Abstract
The present study investigates the diurnal profiles of locomotive and household activities in older adults with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) using an accelerometer. Furthermore, we examined the effect of chronic pain on their diurnal profiles in both activities. Seventy-one older adults with MSDs (73–89 years) were included in this cross-sectional survey, and 25 age-matched older adults (75–86 years) were selected as healthy older adults. The daily physical activities, including steps walked and locomotive and household activity intensities, were recorded using a triaxial accelerometer in terms of metabolic equivalent task-hours per week (MET-h/week). The diurnal profiles of steps and locomotive activities in older adults with MSDs were considerably lower than those of healthy older adults. In contrast, there was no significant decline in household activity. However, the locomotive and household activities were reduced by severe chronic pain. This survey demonstrated that the diurnal profiles of household activity in older people with MSDs as well as those in age-matched healthy older adults were maintained. Furthermore, severe chronic pain influenced both activities. Therefore, the maintenance of household activity throughout the day, as well as the management of chronic pain, may be important strategies for the promotion of physical activity in older people with MSDs.
Highlights
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including chronic musculoskeletal pain and osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, are common in older people
The present study investigated the diurnal profiles of steps and locomotive and household activities, which were measured using three axial accelerations, in community-dwelling older adults with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
The current study showed that phases of higher activity in the morning and afternoon were usually occupied by household activity, and not locomotive activity, in older adults with MSD
Summary
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including chronic musculoskeletal pain and osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, are common in older people. These diseases have a significant impact on locomotive and household activities [1,2], and place a considerable burden on the health care system [3]. Orthopedic surgery can be performed as a treatment in older people with MSDs, the chronic musculoskeletal pain and physical function may not fully improve after surgery. These patients have to live with pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, such as ambulatory rehabilitation.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International journal of environmental research and public health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
