Comparison of functional physical fitness between migrants and non-migrants in Poland

Abstract

Objective: After the Second World War Polish borders were shifted into west and it forced  large number of people to migrate from the east and central Poland to the western areas in the 1940s and 1950s. It dramatically changed the living condition. The aim of the study was to compare of functional physical fitness of migrants and non-migrants in older ages. Methods: Body height and weight were measured and 6 tests of the Senior Functional Fitness Test set were carried out in 785 men and women aged 60-80 during 2015-2016 years in two regions of  Poland: the south-wester Lower Silesia (Dolnośląskie) and south-eastern (Podkarpackie), regarded as a migrants and non-migrants. Sex and region differences were assessed by a nova, with NIR post hoc test. Additionally, Pearson’s χ² test and t-Student tests for independent groups were also used. Results: The seniors of south-western Poland are characterized by a significantly higher level of functional physical fitness compared to seniors from south-eastern Poland. Conclusion: It can be assumed that a higher level of education, more favourable socio-economic conditions and more proactive approach to own health of Lower Silesians (migrants), allowed them to remain independent in everyday life and age with dignity.