Abstract
Aging is increasing worldwide; hence, aging-related health is also more relevant. Well-programmed physical exercise is now an indispensable tool to achieve active aging and preserve older people’s health. Such “well-programmed” exercise requires efficient and useful tools to measure the activity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of accelerometers to estimate two different intensities of physical exercise in older people. Thirty-eight subjects (64.5 ± 5.3 years) were measured during two different sessions of physical exercise: one moderate in intensity, the other of low intensity. Heart rate and accelerometry were recorded and analyzed. The results showed that the two variables in the physical exercise sessions were not highly correlated, and that accelerometry did not seem useful to assess low-intensity sessions not based on walking.
Highlights
Evidence shows that the ratio of the aged population is growing worldwide due to declining birth rates and increased life expectancy [1]
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of accelerometers in estimating physical activity during physical exercise sessions, as these sessions are generally recommended for increased activity and health [7]
This study shows moderate correlations between HR and accelerometry in moderate-intensity aerobic sessions, but no correlation in low-intensity sessions based on balance
Summary
Evidence shows that the ratio of the aged population is growing worldwide due to declining birth rates and increased life expectancy [1]. Aging is an inevitable process that occurs throughout the life of species, with different evolution [2]. In humans, this process implies a progressive deterioration of physiological systems in the last years of life [3]. A degenerative mechanism determined by genetic and environmental variables, in which lifestyle is strongly related to the development of the process [3]. Certain daily habits such as physical exercise, physical activity, smoking, or stress can regulate this process positively or negatively. The risks of fragility and disability increase [4]. Physical exercise and physical activity are undoubtedly health- and disease-related variables [5]. Physical inactivity accentuates risk factors related to mortality and disease, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or some cancers [5,6]
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