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Relationships Between Physical Activity Habits and Functional Neuromuscular Capacities in Healthy Older Adults

The Citadel

Harriet G. Williams

University of South Carolina

Caroline A. Macera

University of South Carolina

There is general agreement that to maintain quality of life for an aging individual, independence and self-direction need to be sustained. Relationships between levels of physical activity and changes in neuromuscular capacities among 30 women and 32 men (average age = 71 years) were examined, and four dimensions of functional neuromuscular capacities were evaluated: body agility, balance, upper-extremity function, and speed of movement planning/execution. Selected anthropometric and phystological characteristics were also measured. Physical activity habits were assessed by questionnaire and interview. Positive and potentially important relationships between physical activity levels and selected neuromuscular abilities were found. Activity habits were significantly related to general anthropometric and physiological characteristics. This study suggests that selected functional neuromuscular capacities are better maintained in healthy, physically active older adults, and the nature of capacities affected may be different for men and women.

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