Associations of Objective Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Frailty in Community-dwelling Older Adults: A Mini-review

Abstract

PURPOSE: This review aimed to evaluate the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior and frailty in community-dwelling older adults.METHODS: An electronic search was undertaken using the MEDLINE® databases from January 1st 2010 to December 31st 2019. Titles, abstracts, and full texts of the studies identified by the search were scrutinized by the author to determine eligibility for an inclusion in this review.RESULTS: The search identified 87 relevant articles resulted, of which eight studies from four cohorts met the inclusion requirements. Almost all the studies reported a significantly negative association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and frailty, while only one was a longitudinal study. Significant associations between sedentary time (ST) and higher severity of frailty were observed, however, the findings of associations of sedentary bouts were mixed.IMPLICATION: Higher amounts of ST and lower amounts of MVPA were associated with a higher prevalence of frailty or worse frailty levels. Replacing ST with MVPA may offset the detrimental consequences of ST on frailty. More longitudinal studies and quantitative researches are needed to investigate the association of MVPA and ST bouts with frailty.