Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
12:59
Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
["Physical fitness of institutionalized elderly: comparative analysis with reference values"]
Alexandrina Lobo1, Maria Paula Santos, Joana Carvalho
1Universiodade do Porto.
Servir (Lisbon, Portugal)
|December 11, 2008
Summary
Physical activity can help elders maintain functional capacity and prevent dependency. This study found institutionalized elders showed better strength and aerobic fitness but poorer flexibility and agility compared to standards.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Science
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Functional decline in elders contributes to dependency and institutionalization.
- Regular physical activity (PA) is explored for preventing and reversing functional limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the physical performance levels of 185 institutionalized elders.
- To compare these performance levels by gender and age against normative standards.
- To determine the functional status of institutionalized elders.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 185 institutionalized elders.
- Assessment of physical performance across various domains.
- Comparison of results with established normative data.
Main Results:
- Men demonstrated superior physical fitness compared to women.
- Elders performed better than the standard in strength and aerobic resistance.
- Elders exhibited poorer performance in flexibility and agility compared to the standard.
Conclusions:
- Physical performance varies among institutionalized elders, with notable differences by gender.
- While strength and aerobic capacity are relatively preserved, flexibility and agility represent key areas for improvement.
- Targeted interventions focusing on flexibility and agility may enhance functional status and independence in institutionalized elders.
