The 2008 Institute of Gerontology Colloquium Series presents

Measuring Physical Fitness in the Elderly for Independent Living

Katerina Machacova, Ph.D. student
Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
Faculty of Physical Education and Sports
&
Visiting scholar
Wayne State University
Institute of Gerontology

Katerina Machacova will present the preliminary findings of her dissertation and the results of the study examining the effect of dance-based exercise on fitness among Czech elderly living in the residential care facilities. Her area of interest is understanding what fitness is and measuring its individual components related to independent physical functioning. This information is valuable in efforts to estimate the overall fitness status of older adults. This talk will also include a discussion of the benefits of physical activity and exercise programs on different aspects of aging as well as assessment methods.

Katerina is a pre-doctoral student in the Sport Research Center at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Charles University, Prague, the Czech Republic. She is meeting her doctoral requirement to gain international experience in Aging, and in the process of submitting an article for publication to the Journal of Gerontology: MEDICAL SCIENCES titled, "The effects of dance-based exercise on mobility among elderly living in residential care facilities".