Factors Differentiating the Level of Functional Fitness in Polish Seniors

Danuta Umiastowska and Joanna Kupczyk
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Danuta Umiastowska: Faculty of Physical Culture and Health, Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, University of Szczecin, 71-521 Szczecin, Poland
Joanna Kupczyk: Faculty of Tourism and Health Sciences, The Jacob of Paradies University, 66-400 Gorzow Wielkopolski, Poland

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-8

Abstract: In this study, functional fitness is defined as the level of independence and self-sufficiency of an elderly person, which facilitates leading an independent life, without the need for assistance from other people. A decrease in functional fitness among older adults is influenced by a variety of factors. In addition to changes occurring in the human body in accordance with the laws of ontogenetic development, they can also be analyzed in terms of somatic parameters and the age of the subjects. The aim of this research was to find the factors differentiating the level of functional fitness of older adults. It involved 509 people divided into a group of people involved in regular physical activity and an inactive group. The Fullerton Functional Fitness Test was used to measure the level of physical fitness, and anthropometric measurements (body weight and height) were also performed. The level of functional fitness of Polish seniors was compared with the American standards established by R. E. Rikli and C. J. Jones. The results of our research confirm a higher level of functional fitness in active older adults, both women and men. In this group, BMI—(Body Mass Index is a measure of body fat based on height and weight) showed a greater correlation with shoulder girdle and back muscles strength, complex coordination, balance, agility, and endurance in women than in men. Finally, the surveyed Polish seniors exhibited a higher level of functional fitness than their American peers.

Keywords: functional fitness; Polish seniors; Fullerton Functional Fitness Test (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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