ArticleBMC geriatrics2025
Physical fitness trends and factors influencing them in community-dwelling older adults: a longitudinal cohort study involving multiple tests.
Article in BMC geriatrics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundMaintaining physical fitness (PF) is essential for preserving functional independence in later life. However, longitudinal evidence describing multidomain PF trends among Asian older adults remains limited. This study aimed to investigate temporal changes in PF among community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan and factors influencing these changes.
methodsThe longitudinal study cohort included 403 adults (age ≥ 65 years; mean age: 72.8 ± 0.4 years) who participated in a community health promotion program. Handgrip strength, 30-s arm curl, 30-s chair stand, single-leg stance, 8-foot up-and-go, 2-min step, 6-min walk, back scratch, and chair sit-and-reach tests were repeatedly conducted at three time points to assess key PF parameters. PF trends over time were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. When significant main effects were detected, post hoc pairwise comparisons were performed using the least significant difference method. To examine the influence of covariates on PF trends, we used generalized linear mixed models, incorporating fixed effects for sex, age, height, weight, physical activity level, and measurement time, along with random intercepts to account for within-subject correlations and between-subject variability.
resultsUpper limb strength (handgrip strength and 30-s arm curl tests) improved and remained higher across assessments, whereas lower limb strength and balance (30-s chair stand and single-leg stance tests) improved initially but plateaued later. Agility (8-foot up-and-go test) remained unchanged, whereas flexibility (chair sit-and-reach and back scratch tests), aerobic endurance (2-min step test), and gait speed (6-min walk test) declined significantly (all p < 0.05). Age and body weight were negatively associated with most PF parameters. Higher physical activity levels were associated with greater strength, endurance, and mobility (all p < 0.05).
conclusionDistinct domain-specific PF trends were noted among Taiwanese community-dwelling older adults, with maintenance of strength and agility but progressive declines in endurance and flexibility. Sustained engagement in community-based, multicomponent exercise programs may mitigate age-related decline and support healthy aging in later life.
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