Physical fitness of type 2 diabetic elderly - doi: 10.4025/reveducfis.v21i2.7342

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare by genders the physical fitness of elderly people with and without type 2 diabetes. Sample size comprises 114 elderly, 70 diabetic elderly people and 44 non-diabetics. Data was collected through the battery of tests of the Senior Fitness Test by Rikli and Jones. The data were analyzed through ANOVA and Chi-Square Test with p <0.05. Results showed that the two groups had similar conditions of physical fitness in both stationary running and balance tests. In the elbow flexion and seating and raise tests the diabetics had better physical fitness. Facing these results it can be said that minimum indices of performance are necessary to keep functional, motor and morphologic levels for a desirable physical fitness.