Body composition and physical ability of trained and non-trained elderly women

Body composition and physical ability affect the life quality and health condition of elderly people. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare body composition and physical ability of regularly trained and non-trained elderly women. 22 elderly women in the average age 74 years were divided into two groups based on their physical activity: twice a week training and non-training groups. Body weight, body height, blood pressure and waist-hip ratio were measured, and the body composition was evaluated with a SECA 525 analyser. A handgrip strength test, a “Timed Up and Go” test, “Five Times Sit to Stand” test were also performed by the participants. Based on the results of the study, the following conclusions were made: regularly training women had lower body mass index and systolic blood pressure than non-trained women in the same age; regularly training women had lower body fat mass and higher total body water, fat-free mass and muscle mass than non-training women in the same age; regularly training women had greater hand grip strength than nontraining women in the same age; regularly training women performed “Five Times Sit to Stand” test and “Timed Up and Go” test faster than non-training women in the same age.