Abstract
BackgroundIn older adults, sedentary behaviors increase while physical activity decreases over time following the compositional nature of 24-h behaviors. These changes in movement-related behaviors (MRBs) might be associated with unhealthy weight gain and several health comorbidities. However, information is lacking on how obesity influences longitudinal changes in the composition of MRBs in older adults. Furthermore, the moderating effect of the built environment on prospective associations between obesity and MRBs in older adults is not fully understood. Therefore, using an integrated time-use approach, this study aims to identify prospective associations between obesity and MRBs together with an assessment of the moderating effect of the built environment in elderly women.MethodsThe study was designed as a prospective 7-year follow-up study. It is based on two previous cross-sectional studies that enable the use of participant data (women aged 60+ years, n = 409) as a baseline dataset in the current study. All methods designed for 7-year follow-up are based on previous studies. The data collection comprises device-based measurement of MRBs (ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer), objective assessment of body adiposity (multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis), subjective assessment of the built environment (NEWS-A questionnaire), and other possible confounding factors. Time spent in sedentary behavior, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity will be used as three components in a composition reflecting individual MRBs. In linear multiple compositional regression analysis assessing the prospective association between obesity and MRBs, the 7-year follow-up composition of the three mentioned components represents the dependent variable. The 7-year changes in the percentage of body fat (body adiposity), baseline composition of MRBs, and parameters of the built environment represent regressors.DiscussionThis study will use an integrated time-use approach to explore causality from obesity to device-measured behaviors in older women. The design and respective analysis consider the compositional nature of MRBs data and the potential moderating effects of various factors. A comprehensive assessment of causality may help to develop multilevel interventional models that enhance physical activity in older adults.
Highlights
In older adults, sedentary behaviors increase while physical activity decreases over time following the compositional nature of 24-h behaviors
The world’s population is aging [1], and this process is accompanied by the loss or reduction of health-enhancing physical activity (PA) and the concurrent rise of sedentary time [2]
Aim The primary aim of the study was to use an integrated time-use approach to investigate the prospective associations between adiposity and device-measured movement-related behaviors (MRBs) in older adult women
Summary
Sedentary behaviors increase while physical activity decreases over time following the compositional nature of 24-h behaviors. These changes in movement-related behaviors (MRBs) might be associated with unhealthy weight gain and several health comorbidities. The moderating effect of the built environment on prospective associations between obesity and MRBs in older adults is not fully understood. Other studies in which participants were segmented into multiple groups according to the volume or intensity of their PA and incremental differences in BMI or adiposity parameters supported a dose-response relationship [7, 8]. These cross-sectional studies did not allow for conclusions about causality to be drawn
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