Physical Activity In Older Adults Research Articles

Correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the Thai population: a systematic review

BackgroundGiven the importance of knowing the potential impediments and enablers for physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in a specific population, the aim of this study was to systematically review and summarise evidence on individual, social, environmental, and policy correlates of PA and SB in the Thai population.MethodsA systematic review of articles written in Thai and English was conducted. Studies that reported at least one correlate for PA and/or SB in a healthy Thai population were selected independently by two authors. Data on 21 variables were extracted. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsA total of 25,007 records were screened and 167 studies were included. The studies reported associations with PA for a total of 261 variables, mostly for adults and older adults. For most of the variables, evidence was available from a limited number of studies. Consistent evidence was found for individual-level and social correlates of PA in children/adolescents and adults and for individual-level correlates of PA in older adults. Self-efficacy and perceived barriers were consistently associated with PA in all age groups. Other consistently identified individual-level correlates in adults and older adults included self-rated general health, mental health, perceived benefits, and attitudes towards PA. Consistent evidence was also found for social correlates of PA in adults, including social support, interpersonal influences, parent/family influences, and information support. The influence of friendship/companionship was identified as a correlate of PA only in children/adolescents.A limited number of studies examined SB correlates, especially in older adults. The studies reported associations with SB for a total of 41 variables. Consistent evidence of association with SB was only found for obesity in adults. Some evidence suggests that male adults engage more in SB than females.ConclusionsMore Thai studies are needed on (i) PA correlates, particularly among children/adolescents, and that focus on environment- and policy-related factors and (ii) SB correlates, particularly among older adults. Researchers are also encouraged to conduct longitudinal studies to provide evidence on prospective and causal relationships, and subject to feasibility, use device-based measures of PA and SB.

A life fulfilled: positively influencing physical activity in older adults \u2013 a systematic review and meta-ethnography

BackgroundIncreasing physical activity in older adults remains a key public health priority in countries with a high burden of non-communicable disease, yet current interventions have failed to substantially increase population uptake with UK data suggesting that only half of 65–74 year olds report meeting recommended levels. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic and inductive qualitative synthesis of the large body of qualitative research describing what influences physical activity at this age, and older adults’ experiences of physical activity.MethodsA qualitative meta-ethnography was chosen as the study design as this inductive approach can provide novel insights and generate new theory about physical activity and ageing. Papers were identified by searching electronic databases and key citations. Peer-reviewed primary qualitative studies and systematic reviews were included if they met the following inclusion criteria: community-dwelling participants aged 60 years or older or in the retirement transition period; reporting on leisure-time physical activity; utilising a rigorous qualitative methodology. A line of argument approach was employed to generate a theory about how older adults think and feel about physical activity.ResultsThirty-nine papers met the inclusion criteria and were synthesised. The emergent theory suggested transition to older age can challenge people’s sense of self and their role in life. Physical activity can help in regaining feelings of purpose, of being needed in collective group activity, and by creating habitual routine and structure to the day. In overcoming real and perceived barriers, and by taking up or sustaining physical activities, older adults can further build self-esteem all of which contributes to a fulfilling older age.ConclusionCurrent failures to increase population levels of physical activity in older adults may be explained by an approach overly focused on the health benefits of activity. Insights from this study suggest we need to reframe our approach to consider the wider set of goals and aspirations which are of greater personal importance to older adults, and future interventions should focus on how physical activity can contribute to life satisfaction, sense of purpose, and sense of role fulfilment in older age.Trial registrationRegistered prospectively on PROSPERO on 29th March 2013: CRD42013003796.

A novel approach to increase physical activity in older adults in the community using citizen science: a mixed-methods study.

