PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN OLDER ADULTS: A CRITICAL NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Ageing involves heterogeneous trajectories in which physiological measurements, physical performance, and independence in daily life are not equivalent dimensions. This study aimed to critically examine associations between musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, neuromotor, and immunoinflammatory parameters and functional capacity in older adults, considering quality of life as a secondary dimension. A critical narrative review was conducted through targeted electronic searches and consultation of original publications, bibliographic records, and reference documents, completed in October 2026. The main synthesis comprised seven observational publications addressing functioning; three additional studies informed vascular interpretation and quality of life. Findings were organized by physiological domain, distinguishing study design, exposure measurement, outcome, statistical adjustment, and limitations. Muscle strength and power showed relevant associations with disability, without being interchangeable with muscle quantity. Pulmonary impairment and neurosensory alterations were associated with mobility, although findings depended on the population and measurement instrument. Inflammatory markers showed longitudinal associations with mobility disability, whereas some cross-sectional analyses yielded null findings after adjustment. Associations with quality of life varied across its domains. Interpretation was limited by targeted selection, overlapping cohorts, heterogeneity, and the absence of formal risk-of-bias assessment. Functional assessment should therefore integrate multiple systems and meaningful daily-life outcomes, without attributing causality to observational associations or translating isolated markers into universal exercise recommendations. Application to Physical Education requires individualization, longitudinal monitoring, and multidisciplinary collaboration.