Physical inactivity promotes detrimental effects on body composition and strength performance in older and young females

Abstract

This study aimed to describe and compare the body composition (SMM and body fat), handgrip strength, and countermovement jump (CMJ) between young and older females. A descriptive-comparative study, which evaluated 101 females distributed in: older physically active females (Old-PA; n = 26); older physically inactive females (Old-PI; n = 25); young physically active females (You-PA; n = 25) and; young physically inactive females (You-PI; n = 25). Anthropometry, body composition, handgrip strength, relative strength, and CMJ were assessed following previous recommendations. The main results indicate that the Old-PA have greater SMM and body fat compared to Old-PI (p <0.01), and You-PA vs. You-PI and Old-PA (p <0.01). The You-PA had a higher handgrip strength (p <0.01) than the Old-PA, You-PI, and Old-PI. The Old-PA showed a higher handgrip strength vs Old-PI (p <0.01). The Old-PA presented a higher relative strength vs Old-PI (p <0.01), the You-PA vs You-PI (p <0.01), and the You-PA vs Old-PI (p <0.01). The Old-PA have a higher height in CMJ compared to the Old-PI (p <0.01), You-PA vs. You-PI (p <0.01), and Old-PA vs. You-PI (p <0.01). The physically inactive condition is related to decreases in SMM, handgrip strength and CMJ in young and older females.

Keywords

• Physical fitness
• Muscle strength
• Women
• Ageing