The Different Body Mass Index Does Not Impact Physical Health in Older Adults without Sedentary Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aims and objective: This study aimed to compare and determine the correlation of BMI on physical health, including muscle strength, balance, and cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults without sedentary behavior.

Methods: A total of 65 older adults without sedentary behavior were recruited and divided into 3 groups on the basis of body mass index (BMI): normal weight (n= 22/group), overweight (n= 22/- group), and obese (n= 21/group). All the older adults were evaluated for upper limb muscle strength using the handgrip strength test, lower limb muscle strength using the sit-to-stand (STS10) test, balance ability using the time up and go (TUG) test, and cardiorespiratory fitness using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT).

Results: The handgrip strength test, STS10 test, and distance of 6MWT showed no difference among the groups (p> 0.05). However, overweight group had a significantly longer duration for the TUG test when compared to normal weight, while obese group had a significantly longer duration for the TUG test when compared with overweight and normal weight groups (p< 0.01). In addition, BMI was positively correlated with the duration of the TUG test. Whereas, the handgrip strength test, STS10 test, and distance of 6MWT were not correlated with BMI.

Conclusion: The BMI does not impact upper and lower limb muscle strength or the cardiorespiratory fitness test, except for the ability to balance in older adults without sedentary behavior.