SUPERVISED PHYSICAL EXERCISE, PHYSICAL FITNESS AND RISK FACTORS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN ADULTS AND ELDERLY

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether the physical exercise time and the supervision by a physical education professional are related to better results in physical fitness. This study further investigated the relationship between physical fitness and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in adults and elderly people. Material and Methods: 213 participants (aged between 50 and 80 years) underwent the following assessments: variables related to risk factors for CVD - body mass index (BMI), blood lipid profile, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP); and factors related to physical fitness - motor test battery which allowed calculation of general functional fitness index (GFFI). Statistical analysis was performed using generalized linear model (GFFI) and Analysis of Variance (practice time and supervision). Results: The two groups with physical exercise time >6 months presented better results in the GFFI compared to the group with practice <6 months (<6 months - 228 (88.4) points; >6 months without supervision – 274.6 (116.9) points, >6 months with supervision - 355.2 (80.9) points, with better results for the group with supervision compared to the group without supervision (p <0.05). Higher values in GFFI groups were associated with better results in BMI, triglycerides, SBP and DBP. Conclusion: High values of GFFI are associated with the practice time and the supervision, and good levels of physical fitness are associated with better cardiovascular health. Strategies aiming at improvement in physical fitness are suggested, highlighting the physical education professional as a supervisor for an effective and safe practice.