Physical Activity and Functional Performance in a Population Studied Longitudinally from 70 to 76 Years of Age

Abstract

Patterns of physical activity and functional performance from age 70 to 76, and the relation between present physical activity/performance and previous level of physical activity were studied within one of the longitudinal, gerontological population studies in Göteborg, the IVEG-study (InterVention of Elderly people in Göteborg).I. Subjects who took a daily walk of at least 30 minutes had a significantly better climbing capacity, higher bone mineral content and lower concentration of blood triglycerides than subjects who walked less. Walkers also had a more positive attitude towards physical activity and rated their own physical fitness higher than non-walkers.II. The combined physical activity level (within the fields of competition sport, recreational sport, occupation, household and transportation), of early life periods alone could not explain activity patterns or performiance late in life. After the age of 35 in men and 50 in women, the associations grew stronger, and the activity level of the last period (66–76 yeas of age) was strongly correlated to physical activity and functional performance at age 76. When, on the other hand, each field of activity was treated alone, recreational sport in particular turned out to be positively correlated to walking speed and physical activity at age 76 for most life periods.III. Men were significantly more active than women unless household activities were included in the physical activity scale, in which case no difference was found between men and women in the summer, whereas women were significantly more active than men in winter. In all performance variables, men had significantly higher values than women. Correlations between physical activity and physical performance were moderate.IV. Functional balance tests were significantly correlated to isometric knee extensor strength, walking speed and stair-climbing capacity. Men were able to stand for a longer time than women on one leg. In a subsample, who also performed tests on a force plate, some variables from the platform tests were significantly associated with the results from the functional balance tests.V. Subjects who had been exposed to intervention measures were more physically active at the age of 76 than the controls. Women in the intervention group did not change over the years concerning knee extensor strength, whereas women in the control group became weaker. Both groups of men showed a decrease in knee extensor strength and all subjects showed a decrease in maximal walking speed.VI. Subjects dependent in ADL had lower values in maximal walking speed, grip strength, knee extensor strength and in stair climbing capacity compared to those who were independent. Subjects who developed dependence between 70 and 76 already had a lower walking speed and knee extensor strength at age 70 than subjects who retained their independence in ADL.