The Relationship between Nutritional Status and Physical Activity on Fitness Levels in the Elderly at RSLU Karawang

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between nutritional status, physical activity, and the fitness level of elderly individuals at the Karawang Elderly Rehabilitation Service Unit (RSLU). A quantitative correlational design was employed, involving 10 respondents selected via purposive sampling. Data collection included measuring nutritional status using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) scales, assessing physical activity through interviews using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) questionnaire, and evaluating fitness via a 6-minute walk test.  Data analysis utilized the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, linearity test, and Pearson correlation test, conducted using SPSS version 21. The Shapiro-Wilk test confirmed normal data distribution (sig > 0.05). Linearity tests indicated a linear relationship between nutritional status and fitness (sig = 0.802) and between physical activity and fitness (sig = 0.519). However, Pearson correlation results showed no statistically significant relationships: nutritional status and fitness (sig = 0.615) and physical activity and fitness (sig = 0.141). The findings suggest no significant correlation between nutritional status or physical activity and fitness levels among the elderly. These results may be influenced by the small sample size and individual variations within the elderly population. Further research with larger, more diverse samples is recommended to obtain more representative and conclusive results.