INSPIRATORY MUSCLE STRENGTH, HANDGRIP STRENGTH AND MUSCLE MASS IN ACTIVE ELDERLY WOMEN
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between inspiratory muscle strength (MIP), peripheral strength measured with a handgrip test (HG), and muscle mass (MM) in healthy active elderly women. After collecting 126 measurements from women undergoing the multicomponent training program EFAM-UV©, and after testing the influence of age on MM, HG and MIP, including their Scatter plots and R2 , the relationship between these variables was analysed, with and without Age as a covariate (Pearson or Spearman Coefficients as appropriate). The expected negative association between age and MM, and age and HG, were moderated and were reduced when considering Age vs. MIP (r=0.178; R2<2%).Moreover, there was no relationship between MIP, HG and MM. Aging and Exercise Training are both selective processes. Low MIP values despite a good physical fitness would justify these results, confirming that even being active, elderly women should train inspiratory muscles specifically.