Weekly Physical Activity Levels of Older Adults Regularly Using a Fitness Facility.

Michael J Turner,Emily E Schmitt,Tricia Hubbard-Turner

doi:10.1155/2016/5010285

Michael J Turner, Emily E Schmitt + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/5010285

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Abstract

The aim of this paper was to determine if weekly physical activity levels were greater in an independent-living older adult population that was regularly participating in structured fitness activities. Also, lifetime exercise history and sex differences were investigated in an effort to understand how they relate to current weekly step activity. Total weekly step counts, measured with a pedometer, were assessed in two older adult groups; the first consisted of members of a local senior center who regularly used the fitness facility (74.5 ± 6.0 yrs; mean ± SD) while the second group consisted of members who did not use the fitness facility (74.8 ± 6.0 yrs). Participants also completed the Lifetime Physical Activity Questionnaire (LPAQ). No significant difference was found in the total number of weekly steps between groups (p = 0.88) or sexes (p = 0.27). The LPAQ suggested a significant decline in activity with aging (p = 0.01) but no difference between groups (p = 0.54) or sexes (p = 0.80). A relationship was observed between current step activity and MET expenditure over the past year (p = 0.008, r 2 = 0.153) and from ages 35 to 50 years (p = 0.037, r 2 = 0.097). The lack of difference in weekly physical activity level between our groups suggests that independent-living older adults will seek out and perform their desired activity, in either a scheduled exercise program or other leisure-time activities. Also, the best predictor of current physical activity level in independent-living older adults was the activity performed over the past year.

Highlights

Maintaining aerobic capacity and increasing muscular strength are known to lead to improvements in overall function in the aging population
Our first hypothesis was not supported by the findings, which indicate no significant difference in the total number of weekly steps taken between those who regularly use and those who do not use an exercise facility (Figure 1)
To our knowledge this is the first study to compare weekly step counts in two groups of older adults who do and do not participate in structured exercise

Summary

Introduction

Maintaining aerobic capacity and increasing muscular strength are known to lead to improvements in overall function in the aging population. An increase or maintenance of regular physical activity levels with aging would likely aid in the improvement in the functional capacity of the older adult. After 16 weeks of an exercise program focusing on improving aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and muscular endurance, Fahlman et al [1] reported improvements in older adults on measures of aerobic fitness and functional ability. Participation in a regular structured exercise program has been found to improve health and well-being [1,2,3] and lead to an increase in the amount of physical activity performed outside of the exercise class on nonstructured exercise days [4]. Participation in regular structured exercise programming would likely benefit the aging population

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