Exercise volume and timing does not affect body composition of elderly in Singapore

• Main Author: Kan, Wei Huat
• Other Authors: Burns Stephen Francis
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science::General
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/76786
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Background: Singapore has one of the fastest aging population in the world. Changes in body composition of aging people are considered one of the major causes of chronic diseases like osteoporosis and obesity (Kyle, Morabia, Schutz, & Pichard, 2004). Current guidelines by organisations like World Health Organisation (WHO) have neglected the possible benefits of exercise volume and timing on body composition despite significant findings by other researchers. Purpose: The primary objective is to investigate the relationship between exercise volume and body composition of elderly in Singapore, while the secondary objective is to investigate the difference in body composition between exercise timings. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. 37 healthy elderly aged between 60 79 was recruited to the laboratory to have their body composition measured with InBody 230, while their physical activity was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) with an additional question for exercise timing. Data obtained were analysed using statistical analysis software (SPSS v.23; SPSS Inc.). Results: There was no significant correlation between exercise volume and body composition: MM, p = 0.123; FM, p = 0.105; BMI, p = 0.662; BMD, p = 0.857. There was no significant difference in body composition between exercise timings: MM, p = 0.733; FM, p = 0.768; BMI, p = 0.098; BMD, p = 0.600. Conclusion: Before more conclusive evidence supporting the benefits of exercise volume or timing is found, intervention strategies formulated to promote healthier body composition of elderly should focus on other components of exercise habit, like type or intensity of exercise. (248 words) Keywords: Exercise volume, exercise timing, body composition, elderly