The aims of this study were to implement a novel, community-based physical activity (PA) intervention in a Swiss town with active participation of elderly participants and to evaluate its effectiveness, feasibility, acceptability and sustainability. The CAPACITY intervention combined important determinants of PA, used smartphone apps to provide feedback/facilitate interaction, and followed a citizen science approach to enable participants to organize walking groups. We targeted persons > 60years from Wetzikon. Assessments took place at baseline and after 6months, during this intervention period, and 11months after step-wise withdrawal of the study team. Twenty-nine persons were included in the study; 25 conducted 6-month follow-up. They had a significant increase in moderate-to-vigorous PA (p = 0.046) but not in daily steps (p = 0.331). After the intervention period, key participants took over organization, independently organized monthly get-togethers, added new walking routes and continuously recruit new participants. Eleven months after withdrawal of the study team, 61 people regularly walk in groups together. The novel CAPACITY intervention was successfully implemented, transferred to participants and is now self-sustainable for almost 1year in the community.

Physical Activity and Healthcare Costs: Projections for Poland in the Context of an Ageing Population.

BackgroundThe proportion of older people in many countries, including Poland, is expected to increase, which will lead to a rise in healthcare costs.ObjectivesThis study aims to analyse the impact of older adults’ physical activity on public spending on healthcare in Poland over the long term.MethodTo include the physical activity factor needed for our long-term projections, we modified the macro-simulation model used by the European Commission in Poland. We used the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe database to calculate the number of healthcare users depending on their level of physical activity. We used three measures of healthcare users: people with chronic diseases, people who were in hospital or visited a doctor more than once in the previous year, and people who subjectively evaluated their health as fair or poor.ResultsWe found that a higher level of physical activity in older adults is associated with lower public expenditure on healthcare for all measures adopted. However, the magnitude of this effect differed depending on the measure used, with gains ranging from 0.4 to 1.2% of gross domestic product per year by the end of the projection horizon.ConclusionOur findings provide a strong argument for social policy in Poland to intensify the promotion of physical activity in society to decrease future healthcare costs of older adults.

Validity and Reliability of the Polish Adaptation of the CHAMPS Physical Activity Questionnaire.

The aim of the study was to investigate the reliability and construct validity of the Polish adaptation of the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) physical activity questionnaire among the elderly. The sample included 104 volunteers, 75 women (age = 71.0 ± 5.0 years) and 29 men (age = 75.1 ± 6.6 years). To assess the reliability of the Polish version of the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire, measurements were conducted by one-week test-retest. The construct validity of the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire was evaluated using accelerometers. Criterion validation was verified by self-reported measurements (health self-assessment, life satisfaction, and wellbeing) and body composition analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficients of the one-week test-retest ranged from 0.79 to 0.85. Significant Pearson's correlations were found between caloric expenditure measured by accelerometer and CHAMPS caloric expenditure in all listed physical activities (r = 0.33) and caloric expenditure in at least moderate intensity physical activities (r = 0.37) of the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire. Moderate and greater intensity physical activities of CHAMPS measure were significantly related to total bone mass, health self-assessment, life satisfaction as a whole, and personal wellbeing (r ranged from 0.26 to 0.34). The findings of the study allow us to conclude that the Polish version of the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire has acceptable reliability and validity to assess physical activity of older adults.

A mixed methods study of perceived barriers to physical activity, geriatric syndromes, and physical activity levels among older adults with peripheral artery disease and diabetes

Previous studies suggest a myriad of factors prevent individuals from engaging in physical activity; however, less is known about barriers faced by individuals with multiple chronic conditions, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) and type 2 diabetes, and how these barriers may impact engagement in physical activity. To date, there are no studies that integrate simultaneous assessment of perceived barriers to physical activity and engagement in physical activity in older adults with PAD and diabetes. This integration is key to understanding the implications of barriers to physical activity and to developing strategies to address those barriers. Therefore, this study investigated the unique physical activity experiences of older adults with PAD and diabetes. This study used a concurrent mixed methods design. Ten adults aged 65years and older with PAD and diabetes completed semistructured interviews about experiences with physical activity, self-reported questionnaires assessing quality of life and fear of falling, and measures of physical function (eg, 6-minute walk test, chair stand, gait speed). Physical activity was measured objectively with accelerometry. Inductive content analysis was used to identify themes, and integrated analysis was performed to evaluate patterns among qualitative and quantitative variables. On average, participants were 74years old and spent 10% of their time in moderate or vigorous physical activity (range: 3%-18%); 80% of participants were men. Barriers to physical activity identified through qualitative interviews included lack of accessibility, lack of enjoyment of activity, lack of motivation, and pain and physical health. Facilitators to physical activity were social support, accessibility and convenience, and enjoyment of the activity. Participants with more sedentary time and less moderate or vigorous physical activity tended to report greater fear of falling and greater barriers to physical activity and achieved lower distances in 6-minute walk tests. This research provides insight into both the nature of perceived barriers to physical activity and engagement in physical activity among older adults with PAD and diabetes. The integration of self-reported measures and objective measures facilitates our understanding of the lived experiences of individuals with these conditions. Study findings can be used to support further investigation into factors that influence engagement in physical activity in individuals with PAD and diabetes and to assist in the development of strategies to address identified barriers.

