Physical Activity In Older People Research Articles

Physical activity and functional social support in community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review

BackgroundGlobally, the population of older people is increasing and is estimated to reach nearly 2.1 billion by 2050. Physical activity (PA) is one of the key components for successful ageing. However, PA decreases with age and many older adults do not meet PA guidelines. Previous research has shown that social support (SOSU) is related to PA in older people. The aim of this scoping review is to identify and map all of the available evidence and to explore the association between functional SOSU and PA in older adults. Functional SOSU consists of emotional, informational, instrumental and companionship SOSU and social comparison.MethodsA scoping review was conducted using the Joanna-Briggs manual. Quantitative and qualitative studies investigating associations between functional SOSU and PA levels in older adults (mean age ≥ 60 years) were identified through a systematic search in seven electronic databases up to August 2023. After removing duplicates, 20,907 articles were screened for titles and abstracts. The results were analysed separately for different types of SOSU.Results116 articles met the inclusion criteria; 72% were quantitative studies and 28% were qualitative studies. Most studies used self-reported PA measures, only 23% of the studies used objective-reported PA measures. Most studies of SOSU for PA reported positive associations but the evidence is inconclusive when the source of support is considered. PA is positively associated with general, emotional, informational, and companionship SOSU, while instrumental support may occasionally be negatively associated. Companionship support is particularly influential on PA, especially in group settings, as it promotes social connectedness. Qualitative studies show that social comparison also supports PA. Different forms of SOSU generally show positive associations with PA.ConclusionsWhile the evidence on the association between functional SOSU and PA is mixed, most studies show that there is a positive association. PA may also be a strategy for improving social contact and social integration. This study offers a comprehensive overview of measures for SOSU and PA and thereby informs future research and policy-making.

Capabilities for Physical Activity in Older People: Development and Testing of a Measurement Tool

Based on Sen's capability approach, this study addresses the operationalization of capabilities for leading an active lifestyle. By assessing capabilities, processes of change can be mapped and the development of interventions to promote physical activity in different population groups, e. g., older adults, can be supported. However, no standardized German-language instrument for measuring physical activity-related capabilities is available to date. Building on an exploratory interview study (Sauter et al., 2019) that identified relevant physical activity-related capabilities in older adults, a standardized questionnaire with 41 items was designed. Two different question formulations were designed to query perceived capabilities for physical activity. The "think-aloud" method was conducted to validate the instrument. This involved recording all verbal comments made by participants while completing the questionnaire and conducting supplementary interviews for comprehensibility and applicability. The sample included 16 older adults (w=9, MW=66.3 years). Overall, respondents rated the instrument's usability and comprehensibility as good. For the questioning of perceived capabilities, the formulation "I have the possibility to..." was favored instead of "I perceive my personal opportunities as…". Difficulties in understanding and ambiguities were found in a few items. Thus, further changes were made to specify these questions with regard to unclear terms such as "walking paths". The questionnaire seems to be suitable to asses perceived capabilities for leading an active lifestyle in older adults. The final questionnaire is available in English and in German. Further research is needed to test the applicability of the instrument in other population groups and verify objectivity, reliability and validity.

Program Evaluation and Refinement of the "Safe Functional Home Exercise" Program for Improving Physical Activity in Older People with Dementia Who Receive Home Care.

People with dementia who receive home care have low levels of physical activity participation. To evaluate and refine a co-designed exercise program for home care clients with dementia, led by trained care support workers. An action research cycle whereby support workers, clients and carers (each n = 26) from the "Safe Functional Home Exercise" feasibility study were invited to complete an evaluation survey. Participants rated statements using Likert-style scales on (1) staff training, (2) staff confidence, (3) program support and (4) satisfaction. The participants could provide comments for situations that affected exercise performance, suggested improvements for staff training, program support and exercises. The co-design panel (original program designers) was reconvened to refine the exercise program. Support workers (n = 19), clients (n = 15) and carers (n = 13) returned their surveys. Support workers (74-90%), carers (77-92%) and clients (100%) rated program support positively and were overall satisfied. Support workers (>80%) agreed that the training course was relevant and were confident in delivering the exercises to clients. Situations included "Covid isolation", the client's "poor medical condition" and "mood fluctuations" that made exercising difficult. Improvements included "making a client video" and "providing tips to motivate clients". The co-design panel modified the exercise program. The "Safe Functional Home Exercise" program is the first exercise program co-designed for people with dementia. It is well accepted by support workers, people with dementia and carers. Utilising support workers to facilitate physical activity participation is potentially low-cost and scalable in home care. Future studies are needed to evaluate the refined program in home care.

