Associations between Power Training-Induced Changes in Body Composition and Physical Function in Older Men: A Pre-Test–Post-Test Experimental Study

Sindre H. Fosstveit (), Kolbjørn Lindberg, Thomas Bjørnsen, Erlend E. Sibayan, Joachim S. Fjeller, Sondre Løvold, Tommy Kolnes, Fredrik T. Vårvik, Sveinung Berntsen and Hilde Lohne-Seiler
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Sindre H. Fosstveit: Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
Kolbjørn Lindberg: Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
Thomas Bjørnsen: Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
Erlend E. Sibayan: Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
Joachim S. Fjeller: Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
Sondre Løvold: Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
Tommy Kolnes: Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
Fredrik T. Vårvik: Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
Sveinung Berntsen: Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
Hilde Lohne-Seiler: Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 22, 1-14

Abstract: Background: It is well-established that cross-sectional measurements of poor body composition are associated with impaired physical function and that power training effectively enhances total lean mass and physical function in older adults. However, it is unclear if power training-induced changes in body composition are associated with improved physical function in older adults. Aim: The present study investigated associations between body composition and physical function cross-sectionally and with power training-induced changes in older men. Methods: Forty-nine older men (68 ± 5 yrs) completed a 10-week biweekly power training intervention. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical function was assessed as a composite Z-score combining measures from Sit-to-stand power, Timed up-and-go time, and loaded and unloaded Stair-climbing time (15 steps). Linear and quadratic regression analyses were performed to assess associations between body composition and physical function. Results: At baseline, total (R 2 = 0.11, p < 0.05) and percentage body fat (R 2 = 0.15, p < 0.05) showed a non-linear relationship with physical function. The apex of the quadratic regression for body composition was 21.5% body fat. Furthermore, there was a non-linear relationship between changes in body fat percentage and physical function from pre- to post-intervention (R 2 = 0.15, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study’s findings indicate that participants with a body composition of ~20% body fat displayed the highest level of physical function at baseline. Furthermore, despite small pre–post changes in body fat, the results indicate that those who either preserved their body fat percentage or experienced minor alterations observed the greatest improvements in physical function.

Keywords: ageing; body fat; disability; exercise; public health; sarcopenia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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