Impact of Moderate Intensity Physical Activity on the Functional Fitness of Older Women

To determine the amount of activity necessary to positively impact functional fitness, by determining cutoff points in which additional minutes in moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA) do not further improve functional fitness. FF was assessed by the Senior Fitness Test (Chair Stand, Arm Curl, 6 min Walk, Up-and-Go, Sit and Reach, and Back Scratch) in 125 women (73.42 + or - 8.84 yrs) from 2 Midwestern communities. Participants wore an accelerometer for 7 days without altering their normal activity. Accelerometer data were downloaded, MVPA determined via proprietary filtering, and time spent in each intensity (sedentary, low, moderate, vigorous) was calculated. ANOVAs revealed significant differences between groups on all measures except sit and reach. Results indicate a threshold of 20 min, suggesting that engaging in more MVPA yields no additional statistical gain on the lower body strength and mobility measures of chair stand, up-and-go, and 6 min walk.