We examined the effect of silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) on functional fitness levels and physical independence in 60-79-year-old individuals.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study with 716 older adults and used an electrocardiograph and an ambulatory electrocardiogram to diagnose those with SMI. Physical independence was assessed using the Composite Physical Function scale, whereas physical fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test battery.
Results
The 60-79-year-old females and males with SMI were more likely to have lower scores for lower and upper body strength, agility/dynamic balance, and aerobic endurance (p < 0.05) than those without SMI. The scores for lower and upper body flexibility in all age groups for both genders were not significant (p > 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that old adults with SMI had a higher risk of losing physical independence later in life than those without SMI (p < 0.05).
This study showed that individuals with SMI have lower fitness levels and increased risk of losing physical independence than those without SMI.
Each authors’ contributions
Potential referees
Lili Ji, PhD. University of Minnesota, 100 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0213 Twin Cities, United States; E-mail: llji@umn.edu.
Yong Zhang, PhD.Tianjin University of Sport, No. 16, Donghai Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China; E-mail: yzhang@tjus.edu.cn.
Conflict of interest
The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank Hetong nursing home and Yanan hospital for recruiting participants and providing a pleasant study area. The authors are grateful for the help of the undergraduates and postgraduates at Tianjin University of Sport during testing.
Our research was sponsored by the National General Administration of Sport, China (2015B015, Study on the demonstration community how to keep seniors fit through exercise,2016.1-2018.12).
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