Difference in physical function due to differences in exercise frequency and duration of elderly people

Abstract

We investigated the frequency and duration of exercise for communitydwelling elderly women people. On the basis of the frequency of exercise and its duration in daily life, the subjects were divided into four groups: no exercise, <30 min/day, ?30 min sometimes, and ?30 min every day. Physical function and body composition were compared among these groups. As a result, regarding physical function, comparedwithother groups, elderly people performing exercise for ?30 min every day showed more favorable values for the lower extremity muscle strength and balance skills. In addition, no significant difference was noted in physical function between elderly people performing exercise for <30 min/day and those not performing exercise on a daily basis. The latter group showed significantly higher values for the body mass index and body fat percentage than those performing exercise. The results of our study suggest that, in order for elderly people to maintain/improve their physical function, they should ideally perform exercise for >=30minona dailybasis.