P-315: The relationship between levels of physical activity and quality of life of the students of the Universities of the Third Age

摘要

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) has a positive effect on human health. Insufficient PA of older people may be a reason for deteriorating health status. The aim of the study was to assess the PA of the Universities of the Third Age (U3A) students and to examine the relationship between PA and quality of life (QoL). Methods: The study included a total of 99 students of the U3A, aged ≥ 60 years. Participants were examined using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Katz Index (ADL), Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL), short form of the geriatric depression scale (GDS). The handgrip strength (HS) was measured using the Baseline hydraulic dynamometer. Results: Statistically significant differences in the results of women and men were demonstrated in 5 variables: the level of PA, physical component summary of SF = 36 questionnaire, the total SPPB score and the HS of the dominant and the non-dominant hand. In all examinations, men obtained higher scores than women. Positive correlations between PA and the result of the ADL, IADL, SPPB, the HS and physical component summary of the SF = 36 questionnaire component were shown. Conclusion: This study confirmed that participants U3A meet the recommendations regarding minimum PA and they willingly undertake regular PA, which translates into high functional and physical fitness and a good QoL. In addition, a greater amount of moderate and intense PA translates into stronger muscles, prevent the sarcopenia and disability in old age.