Flexibility of older adults aged 55-86 years and the influence of physical activity

Abstract

Cross-sectional age-related differences in flexibility of older adults aged 55-86 years of varying activity levels were examined. Shoulder abduction and hip flexion flexibility measurements were obtained from 436 individuals (205 men, 71 ± 9 years; 231 women, 72 ± 8 years). Total physical activity was assessed using the Minnesota Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Shoulder abduction showed a significant decline averaging 5 degrees/decade in men and 6 degrees/decade in women. Piecewise linear regression showed an accelerated decline in men starting at the age of 71 years of 0.80 degrees/year, whereas in women the onset of decline (0.74 degrees/year) was 63 years. Men and women showed a significant decline in hip flexion (men: 6 degrees/decade; women: 7 degrees/decade). Piecewise linear regression revealed a rate of decline of 1.16 degrees/year beginning at 71 years in men and in women a single linear decline of 0.66 degrees/year. Multiple regression analysis showed that age and physical activity accounted for only 9% of the variance in hip flexion in women and 10% in men, with age but not physical activity remaining significant. Similarly for shoulder abduction, age was significant but not physical activity, in a model that described 8% of the variance for both sexes.

Figure 1

(a) Age analysis for shoulder flexibility in men. Piecewise linear regression s-segment model shows breaking at the age of 71 years. Rate of decline prior to age 71 is −0.20 degrees per year and −0.80 degrees per year after the age of 71 years. (R ² of fit R ² = 0.09). (b) Age analysis for shoulder flexibility in women. Piecewise linear regression s-segment model shows breaking at the age of 63 years. Rate of change prior to age 63 is 0.38 degrees per year and −0.74 degrees per year after the age of 63 years. (R ² of fit R ² = 0.09).

Figure 2

(a) Age analysis for hip flexion in men. Piecewise linear regression s-segment model shows breaking at the age of 71 years. The rate of decline prior to 71 years is −0.19 degrees per year and −1.16 degrees per year thereafter. (R ² of fit R ² = 0.11). (b) Age analysis for hip flexion in women. Piecewise linear regression s-segment model shows breaking at the age of 86 years. The rate of decline prior to 86 years is −0.66 degrees per year and −2.67 degrees per year thereafter. (R ² of fit R ² = 0.08).