FUNCTIONAL AND CARDIORESPIRATORY PERFORMANCE BETWEEN SEDENTARY AND ACTIVE ELDERLY WOMEN USING THE TWO-MINUTE STEP TEST FUNCTIONAL AND CARDIORESPIRATORY PERFORMANCE BETWEEN SEDENTARY AND ACTIVE ELDERLY WOMEN USING THE TWO-MINUTE STEP TEST
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66104/b7a18s58Keywords:
Aging; Frailty; Tertiary Prevention; Functional Status; Body Composition.Abstract
Introduction: Given the global trend of population aging and its impact on functional decline, the Two-Minute Step Test (2MST) emerges as a valid and practical tool for assessing physical fitness in older women. Objective: To compare the functional performance and the cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses induced by the 2MST between sedentary older women and those active in a public physical activity program. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study with 60 women (60-80 years old), divided into an Active Group (AG; n=30, regular physical activity practitioners) and a Control Group (CG; n=30, sedentary), with no functional limitations. Anthropometric and physiological parameters were assessed at rest, during, and post-exercise. Cardiorespiratory response and oxygen consumption (VO2) were monitored using a VO2000 gas analyzer during the 2MST and post-exercise recovery. Results: At rest, the AG showed significantly lower minute ventilation (VE) (p=0.016) than the CG. During the 2MST, the AG outperformed the CG in all performance parameters: 24% more steps (92.6 vs. 74.7; p<0.001); 30% higher VO2 (12.65 vs. 9.70 mlO₂/kg/min; p<0.001); and lower rating of perceived exertion (4.4 vs. 5.7; p=0.012). During recovery, the AG achieved faster VO2 recovery (-68.5% vs. -62.5%; p=0.002). Using body composition data obtained by bioelectrical impedance, it was possible to create equations that explain 79% of the variance in VO2 and 73% of the variance in 2MST performance. Conclusion: Physically active older women demonstrate better functional and metabolic performance compared to their sedentary peers. Regular physical activity enhances the functional capacity of older individuals with a lower physiological cost, reinforcing the need for public programs promoting active aging.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Daniel Joppert, Sara Lucia Silveira de Menezes, Bernardo Brutt Joppert, Marilia Salete Tavares, Fernanda de Moraes Brum, Emanuel Davi Farias Ribeiro, Fernando Silva dos Santos, Paulo Henrique de Moura, Adalgiza Mafra Moreno
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