EXERCISE TRAINING AND NUTRIENT INTAKE IN ELDERLY WOMEN

This study examined the relationship between moderate exercise training (five 30- to 40-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks at 60% of heart rate reserve) and changes in nutrient intake in a group of 30 sedentary elderly women aged 67 to 85 years. Subjects were placed randomly into two groups (those who walked and those who did calisthenics) and were followed for 12 weeks. Measurements were done at three times (baseline, 5 weeks, and 12 weeks). Dietary intake was based on 7-day food records. The 12-week walking program resulted in a significant (12.6%) improvement in maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2max) but no change in body weight or skinfold thicknesses compared with the calisthenics program. Despite the improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness, no significant group x time interaction effects were observed for most of the nutrient intake variables tested. To test the effects of high levels of physical activity on nutrient intake, cross-sectional comparisons were made at baseline between highly conditioned and sedentary elderly women. The highly conditioned elderly women had higher energy and nutrient intakes, especially when expressed on a weight-adjusted basis. However, no differences in measures of dietary quality were found. Dietitians should not expect spontaneous improvement in either the quantity or quality of nutrient intake by elderly women who adopt a moderate exercise program. Although nutrient intake was greater in highly conditioned elderly women, their level of fitness and physical activity may be beyond the reach of many elderly women.