Sport Physiology

Sport Physiology

The Relationship between Physical and Psychological Frailty with Physical Activity and Quality of Life in the Elderly: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Abdolreza Kazemi 1
Keramat Ali-zandegi 1
mahdi Hossenizadeh 2
1 Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran
2 Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
10.22089/spj.2026.18426.2394
Abstract
Background and Purpose
Elderly stage and seniority are a natural phenomenon which are associated with increased lifespan and the onset of physical dependency. Aging is a type of biological change which causes social, psychological, physical, and physiological changes. This phenomenon causes impairments in mobility, adaptation, employment, physical activity, and communication. Frailty syndrome, although inherently multidimensional, is characterized by weakness in physical and psychological resilience. Older adults often report repeated injuries and hospital admissions, persistent fatigue, and decreased mobility. Physical activity can help to increase physical and mental health in older adults and improve their quality of life (QOL). Concerns about the growth of the elderly population include an increase in prevalence of chronic diseases and numerous disabilities; accordingly, these conditions associated with the aging process that require more attention. Therefore, given the growing population of older adults, addressing their health and QOL (physical, psychological, and social dimensions) is of great importance in meeting their needs. Furthermore, it is essential to conduct further studies in this area to gain a deeper and more accurate understanding of aging process and the challenges of the elderly. Given the multidimensional nature of frailty and disability in older adults and the impact of various factors on QOL, this study was conducted with the aim of examining the relationship between physical and psychological frailty with the level of physical activity and the QOL among older adults.
Materials and Methods
The present study used an observational and cross-sectional design and was conducted in the Kerman city. The statistical population consisted of all inactive elderly men and women. 107 volunteers who met the inclusion criteria were purposively selected (60 men and 47 women). Inclusion criteria for the study were: being over 60 years of age, the ability to speak Persian, absence of acute physical problems, hearing impairment, and tendency to participate in the study. Participants were excluded if they failed to answer the interview questions or expressed unwillingness to continue their involvement in the study. The instruments employed in this study to assess various dimensions of participants’ health and well-being included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (QOLQ) and the Fried Frailty Scale (FFS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 22. To evaluate the normality of the data distribution, the Shapiro–Wilk test was applied. Based on the results of the normality assessment, logistic regression analysis was subsequently conducted to explore the relationships among the study variables.
Results
Based on the descriptive results, the prevalence of physical and psychological frailty among the elderly was 78.5%. Additionally, 25.2% of the participants had sufficient physical activity, and 68.2% had an adequate QOL. In addition, a significant negative relationship was observed between physical and psychological frailty and the QOL, physical activity, and emotional loneliness among older adults (p < 0.001). In such a way that QOL by 11.1%, physical activity by 27.6%, and emotional loneliness by 42% can predict the level of physical and psychological frailty among older adults. On the other hand, a significant positive relationship was observed between depression and physical and psychological frailty (p < 0.001), such that this factor can predict 62.1% of the physical and psychological frailty among older adults. This study showed that physical and psychological frailty has a high prevalence among older adults, and modifiable factors such as physical activity, QOL, and emotional loneliness, along with an important psychological factor such as depression, play a significant role in predicting it.
Conclusion
The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between physical and psychological frailty with physical activity and QOL among older adults. The findings of this research showed that QOL predicts 11.1% of the physical and psychological frailty in older adults, indicating a significant negative relationship between frailty and their QOL. The results of the present study showed that physical activity can predict 27.6% of the physical and psychological frailty among older adults. This finding indicates a significant negative relationship between frailty and their level of physical activity. On the other hand, the data analysis of the present study showed that there is a significant relationship between depression (positive relationship) and emotional loneliness (negative relationship) with physical and psychological frailty in older adults. In other words, depression can predict 62.1% and emotional loneliness can predict 42% of the physical and psychological frailty among older adults. This study showed that physical and psychological frailty has a high prevalence among older adults in the city of Kerman, and modifiable factors such as physical activity, QOL, and emotional loneliness, along with an important psychological factor like depression, play a significant role in predicting it.
Article Message
The findings of the present study indicate that although frailty has a multifactorial nature, its severity can be reduced through feasible interventions (physical activity, social support, and mental health). Accordingly, strengthening programs that promote a healthy lifestyle, reducing social isolation, and providing psychological services can play an important role in preventing and reducing frailty, thereby improving the health and independence of older adults.
Ethical Considerations
Prior to initiating the study and data collection, the research design was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan (IR.RUMS.REC.1401.023). At the outset of the research, the subjects read and signed the consent form. They were also given explanations about the voluntary nature and the method of participation in the study. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires. Furthermore, detailed instructions for the questionnaires were provided to the participants, and any questions they did not comprehend were re-explained to them. The subjects were assured that the research findings would be shared with them.
Authors’ Contributions
Conceptualization: Abdolreza Kazemi, Mahdi Hossainzadeh, Keramat Ali-zendegi 
Data Collection: Keramat Ali-zendegi, Mahdi Hossainzadeh
Data Analysis: Mahdi Hossainzadeh, Keramat Ali-zendegi 
Manuscript Writing: Hadi Kerendi, Abdolreza Kazemi
Review and Editing: Hadi Kerendi, Abdolreza Kazemi
Literature Review: Keramat Ali-zendegi, Hadi Kerendi, Abdolreza Kazemi
Project Manager: Abdolreza Kazemi
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest related to the publication of this article, whether involving individuals or organizations.
Acknowledgments
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest related to the publication of this article, whether involving individuals or organizations.
Keywords
Frailty
QOL
Physical activity
Elderly
Subjects
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Sport Physiology
Volume 18, Issue 69
Spring 2026
Pages 48-63

  • Receive Date 23 August 2025
  • Revise Date 13 December 2025
  • Accept Date 17 January 2026