Impact of a physical-recreational program on the waist-to-hip ratio of older adults in Imbabura
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v79.118981Keywords:
anthropometry, cardiometabolic risk, community program, older adults, waist-to-hip ratioAbstract
Introduction: The waist-to-hip ratio was used as an anthropometric indicator of central adiposity and cardiometabolic risk in older age. The study examined whether a community physical-recreational intervention changed this indicator in older adults from Imbabura.
Objective: The study determined the effect of a physical-recreational program on waist-to-hip ratio in older adults from Ibarra and Cotacachi.
Methodology: A quantitative quasi-experimental study with before-and-after measurements was conducted between September 2025 and February 2026. A total of 140 older adults were included; body weight, stature, and waist and hip circumferences were measured using standardized procedures and waist-to-hip ratio was calculated. Analyses were performed with a statistical package; normality of paired differences was assessed and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied, complemented by a linear mixed model to explore differences by sex and city.
Results: Waist-to-hip ratio decreased significantly; body weight and body mass index showed small but significant changes; waist and hip circumferences showed no global differences. The change in waist-to-hip ratio was concentrated among women and in the Ibarra site.
Conclusions: The intervention was associated with a reduction in waist-to-hip ratio in older adults from Imbabura; it is concluded that the physical-recreational approach supports community-based management of central adiposity.
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