Abstract
BackgroundDaily step count is the simplest measure of physical activity. However, little is known about how daily step count related to time spent in different intensities of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB).MethodsThese cross-sectional data were derived from 450 older Japanese adults (56.7% men; mean age, 74.3 years) who were randomly selected from three communities and responded a survey. Daily step count and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), light-intensity PA (LPA), and SB were measured using a validated wearable technology (HJA-350IT). Associations of daily step count with time spent in measured behaviors were examined using linear regression models with isometric log-ratio transformations of time-use composition, adjusting for gender, age, and residential area.ResultsParticipants averaged 5,412 (standard deviation, 2,878) steps/d and accumulated MVPA, LPA, and SB corresponding to 4.0%, 34.8%, and 61.2% of daily waking time, respectively. Daily step count significantly increased with increase in time spent in MVPA relative to other behaviors (ie, LPA and SB) and in the ratio of LPA to SB after allowing for MVPA. After stratification, daily step count was significantly related to the ratio of LPA to SB in those taking <5,000 steps/d, but not in those taking 5,000–7,499 and ≥7,500 steps/d.ConclusionsHigher daily step count can be an indicator of not only larger relative contribution of time spent in MVPA, but also higher ratio between LPA and SB, particularly among those who are the least physically active.
Highlights
Walking is the most popular form of aerobic physical activity.[1]
Little is known how daily step count is related with time in the other behaviors, including light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and sedentary behavior (SB), which can be important for health
Participants averaged 5,412 (SD, 2,878; range, 25–6,119) steps=d and accumulated moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), LPA, and SB corresponding to 4.0%, 34.8%, and 61.2% of daily waking time, respectively
Summary
Walking is the most popular form of aerobic physical activity.[1]. Evidence on walking and health outcomes shows higher daily step count to be associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality[2,3,4,5] and better cardiovascular and bone health.[6,7] A recent meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials concluded that there are consistently favorable effects of walking interventions on cardiovascular disease risk factors among inactive healthy adults.[8]. Step count is a simple and direct measure of physical activity volume, and is associated with time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).[10] little is known how daily step count is related with time in the other behaviors, including light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and sedentary behavior (SB), which can be important for health. There is a need to see if daily step count can be used for indirect estimates of time spent in SB and different intensities of physical activity to communicate these behavior data. One previous study has shown adult’s daily step count has strong associations with LPA and moderate-intensity physical activity and a moderate association with SB.[10] this study did not fully consider the compositional nature of time-use data. Little is known about how daily step count related to time spent in different intensities of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB)
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