Barriers and Facilitators for Physical Activity in Older Adults

Abstract Background: Physical activity (PA) has many benefits in preventing diseases and is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. Even so, only a few older people regularly participate in PA. Both facilitators and barriers affect physical exercise in older people. Aim: This study aims to find barriers and facilitators of PA in older adults. Materials and Methods: This observational study used face-to-face interviews to gather data from older people (age >60 years) of a community of Ahmedabad. A set of questions was prepared to identify facilitators and barriers to PA in older adults. Data were collected from 150 older people through the convenience sampling method. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics was used. Results: One hundred and fifty participants with a mean age of (67.92 ± 5.95) years participated in the study, including 71 (47.3%) females and 79 (52.7%) males. The results show that the common barriers to PA in older adults are health problems (31.7%), lack of time (30.2%), lack of motivation (46%), and weather (38%). Facilitators are beliefs that PA may prevent health problems (81%), improve health conditions (81%), enjoyment of activity (63.5%), family and friends’ involvement (47.6%), having the opportunity for PA-related support and social interaction with the participants (61.9%), living in a walkable area (60.3%), convenient/nearby PA locations (50.8%), and even walking surfaces (63.5%). Conclusion: Barriers to PA in older people were health problems, a lack of time, a lack of motivation/laziness, a lack of guidance from a professional, weather and environment such as traffic and lack of green areas. Facilitators believed that PA may prevent health problems; having the opportunity for PA-related support and social interaction/participation, living in a walkable area, even walking surfaces, and enjoyment of PA were also facilitators for PA among older adults.

Functional social support and physical activity in community-dwelling older adults: A scoping review

Abstract Background Globally, the population of older people is increasing and is estimated to reach nearly 2.1 billion by 2050. Physical activity (PA) is one of the key components for healthy ageing, as it can prevent noncommunicable diseases, improve mental health, cognitive functioning and quality of life. However, PA decreases with age. About two-thirds of those aged 65-74 years and three-quarters of those aged 75 or more do not meet PA guidelines. A systematic review from 2017 showed that social support (SOSU) and loneliness are associated with PA in older people. The aim of this scoping review was to update that systematic review by identifying and mapping all of the available knowledge, including results from mixed-methods and qualitative studies, and to explore associations between functional SOSU and PA in older people. Methods A scoping review was conducted using the Joanna-Briggs manual. Empirical studies investigating associations between functional SOSU and PA levels in older adults were identified through a systematic search of the electronic databases Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, PsycInfo, PSYINDEX, SocINDEX and Scopus up to March 2022, without time or geographic restrictions. After removing duplicates, 17,196 articles were screened for titles and abstracts by two independent researchers. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were set in advance. Results 88 articles matched the inclusion criteria; 71% were quantitative studies and 29% qualitative studies. Most studies used self-reported PA measures, only 13% of the studies used objective-reported PA measures. Most studies showed a significant positive association between functional SOSU and PA. The results were analysed separately for the different SOSU types. Conclusions Functional SOSU is positively associated with PA while lack of SOSU is a major barrier to exercise. The study offers a comprehensive overview of measures for SOSU and PA and thereby informs future research and policy-making. Key messages • Older adults have lower levels of SOSU and PA. • One way of promoting PA in older age is facilitating high levels of SOSU.

