Which Variables Are Associated with the Magnitude of the Physical Fitness Response in Older Adults? An Analysis of Their Development and Influence

Andressa Crystine da Silva Sobrinho (), Larissa Chacon Finzeto, Mariana Luciano de Almeida, Guilherme da Silva Rodrigues, João Gabriel Ribeiro de Lima, Karine Pereira Rodrigues, Átila Alexandre Trapé, Lais Prado and Carlos Roberto Bueno Júnior
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Andressa Crystine da Silva Sobrinho: Department of Graduate Studies in Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto Campus, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
Larissa Chacon Finzeto: Department of Graduate Studies in Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto Campus, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
Mariana Luciano de Almeida: Department of Graduate Studies in Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto Campus, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
Guilherme da Silva Rodrigues: Department of Graduate Studies in Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto Campus, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
João Gabriel Ribeiro de Lima: Department of Graduate Studies in Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto Campus, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
Karine Pereira Rodrigues: Department of Graduate Studies in Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto Campus, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
Átila Alexandre Trapé: School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
Lais Prado: School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
Carlos Roberto Bueno Júnior: Department of Graduate Studies in Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto Campus, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 8, 1-17

Abstract: Regular physical exercise has proven to be an effective strategy for enhancing the health and well-being of older adults. However, there are still gaps in our understanding of the impacts of exercise on older adults with different health conditions, as well as in the customization of training programs according to individual capabilities. This study aimed to analyze the variables that influence the response of physical capabilities in older adults, considering their development over the aging process, with the goal of assisting professionals in creating personalized training programs. To achieve this, we conducted a cohort study involving 562 previously inactive adults and older adults who underwent anthropometric assessments, blood pressure measurements, and comprehensive physical tests. These assessments were conducted before and after a 14-week training program. Results indicated no significant variations in variables such as waist circumference ( p = 0.0455, effect size = 0.10), body mass index ( p = 0.0215, effect size = 0.15), systolic ( p < 0.0001, effect size = 0.35) and diastolic blood pressure ( p < 0.0001, effect size = 0.25) pre- and post-intervention. Strength tests, agility, the 6 min walk test (6MWT), and the back scratch test (BS) showed significant improvements post-intervention, with p -values all below 0.0001 and effect sizes ranging from 0.30 to 0.50. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that lower initial values in physical capabilities were associated with more significant improvements during training (R 2 = 0.73, p < 0.001). These results underscore that individualized guidance in training can lead to clinically meaningful improvements in physical performance and health among older adults, with effect sizes indicating moderate-to-large benefits (effect size range = 0.30 to 0.50). Therefore, personalized training programs are essential to maximize health benefits in this population.

Keywords: physical exercise; aging; training programs; personalized training; multiple linear regression; health; well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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