Cross-sectional age-related differences in flexibility of older adults aged 55–86 years of varying activity levels were examined.
Shoulder abduction and hip flexion flexibilitymeasurementswere obtained from436 individuals (205men, 71±9 years; 231 women,
72 ± 8 years). Total physical activity was assessed using the Minnesota Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Shoulder
abduction showed a significant decline averaging 5 degrees/decade in men and 6 degrees/decade in women. Piecewise linear
regression showed an accelerated decline in men starting at the age of 71 years of 0.80 degrees/year, whereas in women the onset
of decline (0.74 degrees/year) was 63 years. Men and women showed a significant decline in hip flexion (men: 6 degrees/decade;
women: 7 degrees/decade). Piecewise linear regression revealed a rate of decline of 1.16 degrees/year beginning at 71 years in men and
in women a single linear decline of 0.66 degrees/year.Multiple regression analysis showed that age and physical activity accounted
for only 9% of the variance in hip flexion in women and 10% in men, with age but not physical activity remaining significant.
Similarly for shoulder abduction, age was significant but not physical activity, in amodel that described 8% of the variance for both
sexes.