A pilot randomised controlled trial of physical activity facilitation for older adults: feasibility study findings

BackgroundMore people are living longer lives leading to a growth in the population of older adults, many of whom have comorbidities and low levels of physical function. Physical activity in later life can prevent or delay age-related disability. Identifying a cost-effective means of increasing physical activity in older adults therefore remains an important public health priority.Physical Activity Facilitation (PAF) is an intervention shown to increase physical activity in adults with depression. The PAF model was modified for a population of older adults at risk of disability. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of undertaking a definitive RCT of the PAF intervention in the target population.MethodsA pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) was delivered through primary care. Patients at risk of disability and who were not meeting recommended levels of physical activity were recruited through postal invitation and direct approach in the practice waiting room. Those meeting eligibility criteria were enrolled and randomised at a 2:1 ratio to the PAF intervention and control. Behaviour change techniques were used by facilitators with participants over the telephone and face-to-face for 6 months. Outcome measures including physical function, physical activity, depression, social support, and quality of life were collected at baseline and at 6 months.ResultsA high proportion of patients responded to the initial invitation (68%), yet many were ineligible due to high levels of self-reported physical activity and baseline physical function. Fifty-one participants were recruited to the trial, with an average age of 74 years (range 65–89), and there were high rates of adherence and retention to the study (94% follow-up at 6 months). The majority of outcome data collected from participants was complete; however, the validated scale used to measure self-reported physical activity was associated with high levels of missing data.ConclusionsThe findings of this pilot RCT suggest that it is feasible to deliver a definitive RCT of the PAF intervention in this population. Further work is required to improve the efficiency of recruitment and to minimise missing data from self-reported physical activity measures.Trial registrationCurrent controlled trials ISRCTN80470273. Registered 25 October 2013.

Loneliness, Depression, and Physical Activity in Older Adults: The Therapeutic Role of Human–Animal Interactions

ABSTRACTThe global population of older persons is projected in 2050 to reach approximately 2.1 billion. As people age, feelings of loneliness, depression, and physical inactivity often occur due to a multitude of reasons. These feelings may manifest and cause adverse health outcomes. With the predicted increase of older adults worldwide, the prevalence of loneliness, depression, and physical inactivity may also worsen over time if unattended. Since older adults are subject to psychological and physical changes as they age, it is important to find creative ways to address the health needs of this growing population. Therefore, interventions are needed to prevent or decrease the psychological and physical challenges that older adults face. This paper examines existing literature on human–animal interactions (HAIs) in the lives of older adults in relation to concepts such as loneliness, depression, and physical activity. The psychological and physical health benefits of animals for older adults include decreased loneliness and depression, improved cardiovascular health, and increased physical activity. There is mounting evidence supporting the therapeutic psychological and physical health benefits of animals in the lives of older adults. However, there are practical and financial implications that must be considered. Methodological considerations and future directions for human–animal interaction research with older adults are also discussed.

