Correlation of mountaineering with cardiovascular and physicalhealth in the elderly

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mountaineering on health factors in elder people. This study was a cross-sectional study. Forty three elderly men (mean age 57/7±9/3 yrs) were selected randomly fromparks of Northern Tehran. According to their activity and type of activity, subjects divided into three groups of Mountaineer (n= 15), Trained(n= 14) and none-trained (n=14). Then their cardiovascular and physical fitness (vo2max, heart rate, fat percent, grip, reaction time, blood pressure, flexibility and balance) were measured. Data were analyzedusing one-way ANOVA. Comparison of aerobic capacity in three groups showed thatthere were significant differences (P≤0.01) as this variable in mountaineer group was better than two other groups (37/2%, 15.4% respectively).In addition resting heart rate, fat percent and reaction time were significantly lower in two trained groups in comparison with non-trained group (p≤ 0.05). There were no other significant differences between groups (p≥0.05). this study suggests that mountaineering may led to in termof the other variables positive effects on cardiovascular factors. Furthermore relative, higher grip strength, flexibility and reaction time inboth active groups emphasis the necessity of a physical activity and active life style as an important part of elder people’s life style.