Functional physical condition assessment with the Senior Fitness Test in people performing a gymnastics program for older adults
Abstract
Introduction. In exercise programs for older adults, it is recommended to measure functional physical fitness, and the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) was designed to assess it in independent individuals aged 60 to 94. The objective of this study was to describe baseline functional fitness using the SFT and explore sex-related differences among older adults entering a physical activity program in Argentina. Methodology. Cross-sectional study of adults over 60 who participated in the Older Adults Gymnastics Program (GAMA) in 2022–2023. SFT results were categorized as “Low,” “Normal,” or “High” based on the test manual reference values. Results. Data from 115 participants (95 women and 20 men) were analyzed, with a mean age of 68.3 years (SD 7.2). The tests with the highest proportion of high scores were arm strength (73.9%), agility (50.4%), and 6-minute walk (50.4%). The tests with the highest proportion of low scores were leg flexibility (34.8%), arm flexibility (34.8%), and leg strength (25.2%). Women showed significantly greater agility than men (high scores: 55.8% vs. 25.0%; p = 0.029). Discussion. The SFT proved to be a simple and suitable tool for evaluating functional physical fitness. Conclusions. Overall, performance was favorable in arm strength, agility, and cardiovascular endurance, while leg strength and flexibility (arms and legs) emerged as areas for targeted interventions.
References
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