Impact of a New Year Break in Physical Activity on Body Composition in Physically Active Older Women: a Retrospective Observational Pilot Study

Abstract

Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining health at every stage of life. This study aimed to assess the impact of a 14-day pause from regular physical activity during the New Year Break (NYB) on body mass components in physically active women over 60 years old. The study sample consisted of 26 females, divided into two groups: 12 who continued their physical activity (the Continuous Activity Group, CAG) and 14 who paused during the NYB (the Break Group, BG). Body mass, body fat percentage (BF%), and body mass index (BMI) were measured using the bioimpedance method, and the fat mass index (FMI) was calculated. A two-way mixed-model ANOVA revealed significant interactions between the NYB condition and time for BMI, BF%, and FMI  (P < 0.05). These results suggest that changes in these body composition metrics over time were influenced by the NYB condition, with women who discontinued physical activity experiencing significant increases in BMI, body fat percentage, and fat mass, as confirmed by post-hoc tests (P < 0.05). Conversely, women who maintained regular physical activity showed no significant changes in body composition (P > 0.05). These findings underscore the importance of continuous physical activity in mitigating adverse changes in body composition among older women.