O.1.2-9 Sex-related differences in free-living estimates of physical activity energy expenditure between older men and women

Abstract Purpose Physical activity is often quantified as physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE), which may be affected by individual ability to sustain physical activity intensity. We examined if there is a true difference in physical activity between older women and men when their physical capacity is considered. Methods Out of the population-based sample of 1021 (75-85-year-old) adults (62 % women), 410 wore an accelerometer (100 Hz) and a single-channel ECG monitor (250 Hz) for at least 3 days in free-living. A treadmill walk calibration and previously validated equations were used to estimate PAEE from combined acceleration and heart rate sensing using branched equation modelling. Preferred walking speed in a six-minute walking test, fat free mass (FFM) using bioimpedance and isometric maximal leg extension strength scaled to FFM were measured. Independent t-test, Pearson correlation and hierarchical multiple regression were used for statistical analyses. Results PAEE was 41.4 (14.2) kJ/kg/day for men, which was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the PAEE 34.8 (10.9) for women. Walking speed (1.2 (0.2) vs. 1.1 (0.2) m/s), FFM (56.9 (6.5) vs. 42.1 (4.8) kg) and maximal strength (7.4 (1.8) vs. 6.7 (1.8) N/kg) were higher in men than in women (all p < 0.001). PAEE was significantly associated with walking speed (r = 0.44, p < 0.001), FFM (r = 0.26, p < 0.001), and maximal strength (r = 0.26, p < 0.001). In the regression analysis, 22 % of the variation in PAEE was explained by walking speed, FFM and maximal strength combined (F = 37.8, p < 0.001), whereas adding sex did not improve the model (F = 28.9, p < 0.001). The strongest predictor of PAEE was preferred walking speed (standardized beta=0.35, p < 0.001). Conclusions The results indicate that the observed difference in physical activity volume between sexes was largely explained by physical characteristics, especially the faster preferred walking speed of men compared to women. Free-living physical activity is largely comprised of habitual walking especially in older people which makes walking speed a significant contributor of daily PAEE. Walking speed could be measured more widely in physical activity counselling and health care settings as a potential underlying factor of low physical activity in older people. Support/Funding Sources European Research Council, Academy of Finland and Yrjö Jahnsson Foundation.

The Influence of Social Support on Leisure-Time Physical Activity of the Elderly in the Chinese Village of Fuwen.

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of social support factors with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) of older people in Fuwen village. A cross-sectional study included 523 randomly selected elderly people (60+ years) whose LTPA levels were determined using the shortened version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-S). A modified version of the Physical Activity Social Support Scale (PASSS) was operated to gather perceived scores of the social support factors. A multivariate linear regression was performed to locate associations of perceived scores of social supports with leisure-time walking (LTW) and moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The results indicated that social support from family was positively and significantly related to LTW and MVPA in both models. The community factor was positively and significantly correlated with MVPA in both models. The sport club factor was related to LTW and MVPA to some extent. The results suggest that social support from family is the most important motivator for older people's LTW and MVPA in the village of Fuwen. Social support from the community is the motivator for older people's MVPA. The sport club factor has some effects on older people's LTW and MVPA as well. More future studies are needed to extend the database of the relationship between social support and rural older people's physical activity.

How accessibility to neighborhood grocery stores is related to older people's walking behavior: A study of Yokohama, Japan

IntroductionPromoting a walkable environment is a prime concern for aging societies, including Japan. This study focuses on the daily shopping environment of older adults in Yokohama City and analyzes the association between their daily step counts and spatial accessibility to grocery stores. We aim to discover a reasonable distance to and the spatial configuration of fundamental amenities that enhances the physical activity of older people. MethodsThe accessibility of grocery stores was measured by two factors: the shortest-path distance on a street network to the nearest supermarkets from participants’ dwellings and the proximity to specialized food shops from supermarkets. The former is treated as accessibility to anchor stores, and the latter reflects the diversity of destinations. We compare the differences in daily step counts among various groups using two-way ANOVA based on the two factors. ResultsLiving at a middle distance (500 m) from the nearest supermarkets and high destination diversity would help to increase older women's daily walking, whereas these factors are not related to men's daily walking. The map of the distance to the nearest supermarket disclosed the disadvantaged area with respect to the accessibility of grocery stores. ConclusionsThe association between women's walking and shopping environment can be attributed to multidestination trips and the increased attractiveness of locations near supermarkets. Our research findings partially contribute to promoting a walkable city.

