Body composition of 80-years old men and women and its relation to muscle strength, physical activity and functional ability
Pedersen, A.N.; Ovesen, L.; Schroll, M.; Avlund, K.; Era, P.
Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging 6(6): 413-420
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1279-7707 PMID: 12459892 Document Number: 543457
Objective: To measure body composition and analyse the relation to muscle strength, physical activity and functional ability in healthy, old subjects, and to relate the results to an optimal BMI level for the elderly. Setting: Subjects aged 80 years living at home from the 1914-population in Glostrup, Denmark. Subject and Method: 121 men and 113 women had their height and weight measured. Body fat mass and fat-free mass were assessed by bioelectrical impedance. Muscle strength was measured as handgrip, elbow flexion, knee extension, body flexion and body extension. Physical activity was self-reported and functional ability was assessed by the Physical Performance Test (PPT) and self reported mobility including information about tiredness and help. Results: After dividing BMI into three groups, i.e., BMI <24, BMI 24-29 and BMI>29, no relationship was seen between a BMI interval of 24-29 kg/m2, physical activity and functional ability. BMI was related to body fat mass, and FFM was related to muscle strength. Muscle strength was related to mobility and PPT. Mobility and PPT were mutually related and were related to physical activity. Conclusion: Our cross sectional study do not support newly proposed guidelines for an optimal BMI interval of 24-29 kg/m2 for the elderly. We found relations between body composition, muscle strength, physical activity and functional ability.