Pathway from gait speed to incidence of disability and mortality in older adults: A mediating role of physical activity

ObjectivesTo determine whether physical activity mediates the association of gait speed with incident disability and mortality in older adults. Study designProspective cohort data from 782 community-dwelling Japanese older adults were analyzed. The median follow-up periods for incident disability and mortality were 4.4 and 4.5 years, respectively. Main outcome measuresPhysical activity was assessed with the Japan Arteriosclerosis Longitudinal Study Physical Activity Questionnaire, gait speed was calculated from 5-m walking time, and incident disability was defined as long-term care insurance certification during follow-up. ResultsThere were 247 cases of incident disability and 202 deaths during follow-up. After adjusting for potential confounders, faster gait speed was associated with decreased risk of incident disability (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.82–0.93), but physical activity level was not associated with incident disability (HR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.95–1.01). Gait speed was associated with mortality risk in the model without physical activity (HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.88–1.00). When gait speed and physical activity were both included in the model, gait speed was not associated with mortality (HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.89–1.02) but physical activity was associated with mortality (HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.92–0.99). Physical activity was a mediating factor in the association between gait speed and mortality (Sobel test p = .025). ConclusionsGait speed is directly associated with incident disability and is indirectly related to mortality through physical activity in older adults.

Can Physical Activity Offset the Detrimental Consequences of Sedentary Time on Frailty? A Moderation Analysis in 749 Older Adults Measured With Accelerometers

ObjectivesTo determine whether or not and to what extent the association between sedentary time and frailty was moderated by moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in older adults. DesignCross-sectional. SettingCommunity-dwelling individuals. Participants749 (403 females and 346 males) white older adults. MeasurementsSedentary time and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were measured with accelerometers. Frailty was objectively measured using the Frailty Trait Scale. All models were adjusted for age, sex, education, income, marital status, body mass index, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and accelerometer wear time. ResultsThe regression model reported a significant effect of sedentary time on frailty (P < .05). Nevertheless, the results indicated that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity moderates the relationship between frailty status and sedentary time. The Johnson-Neyman technique determined that the estimated moderate-to-vigorous physical activity point was 27.25 minutes/d, from which sedentary time has no significant effect on frailty. ConclusionsModerate-to-vigorous physical activity is a moderator in the relationship between sedentary time and frailty in older adults, offsetting the harmful effects of sedentary behavior with 27 minutes/d of moderate-to-vigorous activity. Engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activities should be encouraged. Reducing sedentary behavior may also be beneficial, particularly among inactive older adults.

Relationship of Cough Strength to Respiratory Function, Physical Performance, and Physical Activity in Older Adults.

Age- and lifestyle-related changes in respiratory and physical function affect cough strength. However, in older adults, the main factors that relate to cough strength remain unclear. This study was a preliminary investigation of factors that contribute to cough strength and the relationships between cough strength and respiratory function, physical performance, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in community-dwelling older adults. By using accelerometers and other tools, we assessed cough peak flow (CPF), FVC, maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax), maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax), chest and abdominal wall mobility (breathing movement scale), physical performance (Timed Up and Go test and 30-s chair stand test), physical activity (steps, and locomotive and non-locomotive moderate-to-vigorous physical activity), and sedentary behavior (sedentary time) in 65 community-dwelling older adults (25 males and 40 females) without air-flow limitation. Twenty-six percent of the subjects (17/65) had reduced CPF (<240 L/min). The subjects with reduced CPF had significantly lower FVC, PImax, PEmax, chest and abdominal wall mobility, physical performance, and locomotive moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared with those with non-reduced CPF. Significant correlations between CPF and variables of respiratory function (FVC, PImax, PEmax, and breathing movement scale) and physical performance were weak to moderate. FVC and PImax were independently associated with CPF during the multiple regression analysis adjusted for sex, age, and height. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that FVC and PImax had fair-to-good sensitivity for detecting reduced CPF. Analysis of our results indicated that FVC and PImax were related to CPF and provided preliminary evidence that supported strategies for preserving and improving cough strength in community-dwelling older adults.

