Open AccessThe Roles of Body Composition and Specific Strength in the Relationship Between Race and Physical Performance in Older Adults
Author(s) -
Nancy Chiles Shaffer,
Eleanor M. Simonsick,
Roland J. Thorpe,
Stephanie A. Studenski
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the journals of gerontology. series a, biological sciences and medical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1758-535X
pISSN - 1079-5006
DOI - 10.1093/gerona/glz103
Subject(s) - lean body mass , grip strength , socioeconomic status , body mass index , demography , physical strength , gerontology , medicine , physical fitness , psychology , physical therapy , body weight , population , environmental health , sociology
Socioeconomics may explain black-white differences in physical performance; few studies examine racial differences among socioeconomically similar groups. Performance is also affected by body composition and specific strength, which differ by race. We assessed whether racial differences in physical performance exist among older adults with high education and similar income and whether body composition and specific strength attenuate observed differences.