Introduction:

Quantification of the functional physical condition (FPC) in the elderly population is an important indicator to define their state of health, level of dependence, and quality of life.

Objective:

To determine FPC in a group of elderly people residing at nursing homes in the city of Bogotá (Colombia).

Materials and methods:

Body composition variables were estimated by anthropometry. The functional physical condition was assessed by the Rikli and Jones Senior Fitness Test battery.

Results:

253 older adults (42.6% men and 57.3% women), their age (75.5(9.6), and BMI (24.9 (3.6) were evaluated. Functional physical condition values were: getting up and sitting down (10.9(3.6 for men and 10.6(3.5 for women), arm flexion (13.3(3.3 men and 11.7(3.8 women), trunk flexion (-11.4(8.2 men and -1.1(4.8 women), joining hands (-16.5(10.7 men and -7.3(6.3 women), aerobic capacity (77.4(13.6 men and 63.9(14.2 women), and agility and balance (7.5(2.3 men and 7.6(2.4 women).

Conclusions:

Institutionalization of the elderly has a negative impact on their functional physical condition. In particular, it affects their strength, agility and balance, which increases the risk of falls and physical disability.

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