Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 9, 2025

Phosphorus-31 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Tool for Measuring In Vivo Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation Capacity in Human Skeletal Muscle

Phosphorus-31 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Tool for Measuring In Vivo Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation Capacity in Human Skeletal Muscle

Published on: January 19, 2017

Metabolic Syndrome and Functional Fitness Abilities

Laura Gallardo-Alfaro¹, Maria Del Mar Bibiloni¹, Emma Argelich^1,2

¹Research Group on Community Nutrition & Oxidative Stress, Guillem Colom Building, Campus, University of Balearic Islands-IUNICS, IDISBA & CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition), 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Journal of Clinical Medicine

|December 24, 2021

Abstract

Background:

It has been pointed out that moderate to vigorous exercise improves metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria; however, studies on functional fitness in subjects with MetS are scarce.

Aim:

This study aimed to assess functional fitness abilities in MetS and non-MetS subjects.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study. Participants living in the Balearic Islands (n = 477, 52% men, 55-80 years old) with MetS (n = 333) and without MetS (n = 144). Anthropometric, socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics were measured, and blood samples were collected. Functional fitness tests included: one leg balance, standing and sitting handgrip, 30-s chair stand, arm curl, chair sit-and-reach, back scratch, 8-foot time up-and-go, 30-m walk, and 6-min walk tests. A Functional Fitness Score was created from tests that measured agility and dynamic balance, static balance, lower-and-upper body strength, lower-and-upper body flexibility, aerobic endurance, and speed.

Results:

All functional fitness tests were lower in MetS subjects, except for back scratch and standing handgrip test. After adjusting for possible confounders (sex, age, civil status, education level, leisure-time physical activity) MetS subjects were more likely to be below average for a sex and age specific cut-off value of one leg balance (Odds Ratio, OR: 2.37; 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.25-4.48), chair stand (OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.26-3.20), arm curl (OR: 3.43; 95% CI:1.90-6.26), back scratch (OR: 3.49; 95% CI: 2.31-5.91), 8-foot up-&-go (OR: 13.03; 95% CI: 6.66-25.55), 30-m walk (OR: 8.10; 95% CI: 4.33-15.57) and 6-min walk test (OR: 3.28; 95% CI: 1.76-6.52), whereas they were more likely to be above average for sitting handgrip test (OR:1.69; 95% CI:1.21-2.95). Functional Fitness Score was lower in MetS subjects (5.44 ± 2.40 vs. 7.04 ± 1.72, p < 0.001), independently of sex and age.

Conclusion:

MetS participants showed lower functional fitness abilities and lower Functional Fitness Score than non-MetS peers, independently of sex, age, body mass index and waist circumference, showing lower ability to perform everyday activities safely and independently.

Keywords:

functional fitness metabolic syndrome older adults physical activity

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People

Published on: July 5, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism

Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrate metabolism is a fundamental biochemical process that ensures a constant supply of energy to living cells. The most important carbohydrate is glucose, which can be broken down via glycolysis to enter into the Krebs cycle and eventually lead to the production of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Glucose transport into cells is facilitated by a family of transport proteins called GLUT (Glucose Transporters). GLUT4 is the primary glucose transporter for insulin-stimulated glucose...

Overview of Lipid Metabolism

Overview of Lipid Metabolism

Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...

Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation

Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation

During the initial hours of fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores as an energy source. Once these glycogen reserves are depleted, the body begins breaking down stored triglycerides and structural proteins. During this stage, glycerol becomes a key substrate for gluconeogenesis, while free fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to provide energy for tissues, such as skeletal muscle. In the fasting state, the body spares protein breakdown as much as possible to conserve muscle and structural...

Exercise and Muscle Performance

Exercise and Muscle Performance

Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...

Metabolic Rate

Metabolic Rate

The human body is a powerhouse of energy, with every cell performing numerous functions that require energy. This energy production and consumption is measured by the metabolic rate, which quantifies the total heat generated by all the body's chemical reactions and mechanical work. This measurement helps to determine the rate of kilocalorie (kcal) consumption needed to fuel all ongoing activities.
The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) measures the energy expended at rest.
Several factors influence...

Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State

Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State

The postabsorptive state usually starts about four hours after a meal and lasts until the next meal is eaten. During this time, the digestive system stops absorbing nutrients, and the body uses stored energy reserves to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Comprehensive Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis.

Nutrients·2026

Calcidiol Status and Metabolic Syndrome in 40-60-Year-Old Women: Association with Metabolic Components.

Nutrients·2026

Established and Emerging Biomarkers to Characterize Persons at Risk for Obesity-Paving the Way for Targeted Clinical Intervention Trials-A Comprehensive Position Paper.

Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity·2026

Multi-Axis Functional Mechanisms of the Milpa Diet in Obesity: A Scoping Review.

Nutrients·2026

Planetary Health Diet Adherence Improves Weight and Body Composition During Energy Restriction.

Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)·2026

Environmental Impact of Diets Based on Established and Newly Proposed Dietary Guidelines: DASH, Mediterranean Diet and Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030-Style Diet.

Nutrients·2026

See all related articles