Accelerometer Determined Physical Activity in Older Women: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: As adults reach advanced ages, their chronic disease status is generally well established and the purpose of physical activity shifts from disease prevention to functional mobility - the ability to continue an active lifestyle and remain independent. Findings from this study will be used to determine if older adults meet physical activity recommendations. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend that older adults spend at least 30 minutes, five days per week performing moderate-intensity physical activity or 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity at least three days a week. With respect to the amount (steps) of daily activity, there are few recommendations. Limited researcher suggests the following categorization: Sedentary = 2000-4999, Low Active = 5000-7499, Somewhat Active= 7500-9,999, and Active = 10,000 - 12,999 (Tudor-Locke, et al., 2004). PURPOSE: To determine the daily physical activity level (amount and intensity) of older women. METHODS: One hundred and seven women 60 - 80 years (73.23 ± 7.73 yrs) wore an accelerometer for 2 weeks to measure daily activity. Variables analyzed were the steps and intensity level of physical movement. Moderate-Intensity Activity at 5 minute intervals from 0 to 1 hour and 45 minutes and Amount of Activity: suggested categorization as noted above, as well additional categories based on research by Tudor-Locke, et al., 2009; Aoyagi, et al., 2010, and Rowe et al., 2007). RESULTS: Comparing the descriptive statistics of this study to suggested physical activity levels, no age group was Active. When evaluating participant's highest step day, the two most active age-groups (60s and 70s) were considered Somewhat Active at approximately 8,200 daily steps. With respect to the intensity level recommendation, no group met this goal. The highest 5-day average was achieved by the 70-year old group at just over 16 minutes, followed by the 60-year olds at just over 14 minutes. The 80 year old group engaged in the least amount of moderate intensity activity, at just over 13 minutes once per week. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the older adults in our sample do not meet the recommendations set forth by the ACSM, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or independent researchers.