Physical characteristics and body composition measures according to age-group in the sample of 178 women
| Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | Difference by group P < 0.05 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20–35 years | 40–50 years | 51–60 years | 61–78 years | ||
| n | 88 | 38 | 31 | 21 | — |
| Age (years) | 28.2 ± 3.9 | 45.8 ± 2.0 | 53.1 ± 2.5 | 66.7 ± 5.7 | — |
| Height (cm) | 164.8 ± 6.7 | 165.6 ± 5.1 | 162.1 ± 4.1 | 161.7 ± 4.8 | NS |
| Body mass (kg) | 59.5 ± 7.5 | 62.2 ± 8.7 | 64.1 ± 7.8 | 68.2 ± 8.7 | 1 vs. 3 and 4 / 2 vs. 4 |
| BMI (kg/m2) | 21.9 ± 2.1 | 22.7 ± 3.3 | 24.4 ± 3.0 | 25.9 ± 2.7 | 1 and 2 vs. 3 and 4 |
| Fat mass (kg) | 16.6 ± 5.4 | 17.8 ± 7.7 | 21.1 ± 6.4 | 26.1 ± 5.4 | 1 vs. 3 and 4 / 2 and 3 vs. 4 |
| Fat-free mass (kg) | 40.0 ± 4.1 | 40.7 ± 3.5 | 39.6 ± 3.5 | 39.0 ± 3.8 | NS |
| Vo2max (ml · kg–1 · min–1)* | 34.9 ± 6.7 | 33.6 ± 8.5 | 29.8 ± 9.5 | 27.4 ± 3.0 | 1 and 2 vs. 4 |
Data are means ± SD. Body composition was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and Vo2max was measured by a treadmill test to volitional fatigue.
↵* Group 1, n = 88; group 2, n = 34; group 3, n = 8; and group 4, n = 21.