Examining Characteristics and Sex Differences in Physique and Physical Fitness of Middle-aged and the Elderly through Panel

Data and Time Series Data Analyses

Abstract

　This study aimed to examine the characteristics and sex differences in physique and physical fitness of middle-aged and the elderly (range, 60-83 years). The physique and physical fitness of middle-aged and the elderly were measured once a year for 13 years. In total, 48 males and 40 females, who completed continuous measurements over 3 years, were compared and examined using panel data and time series data analyses. In the panel data analysis, it was found that height, body weight, body fat percentage (% FAT) , lean body mass (LBM), grip strength, one leg stand with eyes open (OLEO), 10-m hurdle walk time (10mHW), and shuttle stamina walk test (SSTw) were significantly correlated with age in both sexes. In the body mass index (BMI) of females and the sit-up of males were significantly correlated with age. In the time series data analysis, LBM, grip strength, sit-up, OLEO, 10mHW, and SSTw were significantly correlated with age in both sexes. Further, the % FAT and osteo sono-assessment index (OSI) in males, and height, BMI, and sitting trunk flexion in females were significantly correlated with age. Significant differences were observed in the % FAT, sit-up, OLEO, 10mHW, and SSTw of males, in BMI and LBM of females in the slope of the regression line between panel data and time series data analyses. A significant difference was observed in the slope of the regression line only in the grip strength between males and females in the panel data analysis. 　Based on the above results, the physique in both sexes is affected by various biases, also physical fitness in men is affected. Further, in panel data analysis, sex differences were found only in the grip strength.