Effects of a Physical Activity Program on the Body Composition of Adult Participants and Older Adults from Duitama: Title, Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, Conclusions, References

Abstract

Physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, and an unhealthy diet are key factors in the development of obesity, causing chronic diseases and certain types of cancer (Mindeporte, 2009). According to the ENSIN of 2015, 56.5% of Colombians are overweight. Therefore, physical activity programs are crucial for preventing diseases, improving quality of life, and reducing medical costs

A varied Physical Activity program (HEVS.) was conducted in Duitama, involving 52 participants (48 women and 4 men) over a period of 3 months, 3 days a week, with each session lasting one hour (with classes such as Aerobic Dance, Latin Aerobics, Aerobic Step, Muscle Strengthening, Yoga, and Pilates) with a mild to moderate intensity (according to the Borg scale), based on WHO and ACSM guidelines to promote healthy habits (Mindeporte, 2024). A Pre-test was conducted at the beginning of the program and a pos-test at the end to analyze variations in body composition (Fat Mass, Lean Mass, and BMI) using a Tanita BC 601 electric bioimpedance scale. Descriptive statistics were employed for each variable (frequency distribution, measures of central tendency, and variance), and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used. It was concluded that in response to a physical activity stimulus, body composition improves (increased lean mass, decreased fat mass), and that in older adults, it is more difficult to decrease fat mass. For greater precision in body composition results, methods such as electrical bioimpedance are required, considering that BMI does not identify the distribution of muscle mass and body fat.