Older Adults’ Physical Activity: The Integration of Autonomous Motivation and Theory of Planned Behaviour Constructs

ObjectiveTo examine the motivational processes underpinning Australian older adults’ physical activity.MethodAdults aged 65 years and over (N = 213) completed a questionnaire assessing autonomous motivation and theory of planned behaviour variables (attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control), and a 2‐week follow‐up of their self‐reported physical activity (n = 165).ResultsIn a structural equation model, effects of autonomous motivation on intention were mediated by attitudes and perceived behavioural control, but not subjective norm. The model explained 60% and 46% of the variance in intention and physical activity, respectively.ConclusionThe findings add to current knowledge of motivational processes underpinning physical activity in older adults. Current results indicate that interventions where the value of regular physical activity can be internalised by offering activities that foster feelings of competence, autonomy, and relatedness may be important to consider in increasing physical activity levels of older adults, a group at risk of sedentary behaviours.

Within-person pain variability and physical activity in older adults with osteoarthritis from six European countries

BackgroundThis study examines the association of both pain severity and within-person pain variability with physical activity (PA) in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsData from the European Project on OSteoArthritis were used. At baseline, clinical classification criteria of the American College of Rheumatology were used to diagnose OA in older adults (65–85 years). At baseline and 12–18 months follow-up, frequency and duration of participation in the activities walking, cycling, gardening, light and heavy household tasks, and sports activities were assessed with the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam Physical Activity Questionnaire. Physical activity was calculated in kcal/day, based on frequency, duration, body weight and the metabolic equivalent of each activity performed. At baseline and 12–18 months follow-up, pain severity was assessed using the pain subscales of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index and the Australian/Canadian Hand OA Index. Within-person pain variability was assessed using two-week pain calendars that were completed at baseline, 6 months follow-up and 12–18 months follow-up.ResultsOf all 669 participants, 70.0% were women. Sex-stratified multiple linear regression analyses showed that greater pain severity at baseline was cross-sectionally associated with less PA in women (Ratio = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.90–0.99), but not in men (Ratio = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.85–1.15). The longitudinal analyses showed a statistically significant inverse association between pain severity at baseline and PA at follow-up in women (Ratio = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89–0.99), but not in men (Ratio = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.87–1.11). Greater pain variability over 12–18 months was associated with more PA at follow-up in men (Ratio = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.01–1.38), but not in women (Ratio = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.86–1.03).ConclusionsGreater pain severity and less pain variability are associated with less PA in older adults with OA. These associations are different for men and women. The observed sex differences in the various associations should be studied in more detail and need replication in future research.

Apoio social e atividade física de idosos: revisão sistemática de estudos observacionais

Objective: To analyze the relationship between social support (SS) and physical activity (PA) in older adults through a systematic review of observational studies. Methods: Searches were carried out in Scopus, PsycInfo, LILACS and MEDLINE electronic databases via PubMed. The Mesh headings used were “social support”, “physical activity” and “aged”. The review included observational studies with a sample of older adults that assessed SS and PA using quantitative instruments and that had been published in the last 10 years with fully online access and available in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, intervention protocols, construction or validation of instruments, and studies that assessed SS in relation to behaviors other than PA were excluded. Results: The search yielded 1311 articles and, after the selection process, 9 were included in this review. With regard to the type of study, 8 were cross-sectional and 1 was a cohort, and the samples were predominately composed of women. The studies used different instruments, types and sources for the assessment of social support and assessed different domains of physical activity. The studies found that the greater the perceived social support, the greater the level of physical activity. Conclusion: There is a positive relationship between social support and physical activity in older adults, thus emphasizing the importance of its instrumental function and of the different sources, such as family, friends and health care professionals, for the promotion of active behaviors in this population.

Effects of Cognitive Restructuring Techniques on Physical Activity in Older Adults

Background: : This study examined the effects of cognitive restructuring techniques on self-efficacy and physical activity. Methods: An intervention was designed to increase the self-efficacy of 61 older adults and then evaluated to measure the effectiveness of the intervention. A pretest/posttest analysis of variance was conducted to look for differences in knowledge, attitudes, physical activity, and self-efficacy. Results: Significance was found on the knowledge assessment, F(1, 59)=18.570, p&lt;.01; attitude assessment, F (1, 54)=6.317, p&lt;.05; physical activity assessment, F (1, 54)=5.054, p&lt;.05; confidence portion of self-efficacy, F (1, 44)=6.477, p&lt;.05; control portion of self-efficacy, F (1, 57)=4.475, p&lt;.05; and the PPA portion of selfefficacy, F (1, 58)=4.580, p&lt;.05. Conclusions: Results showed not only a change in self-efficacy, but in actual behavior change or an increase in physical activity. This behavior was maintained at one-month follow-up. Results indicate that an intervention on this level is sufficient to produce a change in knowledge, attitudes and behavior.

