남녀 노인의 6분 걷기 검사와 강도별 신체활동량 수준과의 관련성

Abstract

The cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems have received most attention as they are involved with most basic functions of everyday life. Maximal aerobic performance is reduced with age. The 6 minute walk test (6 MWT) is an useful assessment instrument for the exercise capacity of elderly. The impact of the physical activity status on the 6MWT-distance, however, remains unclear in the Korean elderly. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the magnitude of regular exercise/physical activity is related to 6 MWT distance and to suggest a new evaluation standard for exercise capacity in older adults. Elderly people (206 men, 265 women) in a local community performed an IPAQ-7 questionnaire for the assessment of physical activity and participated in 6 MWT. The distance in 6 MWT was significantly reduced with advancing age in both men and women, consistent with a marked decrease in physical activity over aging. In contrast, physically active elderly individuals (more than 150 −300 min/week) showed a considerably longer distance in 6 MWT than that of less active individuals (less than 150 min/week). In conclusion, it is suggested that older adults who participate in regular physical activity with moderate/vigorous intensity for 150−300 min/week show greater aerobic endurance capacity than that of less active older adults. The innovative standard established in the present study contributes to the assessment of cardio-respiratory fitness level and would be utilized for exercise prescription of elderly individuals.