An explanatory mechanism for the different decline in limb strength in older women

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

The aim of the study was to compare the physical activity level and intensity of the upper and lower limbs in Brazilian women who are usually active, functionally independent, and living in a medium size city. Seventy-two women were assigned into a younger group (YG; n = 38; mean age 23.08 +/- 2.80 years) and older group (OG: 60.68 +/- 7.16 years: n = 34) groups. To discriminate the physical activity level of the upper and lower limbs, a daily activity record questionnaire (DARQ) was developed based on Bouchard's three-day physical activity record (3-day PAR). When compared to the YG, the OG presented: (a) higher levels of daily physical activity for upper limbs compared to the lower limbs and (b) higher levels of perceived exertion for both sets of limbs. In conclusion, these results suggest that women change their inter-limb pattern of daily physical activity with age; that is, they increase upper limb activity and decrease lower limbs activity. Furthermore, they decrease the exertion intensity for both sets of limbs. These findings may help to explain the more accentuated decline in lower limbs muscle strength during the aging process. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.