Association Between Functional Fitness and Mental Health Indicators in Older Adults: A Field Study
Description
The link between physical fitness and mental health is well established in older age. This study examined its strength in adults 60+ using seven physical and six psychological measures. A total of 114 participants underwent functionality tests, including the Senior Test and handgrip strength. Mental well-being was assessed through resilience, happiness, stress, hopelessness, and life satisfaction. Structural equation modeling (SEM) identified two latent constructs: physical performance (PHP) and mental well-being (MWB), with a moderate correlation (r = .46). Findings suggest a 21.25% shared variance, quantifying for the first time the strength of association between functionality and mental health in older adults.
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Steps to reproduce
To reproduce this study, researchers should first define the research scope, focusing on older adults (60+) to examine the relationship between functional fitness and mental health. The study should follow a field-based approach using objective physical tests and validated psychological measures. Participants should be recruited from community centers, senior living facilities, or social media, ensuring they meet the inclusion criteria of being 60 years or older, physically capable of completing the assessments, and free from severe cognitive or mobility impairments. A minimum sample size of 114 participants is recommended for statistical reliability. Physical fitness should be assessed using the Senior Fitness Test, which includes six components: the Chair Stand Test for lower body strength, Arm Curl Test for upper body strength, 2-Minute Step Test for aerobic endurance, Chair Sit-and-Reach Test for flexibility, Back Scratch Test for shoulder flexibility, and the 8-Foot Up-and-Go Test for agility and balance. Additionally, handgrip strength should be measured using a dynamometer to assess overall muscular strength. Mental well-being should be evaluated using validated scales, including the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale for resilience, WHO-5 Well-Being Index for general well-being, Subjective Happiness Scale for happiness, Perceived Stress Scale for stress, Beck Hopelessness Scale for hopelessness, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale for life satisfaction. Data collection should be conducted under standardized conditions with trained evaluators ensuring consistency. For statistical analysis, descriptive statistics should first summarize participant characteristics. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) should be used to validate the two latent constructs: Physical Performance (PHP) and Mental Well-Being (MWB). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) should then be applied to test the relationship between PHP and MWB, evaluating model fit using fit indices such as χ², RMSEA, CFI, and TLI. The expected correlation between the two constructs is moderate (approximately r = .46), accounting for about 21.25% of the variance. Finally, researchers should interpret the findings, discussing their implications for promoting physical interventions to enhance both physical and mental health in older adults while identifying potential mediators for further study.