Abstract:

Objective: As a result of anatomical and physiological changes observed with aging, physical deficiencies such as decrease in physical activity level (PAL), balance problems and performance decrease can be seen. This study was planned to examine the relationship between PAL, balance and physical performance of older people. Material and Method: Fifty older people were included in the study. After the sociodemographic characteristics of participants were recorded, Seven Day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire (SDPARQ), was used to determine PAL. Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) for evaluation of balance, 4-meter Walk Gait Speed Test (4MWGST), five repetition sit to stand test (5RSST) and standing tests (ST) for physical performance evaluation respectively applied. Results: Groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics (p>0.05). It was observed that the 5RSST scores of the group with higher PAL were statistically higher (p<0.05). It was found that SDPARQ scores did not have a statistically significant relationship with body mass index (BMI) and TUGT results (p>0.05), but there was a significant relationship between BMI and TUGT results (p<0.05). While SDPARQ scores and 4MWGST and 5RSST results were found to be positively moderate significant, there was a significant relationship between TUGT and 4MWGST and 5RSST (p<0.05). Conclusion: Older people with high PAL have higher physical performance, including lower body strength and walking speed. Keeping the BMI and dynamic balance at the optimal level in these individuals indirectly contributes to increasing the PAL by increasing the performance.