Functional Capacity and Physical Exercise in Older Women Living in a Rural Environment: A Correlational Cross-sectional Study

The evaluation of functional capabilities in older adults is an important indicator of health status. The aim of this study is to analyse the degree of association between physical activity and functional capacity among women aged 65 years and older, living in a rural environment. Method: This was a observational, cross-sectional correlational study of women attending physical fitness programmes for adults. Functional assessment was performed using the Barthel Index of basic activities of daily living, the Lawton and Brody scale for instrumental and advanced activities of daily living, and the Senior Fitness Test for the physical parameters associated with functional mobility (strength, flexibility, balance and aerobic endurance). Results: Women who exercise were found to be more satisfied with their functional capacity (84% vs. 44%) and obtained better scores in all the tests conducted (p<0.0001). Physical exercise is inversely associated with the degree of dependence for daily activity and functional physical capacity. Conclusions: These results corroborate the benefits of physical exercise with respect to preventing dependence in older women living in rural areas, and highlight the long-term consequences of a sedentary lifestyle.