Functional fitness norms for community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong

Pak-Kwong Chung*, Yanan Zhao, Jingdong Liu, Binh Quach

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

    36 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objective: This study aimed to establish normative data for older adults in Hong Kong and explore age and sex differences in functional fitness. Methods: A sample of 944 independent community-dwellers, aged 65-74 years, was evaluated using the Senior Fitness Test battery in addition to hand grip and single leg stance tests. Normative data were reported for the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles in 5-year age groups. Results: Except for upper extremity muscle strength in women and body mass index (BMI) in both sexes, ageing-associated degradation was observed in all testing parameters especially in flexibility, balance, and agility. Significant sex differences were found in all testing parameters with the exception of BMI and static balance with eyes open. Moreover, men demonstrated higher capacities for muscle strength, agility, balance, and aerobic endurance, whereas women showed superior flexibility. Conclusion: The normative values enable the evaluation of individual performance regarding the fitness status of older adults in Hong Kong.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)54-62
    Number of pages9
    JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
    Volume65
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2016

    Scopus Subject Areas

    • Health(social science)
    • Ageing
    • Gerontology
    • Geriatrics and Gerontology

    User-Defined Keywords

    • Functional fitness
    • Hong Kong
    • Norm
    • Older adult

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