Physical Activity as a Preventive Factor to Aging-Related Physical Dysfunction in Iranian Community-Dwelling Elderly

Background and purpose: Aging is associated with a significant reduction in biological, physiological and functional capacity. The aim of the present research was to investigate the relationship between physical activity level and physical performance indicators in the community-dwelling elderly people. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 431 community-dwelling older adults (>60) voluntarily were recruited from the Tehran (Iran). General and demographic features, physical activity levels, and physical performance factors were measured and recorded by demographic, PASE questionnaires, and physical function tests. Results: Age was significantly correlated with mobility, balance, speed, and lower body power (p<0.00). Also, there was a significantly positive correlation between balance (r=0.219, p<0.01), mobility(r=0.140, p<0.01) speed test (r=0.220, p<0.00) and the lower body power (r=0.237, p<0.01) with physical activity levels. Also, as expected different physical function factors were significantly difference between insufficient and sufficient physical activity group (p<0.01). Conclusion: The use of strategies such as regular exercise training at parks and public places with a focus on exercise physiology experts, in addition to preventing a decline in performance, can lead to the prevention of many agingrelated disorders and increase public health.