A Scalable Program for Improving Physical Activity in Older People with Dementia Including Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Groups Who Receive Home Support: A Feasibility Study

Home care clients with dementia/cognitive impairment are typically functionally dependent and physically inactive. We pilot-tested a co-designed physical exercise program for its feasibility, safety, adherence and potential for benefits on physical activity, physical function, healthcare use and falls. Trained community care support workers delivered a 12-week home exercise program to clients with dementia/cognitive impairment, once weekly for 15 min during care shifts, supplemented by carers' supervision of exercises for 30 min, three times weekly. A physiotherapist provided fortnightly phone support to ensure safety and exercise progression. Baseline and Week 12 assessments using validated scales for physical activity, physical function, daily living independence, falls efficacy, quality of life, self-reported healthcare use, falls and sleep quality were undertaken. Differences were examined with regression analyses. Care support workers (n = 26) and client/carer dyads (n = 26 and 80.8% culturally and linguistically diverse) participated. Participants recorded adverse events/falls and exercises in dairies. Fifteen dyads completed the program. No falls/adverse events occurred with the exercises. The adherence rates against targets for exercise time completed and days in which exercise were undertaken for support workers were 137%/79.6%, and for client/carer dyads were 82%/104.8%, respectively. Physical activity participation, physical function and falls efficacy significantly improved at Week 12 compared to baseline. The feasibility, safety and adherence of the co-designed physical exercise program were demonstrated. Strategies to minimise dropouts in future effectiveness studies are required.

The Value of Mind-Body Connection in Physical Activity for Older People.

Exercise that targets balance and strength is proven to prevent falls in older age. The Successful AGEing yoga trial is the first large randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of yoga on falls in people aged ≥60years. We conducted a realist process evaluation to explain the strong participant engagement observed using interviews (21 participants and three yoga instructors) and focus groups (12 participants and four yoga instructors). Results showed that relaxation, breathing, and yoga's mind-body connection created a satisfying internal focus on bodily sensation which was valued by participants. The mechanisms of mindfulness and embodiment appeared to facilitate this. Mindfulness and embodiment are also linked to, and enhance engagement with, other forms of physical activity. By focusing creatively on these mechanisms, we can develop a range of programs that target improvements in physical and mental health (including reducing falls and fear of falls) and appeal to older people.

1323 VOLUNTEER-LED ONLINE GROUP EXERCISE FOR OLDER ADULTS: A FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY STUDY

Abstract Introduction The health benefits of physical activity for older people are well recognised and include reduction in falls, improvement in frailty status and physical function. Nonetheless, physical inactivity remains a significant problem among older adults. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing online volunteer-led group exercise for community-dwelling older adults. Methods This pre-post mixed methods study was conducted among older adults attending community social clubs. Eligible participants were aged ≥ 65 years, able to walk independently, and able to provide written consent. The intervention consisted of a once weekly volunteer-led online group chair-based exercise. The primary outcomes were the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Secondary outcomes included physical activity levels measured using the Community Health Model Activities Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire, functional status (Barthel Index), and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Outcomes were measured at baseline and at 6 months. Trials registration: NCT04672200. Results Nineteen volunteers were recruited, 15 completed training and 9 were retained (mean age 68 years, 7 female). Thirty participants (mean age 77 years, 27 female) received the intervention and attended 54% (IQR 37-67) of exercise sessions. One minor adverse event was reported. Participants had no significant changes in secondary outcome measures, with a trend towards improvement in physical activity levels. The intervention was acceptable to volunteers, participants, and staff. The seated exercises were perceived as safe, manageable and enjoyable. Volunteers were relatable role models providing positive vicarious experiences that improved participants confidence to exercise within a friendly, non-judgmental environment. Technological issues, or reluctance to learn how to use technology were barriers to the intervention. The social interactions and sense of belonging motivated participation. Conclusions Trained volunteers can safely deliver online group exercise for community-dwelling older adults and the intervention was feasible and acceptable to older adults, volunteers and club staff.

Impact of Physical Activity on Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Quality of Life of the Older People in Brazil.

Population aging all over the world invites older people to be active, considering physical activity (PA) as associated with reduced anxiety, depression and stress and a high quality of life (QOL) in older people. To analyze anxiety, depression, stress and QOL as a function of PA in older people. Descriptive analytical research. Six hundred and ninety older people answered the instrument composed of sociodemographic questions, followed by questions from the WHOQOL-Old, Baecke-Old, WHOQOL-SRPB, Stress Perception Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. The beneficial effect of PA on the elderly is evident in this sample with such a high QoL (73%) and such a high level of physical activity (84%), and even with an advanced level of education (75%) and high spirituality (99.6%). The influence of PA on the anxiety and stress cluster showed Pearson's chi-square = 9.9, DF = 4, p = 0.04239, critical value = 9.5. The influence of PA on the anxiety, depression and stress cluster showed Pearson's chi-square = 6.8; DF = 5; p-value = 0.24; critical value = 11.1. In the elderly, PA has a significant relationship with anxiety, stress and QOL. In addition, the high level of QOL of the elderly in the sample demonstrates the capacity for PA, educational level and spirituality for personal satisfaction.

