The effects of physical exercise on kinanthropometry, physical fitness, and mental well-being in older adults in Iceland

• Main Author: Kristján Valur Jóhannsson 1993-
• Other Authors: Háskólinn í Reykjavík
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2024
• Subjects: Exercise science and coaching; Older people; Exercise; Well-being; Meistaraprófsritgerðir; Íþróttavísindi og þjálfun; Aldraðir; Líkamsrækt; Heilsufar; Curl; Eta; Iceland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1946/46400

The majority of older adults fail to meet the recommended levels of physical activity. Sustaining sufficient levels of physical activity is crucial for overall wellness and physical fitness. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a three-month multicomponent physical exercise programme on the kinanthropometric, PF and well-being of older adults in function of the attendance ratio. Participants in the study were 133 (30.1% males with a mean age of 75±4.6 and 69.9% females with a mean age of 74±3.7). A total of 74 participants completed all tests and attended both measurements. Body composition was assessed using body mass index, triceps skinfold thickness, and upper-arm circumference measurements. The Senior Fitness Test battery was used to assess physical fitness, while the Short-Warwick Mental Well-being Scale was utilised to evaluate mental well-being. A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted for each variable and partial eta squared was used as an effect size. Statistical significance was determined at 0.05 value. The results revealed a significant difference between pre and post measurements for bicep curl in the left arm and right, back scratch, chair sit and reach, chair stand, grip strength, the 6-minute walk and well-being. Significant interactive effect was found between time and gender for chair stand, triceps skinfold and well-being. The intervention programme was successful in sustaining and even improving some of the physical- and mental attributes of the participants. Eldra fólk mætir viðmiðum um ráðlagða hreyfingu að takmörkuðu leyti sem telja má að hafi bein áhrif á dánartíðni. Í þessari rannsókn eru áhrif þriggja mánaða fjölþættrar hreyfiíhlutunar á heilsu og líkamlega færni eldri borgara á Íslandi skoðuð. Í rannsókninni tóku 133 einstaklingar þátt (þar af 30,1% karlar með 75±4.6 ára meðalaldur og 69,9% konur með 74±3.7 ára meðalaldur) og luku 74 einstaklingar öllum prófunum hennar. Líkamssamsetning var metin með BMI mælingum, fituklípu á þríhöfða og ummálsmælingu ...