Skip to main content
Article
Impact of Physical Activities on Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Women
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics (2018)
  • Machiko Tomita
  • Nadine Fisher
  • Sujata Nair
  • Dan Ramsey
  • Kimberley Persons, St. Catherine University
Abstract
Aims: The aim of the study was to determine whether increased physical activities (PA) affect frailty for old women, 75 years and older (OO), compared to 60-74 years old (YO).
Methods: This crosssectional study measured 19 frailty indicators (muscle strength and endurance, balance, gait characteristics, and function), using 46 community-dwelling women. PA were divided into three levels by caloric expenditure per week (<2,000 kcal/week, 2,000-3,999 kcal/week,>4,000 kcal/week).
Results: As PA level increased, a gap (=difference) between OO and YO narrowed for step length and function, but for quadriceps strength and endurance, a gap widened.
Conclusions: Frailty progresses with aging but older women who engage in a high level of physical activity (>4,000 kcal/week) can increase mobility and functional capacity, but not for muscle strength and endurance. Starting regular resistance training activities early in the aging process is critical to improve or maintain muscle quality to offset age-related frailty.
Publication Date
Spring March 15, 2018
DOI
10.1080/02703181.2018.1443194.
Citation Information
Machiko Tomita, Nadine Fisher, Sujata Nair, Dan Ramsey, et al.. "Impact of Physical Activities on Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Women" Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics Vol. 36 Iss. 1 (2018) p. 107 - 119
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kimberley-persons/1/