Factor Structure and Correlates of Functional Fitness of Older Adults in Taiwan

Background: The purposes of the study were to test the factor structure of the models of functional fitness for older adults, in which the latent factor flexibility represents scores in chair sit-and-reach and back scratch, and the latent factor Physical Power represents scores in chair stand, arm curl, 8-foot up-and-go, and 2-minute step. Correlates of the latent factors including age, sex, and physical activity level were also investigated. Methods: Functional fitness tests were administered to 94 older adults (age: 73.61 +/- 5.77 years). Demographic data were collected and physical activity level was measured by using the Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE). The structural equation modeling technique was used to investigate the factor structure of flexibility model and physical power model as well as the contribution of the correlates. Results: The goodness-of-fit indices were excellent for the flexibility model (chi(2)-square = 4.725, df = 5, p = 0.451, comparative fit index [CFI] = 1.00, Root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.001, standardized root mean square of residuals [SRMR] = 0.0646) and physical power model (chi(2)-square = 17.962, df = 14, p = 0.209, CFI = 0.981, RMSEA = 0.055, SRMR = 0.0651). Age and sex were significant predictors to flexibility and physical power (p < 0.05). Physical activity level was a significant predictor of flexibility (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Flexibility and physical power decline with advanced age. Males have higher physical power, and females have better flexibility. A higher level of physical activity, as measured by PASE, relates to better flexibility but not physical power. Copyright (C) 2012, Taiwan Society of Geriatric Emergency & Critical Care Medicine. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. All rights reserved.