Physiotherapy Quarterly · Feb 2, 2026
Exploring the impact of physical, cardiorespiratory, and functional indicators on health-related quality of life in active and healthy older adults: a cross-sectional study
By Arnal‐Gómez A, Muñoz‐Gómez E, Lizondo-Osset P et al.
Introduction Population ageing is a growing social phenomenon with significant health implications. This study aimed to analyse health-related quality of life (QoL) and its relation to physical activity, musculoskeletal pain, balance, cardiorespiratory, and functional characteristics in community-dwelling older adults (> 60 years) who meet the criteria for successful ageing. Subjects and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a non-probabilistic sample of physically active older adults. Primary outcomes included physical and mental QoL (SF-12). Secondary outcomes were physical activity (IPAQ and Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale), musculoskeletal pain (VAS), balance (Unipedal Stance Test, Y-Balance Test), cardiorespiratory variables (heart rate, oxygen saturation, and dynamic lung volumes via spirometry), and functional capacity (Six-Minute Walk Test and Timed Up and Go test). Shapiro–Wilk tested normality, and Levene’s test assessed homoscedasticity. Pearson correlations explored associations between QoL and secondary outcomes (i.e., physical activity, musculoskeletal pain, dynamic lung volumes by forced spirometry, and functional capacity). Stepwise linear regression was used to identify predictors of QoL (i.e., respiratory and functional factors). Results 91 participants (mean age = 69.20 ± 5.19 years; 70.33% female) were assessed. Moderate physical activity correlated with both physical (r = 0.25, p < 0.05) and mental (r = 0.27, p < 0.05) QoL. Physical QoL was associated with pain and forced vital capacity (R2 = 0.26; F(2,84) = 14.68, p < 0.01), while mental QoL was associated with physical QoL and Timed Up and Go performance (R2 = 0.19, F(2,84) = 9.89, p < 0.01). Conclusions In active older adults, physical QoL was associated with pain and lung function, while mental QoL was linked to physical QoL and functional mobility. These factors should be prioritised in health strategies aimed at promoting successful agein.