Detrimental Links Between Inflammation and Muscle Mass are Moderated by Physical Activity in Older Adults

While age-related elevations in systemic inflammation may contribute to the accelerated loss of skeletal muscle mass, previous findings have been based on a limited number of biomarkers. Moreover, whether links between inflammation and muscle mass are independent of protein intake and habitual physical activity (PA) remain unknown. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to explore links between skeletal muscle mass and inflammatory biomarkers in older women with different metabolic risk status, while accounting for adherence to guidelines on protein intake and PA. METHODS: Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was assessed in 112 women (67±1.5 years) by bioelectrical impedance together with the equation of Janssen et al. (2002) to obtain muscle mass expressed in relation to body weight. Fasting blood samples were obtained following standardized protocols. Acute-phase proteins C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen were determined, together with the following inflammatory biomarkers: Adiponectin, Oncostatin-M (OSM), Leukemia inhibitory factor-receptor (LIF-R), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-12, and IL-18. Protein intake and PA were determined during 6 days by food record and accelerometry, respectively. Classification of metabolic risk status was based on the metabolic syndrome. Multivariate regression models were used to explore links between SMI and inflammatory biomarkers while adjusting for adherence to PA and protein intake guidelines and metabolic risk status. RESULTS: Variations in SMI were inversely linked to levels of CRP (β-coefficient: -0.47; p< 0.05) and OSM (-0.20 p< 0.05), where the OSM link was attenuated after further adjustment for PA. In contrast, positive links between SMI and adiponectin (0.19 p< 0.05) and LIF-R (0.24 p< 0.05) were observed, which both remained significant in fully adjusted models. Links to other biomarkers were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: Several inflammatory markers are linked to skeletal muscle mass in older adults, where detrimental or beneficial actions are indicated depending on the biomarker. While adherence to PA guidelines moderates some of these links, others seem unaffected by either PA and protein intake or metabolic risk status. Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms underlying these observations.

Predictors of Physical Activity in Older Adults in Northwest of Iran

Introduction: There are strong evidences to support the relation between Physical Activity (PA) and improved health in older adults. So this study aimed to determine the predictors of PA among a group of older adults in northwest of Iran. Methods: In 2016, a randomly sample size of 340 older people in urban regions of Maku, West Azerbaijan, Iran, was recruited to complete Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and individual factors questionnaires. Results: The mean score of PA was 94.02 ± 3.41. Logistic regression analysis showed that age was the strongest predictor of PA; among younger elderly with higher level education, who had less comorbidity were significantly more active than their counterparts. (β = -2.72, SE = 0.47, P- value = 0.001) Conclusion: In this study the level of PA among the older adults was low and interventions to promote PA in this population is recommended.

A combined physical activity and fall prevention intervention improved mobility-related goal attainment but not physical activity in older adults: a randomised trial.

In people aged ≥ 60 years, does a combined physical activity and fall prevention intervention affect physical activity and mobility-related goal attainment? Does the combined intervention also improve fall rates, daily steps, the proportion of people meeting the physical activity guidelines, quality of life, mood, fear of falling, and mobility limitation? Randomised trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis and assessor blinding. One hundred and thirty-one people living in the community and aged ≥ 60 years. The experimental group received one physiotherapist visit, fortnightly telephone-based health coaching, a pedometer, tailored fall prevention advice, and a fall prevention brochure. The control group received the same fall prevention brochure. Primary outcomes were mobility goal attainment (Goal Attainment Scale) and objectively measured physical activity (accelerometer counts per minute) at 6 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes were falls, other physical activity measures, quality of life, fear of falling, mood, and mobility. Participants had a mean age of 71 years (SD 6.5) and 31 (24%) had fallen in the past year. The experimental group reported significantly better mobility goal attainment at 6 months compared to controls (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.7) but this was not maintained at 12 months (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6 to 2.1). Physical activity counts were not significantly different between groups at 6 months (MD 13 counts/minute, 95% CI-98 to 124) or 12 months (MD 56 counts/minute, 95% CI-14 to 125). There were no significant between-group differences in the secondary outcomes. A combined physical activity and fall prevention intervention was associated with significantly higher mobility goal attainment at 6 months. There was no significant impact on physical activity but future investigation in a larger trial is warranted. ACTRN12614000016639.

