Introduction:

The aging process may lead to a reduction of functional physical condition in the elderly. Its analysis is therefore necessary to implement physical exercise programs aimed at improving physical capacities, functionality and quality of life in this population.

Objective:

Establish the reference values for functional physical condition in physically active women from Life Centers in the city of Bucaramanga.

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted of 113 elderly women aged 60-85 years. Functional physical condition was evaluated with the Senior Fitness Test and anthropometric measurements of height and weight. Reference values are expressed in percentiles and distributed by age ranges.

Results:

The women in our study are above the reference values of the Senior Fitness Test in upper and lower limb force. Upper and lower limb cardiovascular resistance and flexibility are below SFT reference values. Values for the agility test show a longer performance time.

Conclusions:

A reduction is observed in functional physical capacities as people grow older. However, force is the physical capacity that diminishes the least.

        · resumen en Español     · texto en Español     · Español ( pdf )