact of sedentary behavior on the physical fitness of women older than 50? </b>

• Main Authors: Diego Augusto Santos Silva, Braulio Cesar de Alcantara Mendonça, Antonio César Cabral de Oliveira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina 2012-03-01
• Series: Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria e Desempenho Humano
• Subjects: Aging; Anthropometry; Physical fitness; Sedentary lifestyle; Women’s health.
• Online Access: https://periodicos.ufsc.br/index.php/rbcdh/article/view/1980-0037.2012v14n2p154/20987

The purpose of this study was to verify the association between sedentary behavior and physical fitness of women aged 50 and older. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 298 women in this age range (mean, 59.8±7.2 years), divided into an at-risk group (n=103) and a non-risk group (n=195) according to sedentary behavior. Anthropometric variables were collected (body mass [kg], height [cm], triceps skinfold thickness [mm] and waist circumference [cm]), and body fat percentage was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare performance on physical tests in relation to sedentary behavior, adopting a significance level of 5%. Physical activity level was measured and physical fitness tests (flexibility, abdominal resistance, upper body strength, and aerobic fitness) were administered. At-risk women who exhibited sedentary behavior performed worst on upper body strength (12.0±0.7 repetitions) and aerobic fitness (23.3±0.5 ml/kg/min) when compared to those who had no risky behavior (p<0.05). Physical activity can be encouraged in this age group in order to minimize the effects of aging.