EFFECT OF A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM ON THE ANTHROPOMETRIC AND PHYSICAL FITNESS OF WOMEN OVER 60 YEARS

This paper wants to determine the incidence of twelve weeks of physical activity on physical capacity and morphology of women over 60 yrs without disabilities in the district of Iquique, Chile. Before and after the intervention period was determined anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness status of the sample. Anthropometric variables were weight, height and waist and hip circumferences. The Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Hip was determined. To evaluate the status of the physical condition was used handgrip dynamometry test, countermovement vertical jump and get in and out. The balance was tested through the test of visual reference monopodal balance and flexibility through the test of trunk flexion (sit and reach test). Results show a positive effect of the intervention program on the performance of every physical test (p < 0.05). Anthropometric parameters showed a reduction in waist-hip ratio (p = 0.029) and waist circumference (p = 0.014), without rest of the variables analyzed showed changes of interest. Among the observed associations, vertical jump test showed a negative correlation with balance test and getting in and out test, both before and after treatment (R = -0.495, R = -0.699 in PREtest and R = -0.373, R = -0.463 at the POSTtest for the CMJ relation and balance and CMJ and Ln S-L test respectively, P < 0.05). In conclusion, a program of physical activity lasting 12 weeks, improves physical capacity (balance, grip strength, leg strength and flexibility) and anthropometric parameters (waist-hip ratio and waist circumference), in healthy women over 60yrs of the district of Iquique, Chile. (Nutr Hosp. 2012;27:1472-1479) DOI:10.3305/nh.2012.27.5.5899