Abstract

Altogether 117 women selected on the basis of their educational background and level of physical activity took part in laboratory tests on functional capacity. Physical functional capacity was described according to the following properties: aerobic and anaerobic capacity, flexibility, agility, muscle strength, anthropometry and bone mineral density. A high level of physical activity was associated with good physical functional capacity. The best predictors of physical activity in discriminant analysis were good self-rated health, a low Body Mass Index (BMI), good muscle strength, good leg extension velocity and a low-WAIS-score. A long formal education was associated with good psycho-physiological functional capacity. In discriminant analysis formal education was predicted by a high WAIS-score, good reaction speed and tapping rate and good dynamic power of the abdominal muscles. Women who rated their functional capacity as good, also did well in the laboratory tests. In addition a low BMI was associated with a good self-rated functional capacity. Dissatisfaction with the appearance or shape of the body was more common than dissatisfaction with the functional capacity of the body. Verf.-Referat