Changes in body mass index in older women after physical rehabilitation program

Abstract

The aging is a complex process, where alterations of body composition determine structural and functional changes in the human body. This study aims to analyze the anthropometric and body composition (fat mass and lean body mass) alterations after a physical rehabilitation program in elderly women, and to verify these alterations between status of BMI. The sample consisted of 160 elderly women (63.8 ± 2.9 years) engaged in a program of systematic activities for twelve weeks. Anthropometric and body composition before and after the intervention period were performed. BMI was used to evaluate body composition as well as the nutritional status. After intervention, significant reductions were observed in total body mass (68.2 ± 9.4 vs 67.2 ± 9.3, p < 0.001), fat mass (23.9 ± 5.3 vs 23.4 ± 5.0, p = < 0.001) , lean body mass (44.3 ± 5.2 vs 43.8 ± 5.3, p < 0.001) and BMI (21.8 ± 3.0 vs 21.4 ± 3.0, p = < 0.001). Significant differences among BMI strata were observed (p <0.001). The program brought about changes in body composition components, which involved reduction of body fat and body mass, besides contributing to the control of BMI in elderly.