Bouts of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Young and Elderly Adults

Abstract

No data has been reported on objectively measured patterns of bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and bouts of sedentary behaviour in adults aged over 70 years. Data from the Better Ageing project provides a unique opportunity to study these patterns in an under-investigated segment of the population and compare these with those in younger adults. PURPOSE: To compare patterns of bouts of MVPA, and bouts of sedentary behaviour, in the elderly adults with those in young adults. METHODS: Minute by minute activity data were recorded over a 7-day period, using accelerometers (CSA model 7164), from 45 young (mean age 26.9±4.0 years [y]) and 157 older adults (mean age 76.0±4.0y). Older adults were grouped as: 70–74.9y (O70s), n=65; 75–79.9y (O75s) n=64; >80y (O80s) n=28. Data were reduced using a Microsoft Access macro to derive estimates of 5-, 10- and 20-minute bouts of MVPA (>1951 counts per minute [cpm]), and extended (>3h) bouts of sedentary behaviour (<400 cpm). RESULTS: Young participants recorded significantly (p<0.05) more >10-minute bouts of MVPA (34.1±32.2) than elderly groups (O70s 19.8±24.2, O75s 18.6±27.6, O80s 8.3±17.7). Prevalence of recording of any extended sedentary bouts among young participants (6.7%) was significantly (p<0.001) lower than among elderly participants (O70s 33.4%, O75s 48.4%, O80s 35.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that physical activity promotion in the elderly may benefit from strategies to encourage 1) longer bouts of MVPA, and 2) avoidance of extended bouts of sedentary behaviour.