Abstract des Autors

The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of a general physical activity programme on different aspects of physical fitness in elderly subjects. Thirty-four subjects aged between 59 and 75 were assigned to an exercise (n=24) and a control group (n=10). The exercise group followed three exercise classes of one hour each, three times a week for three months. All subjects were tested before and after the three month period for the following: maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximal instantaneous peak power of lower limbs (Pp), and maximal isometric hand-grip strength, which all increased significantly only in the exercise group (VO2max p<0.05; Pp p<0.001; hand-grip p<0.01). It can be concluded that the proposed training programme positively modified the measured parameters in a group of elderly subjects. The results of the present study are a further demonstration of the importance of physical activity practice especially for the elderly to maintain physical capacities reduced by inactivity and aging. Verf.-Referat