Active Elderly Women Have The Strongest Muscles

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Rolland Y, Lauwers-Cances V, Pahor M, et al.: Muscle strength in obese elderly women: Effect of recreational physical activity in a cross-sectional study. Am J Clin Nutr 79:552–557, 2004.

What is the problem and what is known about it?

Obesity is a growing problem in the U.S. Obesity leads to other health problems. For elderly (very old) adults, being obese may complicate other health conditions and make a person weaker. Normally, obese people have bigger muscles because they're carrying around more weight than a normal weight person.

The researchers in this study wanted to find out if obese elderly people had weaker muscles than people who were not obese. They also wanted to find out if having big muscles meant having strong muscles.

Who was studied?

A total of 1,443 women between 75 and 85 years old were studied. As many as 215 women were obese, 630 women were normal weight, and 598 were thin.

How was the study done?

The researchers noted the women's height and weight, and measured their skeletal muscle mass by x-ray. Skeletal muscle mass is the amount of muscle that is attached to the bones. The researchers then tested how strong the women's muscles were in their hands, knees, and elbows. Doctors also asked the women how often they did things like gardening or walking.

What did the researchers find?

The women who were most active also had the strongest muscles. Researchers found no link between obesity and muscle strength.

What were the limitations of this study?

The researchers had the women tell them how often they rode a bike, gardened, or did other physical activity. The doctors had to rely on the women to remember how often they did these things and to be truthful about it.

What are the implications of the study?

Although having strong muscles will not prevent obesity, physical activity is very important for overall health and preventing disability.