AUTHOR=Palumbo M. , Modena R. , Bortolan L. , Skafidas S. , Callovini A. , Savoldelli A. , Gilli F. , Fornasiero A. , Schena F. , Pellegrini B. , Zoppirolli C. 

TITLE=Effects of a similar amount of regular non-structured or competitive physical activity across late adulthood: a cross-sectional study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

VOLUME=6

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2024.1416080

DOI=10.3389/fspor.2024.1416080

ISSN=2624-9367

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Introduction</title><p>Master athletes are examples of successful aging. It is not clear whether it is the competitive-oriented training or just the amount of total regular exercise that reduces the age-related decline in physiological functions. We aimed to compare health-related parameters in competitive (C) and physically active older adults (A) that performed the same weekly physical activity (PA) amount.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p><sans-serif>Seventeen</sans-serif> C and 17 A were matched for age (8 and 9 male participants under and over 70 years old respectively, for both groups) and weekly PA amount (GPAQ). Body composition, leg and arm maximal strength, balance and reaction time were measured; moreover, leg and arm exercise efficiency, estimated VO<sub>2max</sub>, and VO<sub>2</sub>/HR relationships were evaluated. Perception of life and sleep quality was also assessed through specific questionnaires (SF-36 and PSQI). The effect of group (C vs. A), age (U70 vs. O70) and their interaction was examined through a Two-Way ANOVA test.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>C dedicated more time to vigorous PA compared to A (<italic>p</italic> = 0.03), while less to moderate daily work (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.01) and active commuting (<italic>p</italic> = 0.06). C exhibited better body composition (all <italic>p </italic>&lt; 0.05), higher leg maximal strength (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.05) and a trend for elevated arm strength (<italic>p</italic> = 0.06). Reaction time, leg and arm cycling efficiency were similar in the two groups (all p &gt; 0.05), while balance reduced in A O70. Estimated VO<sub>2max</sub> was higher for C in leg cycling (<italic>p</italic> = 0.05) and remained constant across ages (all <italic>p</italic> &gt; 0.05). VO<sub>2</sub>/HR relationship, life and sleep quality did not differ for groups and ages.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusions</title><p>Regular physical exercise of about 6,000 METs/week seems to have a beneficial effect on health-related parameters, both in non-structured and competitive PA, when compared to sedentary behaviour. However, the older adults engaged in competitive training exhibit further advantages: better body composition, higher arm and leg muscle strength, and higher leg VO<sub>2max</sub>. This study highlights the importance of encouraging active lifestyles for maintaining long-term health, high levels of life quality perception and reducing age-related decline. However, vigorous training suitability needs to be verified by a team of PA specialists.</p></sec>