부산대학교 도서관

The purpose of this study was to analyze the difference of physical fitness according to BMI level from data of 218,846 elderly people (74,269 male and 144,577 female) who participated in national fitness 100. BMI was calculated with weight and height, and groups were divided into under-weight, normal-weight, overweight, obesity, and high-obesity according to BMI level. The physical fitness variables were upper-limb muscle function (relative grip strength), lower-limb muscle function (chair standing), balance (3-m up-and-go), coordination (figure-of-8 walk), flexibility (sit-and-reach), cardiorespiratory endurance (2-minute step-in-place and 6-minute walk). As a result, the upper-limb muscle function (p<.001) of the elderly male and female was superior in the group with low BMI level. The elderly male's lower-limb muscle function (p<.001), balance (p<.001), coordination (p<.001), flexibility (p<.001), and cardiorespiratory endurance (p<.001) were the best in the overweight group, and the under-weight or high-obesity group was the lowest. The normal-weight group was the best in the lower-limb muscle function (p<.001), balance (p<.001), coordination (p<.001), flexibility (p<.001), and cardiorespiratory endurance (p<.001) of the elderly female, and the under-weight or high-obesity group was the lowest. In conclusion, the elderly who are normal-weight or overweight showed excellent levels in various physical fitness factors. Therefore, managing proper body weight and balanced physical fitness through regular exercise is important, and this could contribute positively to the extension of healthy life years.