Anthropometric, physical function and general health markers of Masters athletes: a cross-sectional study

PeerJ

article

Samantha Fien¹  Mike Climstein²  Clodagh Quilter¹  Georgina Buckley¹  Timothy Henwood¹  Josie Grigg¹  Justin W.L. Keogh¹ 

[1] Health Science and Medicine, Bond University;Water Based Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bond University;Exercise Health & Performance Faculty Research Group, The University of Sydney;Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick;School of Human Movement and Nutritional Science, University of Queensland;Community Wellness and Lifestyle, Southern Cross Care ,(SA & NT) Inc.;Human Potential Centre, Auckland University of Technology;Cluster for Health Improvement, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast

关键词: Anthropometric;    Physical function;    General health;    Masters athletes;    Sport;    Muscle mass;    Sarcopenia;    Ageing;    Muscle strength;    Physical performance;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.3768

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

70 years old) on the outcome measures for the entire sample as well as the male and female sub-groups. A total of 156 athletes (78 male, 78 female; mean 55.7 years) provided informed consent to participate in this study. These athletes possessed substantially better anthropometric, physical function and general health characteristics than the literature for their less physically active age-matched peers. No Masters athletes were categorised as being sarcopenic, although one participant had below normal physical performance and six participants had below normal muscle strength. In contrast, significant age-related reductions in handgrip strength and increases in the number of chronic diseases and prescribed medications were observed for the overall cohort as well as the male and female sub-groups. Nevertheless, even those aged over 70 years only averaged one chronic disease and one prescribed medication. These results may suggest that participation in Masters sport helps to maintain anthropometry, physical function and general health in middle-aged and older adults. However, it is also possible that only healthier middle-aged and older adults with favourable body composition and physical function may be able to participate in Masters sport. Future research should therefore utilise longitudinal research designs to determine the health and functional benefits of Master sports participation for middle-aged and older adults.

【 授权许可】

CC BY