PHYSICAL FITNESS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG COMMUNITY DWELLING ELDERLY PEOPLE IN PORTUGAL

Martins R.J.¹, Cavalheiro L.M.¹, Gonçalves R.S.¹

¹Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Coimbra, Portugal

Background: Population aging is a widespread phenomenon in all countries. With increasing longevity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in elderly population is an important goal, and it depends to a large degree on being able to independently perform the activities of daily living. The literature shows the importance of functional fitness (FF) performance and physical activity (PA) in the maintenance and optimization of HRQoL in the elderly people.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between FF performance, the weekly PA level and the HRQoL dimensions; and, to estimate the contributions of the different components of FF and PA level to variations in HRQoL components.

Methods: FF performance was assessed with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). The SFT assesses the components of muscular strength, flexibility, agility and dynamic balance and cardiorespiratory endurance. PA level was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in the dimensions of moderate PA, vigorous PA, walking activity and sitting. HRQoL was measured with the Medical Outcomes Study 36 Item Short Form (MOS SF-36v2) in the dimensions of physical function (PF), physical performance (PP), bodily pain (BP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), social functioning (SF), role emotional (RE) and mental health (MH). All tests were administered to 101 Portuguese community dwelling elderly persons (63 females, 38 males; age: 72.2 ± 5.4 years).

Results: Significant correlation values were obtained between FF, PA level and HRQoL. Higher values of FF and PA level were related to higher values in HRQoL dimensions. The physical component dimensions of HRQoL were the most related to FF and PA components. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that age, FF components and PA level explain 8% to 44% of the variance of HRQoL dimensions. The dimensions whose variance can be explained to a greater extent by FF and PA were PF (44%), BP (28%), VT (26%) and PP (24%). The upper limbs muscle strength and cardiorespiratory endurance were the variables most often included as predictors in the final models. The cardiorespiratory endurance was the variable with highest predictor value to a greater number of HRQoL dimensions.

Conclusion(s): This study showed the importance of upper limbs muscle strength and cardiorespiratory endurance. By assessing this components as well as knowing the functional and mobility determinants of elderly, the physical therapist should be able to maximize individuals´ physical potential according to its specific characteristics and needs, in order to maintain functional capacity and increase HRQoL.

Implications: Prevention and rehabilitation programs for the elderly should emphasize the most relevant FF components and PA dimensions to increase HRQoL in this population.

Funding acknowledgements: Nothing to declare.

Topic: Health promotion & wellbeing/healthy ageing

Ethics approval: This study was approved by the Review Board of Coimbra Health School.

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