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Associations between Power Training-Induced Changes in Body Composition and Physical Function in Older Men: A
Sindre H Fosstveit1, Kolbjørn Lindberg1, Thomas Bjørnsen1
1Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|November 24, 2023
Summary
Older men with approximately 20% body fat had the best physical function. Maintaining or slightly altering body fat during power training correlated with the greatest improvements in physical function.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Body Composition
Background:
- Poor body composition is linked to reduced physical function in older adults.
- Power training improves lean mass and function in older populations.
- The relationship between power training-induced body composition changes and physical function is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the cross-sectional associations between body composition and physical function in older men.
- To investigate the relationship between power training-induced changes in body composition and physical function in older men.
Main Methods:
- Forty-nine older men (mean age 68 years) underwent a 10-week biweekly power training program.
- Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
- Physical function was a composite score including Sit-to-stand power, Timed up-and-go, and Stair-climbing tests.
Main Results:
- Baseline physical function showed non-linear relationships with total and percentage body fat (R² = 0.11-0.15, p < 0.05).
- Optimal physical function at baseline was observed around 21.5% body fat.
- Changes in body fat percentage from pre- to post-intervention were non-linearly associated with physical function improvements (R² = 0.15, p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Older men with approximately 20% body fat demonstrated peak physical function.
- Individuals who maintained or slightly altered their body fat percentage during training experienced the most significant gains in physical function.
- These findings highlight the importance of body composition in relation to physical function improvements from power training in older men.
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