Influence of Anthropometrics on Step-Rate Thresholds for Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity in Older Adults: Scientific Modeling Study.

BackgroundAdults and older adults are recommended to engage in 150 minutes of moderate (MPA) to vigorous (VPA) aerobic physical activity (MVPA) per week, with the heuristic message of 3000 steps in 30 minutes (100 steps per minute [spm]). However, this message is based on adult populations, with a paucity of research on step-rate thresholds that correspond to absolute MVPA (moderate=3 metabolic equivalents [METs], vigorous=6 METs) and relative MVPA (moderate=40% estimated METmax, vigorous=60% estimated METmax) in older persons, who have lower stride lengths and a lower exercise capacity. Also, there is a need to consider the influence of anthropometric differences when quantifying the relationship between step rate and intensity-related physical activity.ObjectiveThis study assessed absolute and relative MVPA step-rate thresholds and anthropometric factors (ie, height, leg length, and body mass index [BMI]) in older adults.MethodsNineteen older adults (7 females; age 69 years, SD 2, BMI 26 kg/m2, SD 4) completed a staged treadmill walking protocol: six minutes at 2.4, 3.2, 4.0, 5.6, and 6.4 km/h. Steps were manually counted and volume rate of oxygen consumed (VO2) was measured via indirect calorimetry. Aerobic fitness was estimated via the submaximal single-stage treadmill protocol.ResultsWhen BMI was considered, mixed effects modeling revealed absolute and relative MPA step-rate thresholds of 108 spm and 117 spm, respectively. Absolute and relative VPA corresponded to step rates of 135 spm and 132 spm, respectively. Neither height nor leg length improved the ability of the model to predict stepping cadence from METs.ConclusionsIn general, older adults need to walk faster than 100 spm (ie, approximately 110 spm) to reach MPA and in excess of approximately 130 spm to achieve VPA, depending on BMI status. Health care professionals and researchers should adjust cadence-based recommendations for differences in BMI in their older patients and consider using relative intensity to most appropriately tailor their physical activity recommendations.

Frequency of Dietary Intake and Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Evidence shows that diet is associated with physical activity. However, there has been a lack of studies addressing it in a population of older adults. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to explore associations between various frequencies of dietary intake and physical activity in older adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were 810 older adults aged ≥85. Frequency of dietary intake and the level of physical activity were assessed using the Elderly Diet Index score and International Physical Activity questionnaire. Mutual associations were examined using generalized estimating equations with a logistic regression model. Results: ”Optimal” intake of fish and seafood (OR (odds ratio) = 1.40; 95% CI (95 percent confidence interval) 1.01 to 2.00), fruits (OR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.45 to 3.02), legumes (OR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.50), olive oil (OR = 1.83; 95% CI 1.09 to 3.08) and bread (OR = 4.62; 95% CI 3.05 to 6.99) and the total Elderly Diet Index score (OR = 4.99; 95% CI 3.20 to 7.70) were associated with ”sufficient” physical activity. When all dietary components were entered simultaneously into the model, ”optimal” intakes of meat (OR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.71), fish and seafood (OR = 2.26; 95% CI 1.46 to 3.51), cereals (OR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.02 to 3.25), fruits (OR = 1.52; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.26), legumes (OR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.93), and bread (OR = 5.14; 95% CI 3.24 to 8.15) were associated with ”sufficient” physical activity. Conclusions: Our study shows that the total Elderly Diet Index score is the strongest predictor associated with ”sufficient” physical activity in a population of older adults. Thus, policies aiming to improve overall diet in order to achieve higher levels of physical activity are warranted.