The Different Body Mass Index Does Not Impact Physical Health in Older Adults without Sedentary Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study.

AIMS AND

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare and determine the correlation of BMI on physical health, including muscle strength, balance, and cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults without sedentary behavior.

METHODS

A total of 65 older adults without sedentary behavior were recruited and divided into 3 groups on the basis of body mass index (BMI): normal weight (n= 22/group), overweight (n= 22/- group), and obese (n= 21/group). All the older adults were evaluated for upper limb muscle strength using the handgrip strength test, lower limb muscle strength using the sit-to-stand (STS10) test, balance ability using the time up and go (TUG) test, and cardiorespiratory fitness using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT).

RESULTS

The handgrip strength test, STS10 test, and distance of 6MWT showed no difference among the groups (p> 0.05). However, overweight group had a significantly longer duration for the TUG test when compared to normal weight, while obese group had a significantly longer duration for the TUG test when compared with overweight and normal weight groups (p< 0.01). In addition, BMI was positively correlated with the duration of the TUG test. Whereas, the handgrip strength test, STS10 test, and distance of 6MWT were not correlated with BMI.

CONCLUSION

The BMI does not impact upper and lower limb muscle strength or the cardiorespiratory fitness test, except for the ability to balance in older adults without sedentary behavior.