Abstract

Background: The potential influence of age on endurance test results of the back extensors remains debated. There is also a dearth of studies on back muscle endurance testing from Sub-Sahara Africa. This study examined the differences in static endurance capacity of young, middle-aged and older adult Nigerians.
Methods: Back extensors endurance was assessed using the Sørensen test. Height and weight were measured using standard procedures. Percentage body fat was estimated using a bioelectrical impedance analysis machine. Body mass index and lean body mass and body fat mass were calculated.
Results: Endurance time was inversely correlated with age for all the participants (r = -0.562; p = 0.000) without gender bias. Significant difference (F = 94.556; p = 0.000) was found in the endurance time among the young, middle-aged and older adults categories. The results suggested that the significant age and anthropometric difference between the different age classifications could contribute to the endurance differences.
Conclusion: Compared to younger adults the older individuals exhibited decreased muscular endurance without gender bias. Middle-aged men had significant higher static back endurance than their women counterparts. We conclude that age is a major factor affecting an individual’s physical performance capacity of the back muscles.