Physical fitness according to the level of physical activity in older people: a cross-sectional analysis

Resumo Introdução O envelhecimento é marcado por alterações fisiológicas e diminuição do tempo em atividade física (AF). Tais aspectos podem repercutir no declínio da funcionalidade e propiciar maior probabilidade para eventos adversos. Objetivo Comparar o desempenho em testes de aptidão física de pessoa idosas suficiente e insuficientemente ativas. Métodos Estudo epidemiológico populacional, transversal, realizado com 209 pessoas idosas (58,40% mulheres) de Aiquara/BA. As informações sociodemográficas foram obtidas a partir de entrevistas. A aptidão física foi mensurada por meio dos seguintes testes: força de preensão manual; levantar e sentar da cadeira; flexão do antebraço; levantar, caminhar 2,44 m e sentar; sentar e alcançar o pé; e marcha estacionária. O nível de atividade física foi averiguado pelo International Physical Activity Questionnaire (< 150 min/sem em AF = insuficientemente ativo). As comparações foram feitas por meio dos testes t de Student ou U de Mann-Whitney, conforme a distribuição de normalidade averiguada pelo teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov (p ≤ 0,05). Resultados A prevalência do nível de AF insuficiente foi de 51,70% (homens: 66,66%; mulheres: 40,98%). Verificou-se, em ambos os sexos, que os insuficientemente ativos demonstraram menor desempenho na força de preensão manual; sentar e levantar da cadeira; flexão do antebraço; levantar, caminhar e sentar; e marcha estacionária (p < 0,05). Além do mais, os homens insuficientemente ativos apresentaram menor desempenho no teste sentar e alcançar o pé em relação aos suficientemente ativos (p < 0,05). Conclusão Identificou-se que os idosos insuficientemente ativos, de ambos os sexos, apresentaram menor força/resistência muscular, equilíbrio dinâmico/agilidade e resistência cardiorrespiratória. Ademais, os homens insuficientemente ativos demonstraram menor flexibilidade do que os suficientemente ativos.

Physical activity levels of people over 60

Introduction: Physical activity at any age brings numerous benefits. In youth, it strengthens and increases a person's overall physical fitness whereas in old age it improves well-being, inhibits the ageing process and sustains health. With systematic exercise it is possible to maintain physical fitness at a higher level compared to physically inactive people [1]. Physical activity is one of the factors that determines a person's state of health. Their ontogenesis is also a major element of a healthy lifestyle [2]. The human body was created for movement so, in order to function properly, it needs regular activities and physical exercise [3]. Regular physical activity influences the maintenance of functional fitness, independence and autonomy in performing daily activities in older age. Movement deficiency is a problem at any age, especially in seniors. Maintaining an active lifestyle among the elderly is a major component of successful ageing [4]. 
 Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the physical activity levels in people over 60 years old, and whether there is a correlation between sociodemographic factors, BMI and physical activity levels in the study group. 
 Material and method: The study was conducted remotely in July and August 2020 on people aged 60 and over. The study involved 77 people over 60 years of age: 63 women and 14 men. The research tool was the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). In the study group 69 people were aged 60-70 years and 8 people were aged 71-80 years. 
 Results: People over 60 years of age lead active lifestyles; seniors' physical activity is sufficient. BMI and socio-demographic factors do not affect the physical activity of older people. 
 Conclusions: The level of physical activity among the elderly covered by the study is sufficient. Sociodemographic factors and BMI do not determine the level of physical activity in the study group.

Advising older people on physical activity: challenges and strategies.

Appropriate physical activity has more benefits than risks for older people. Increased physical activity enhances older people's mental and physical well-being and can contribute to reduced morbidity and early mortality. Nurses have an important role in advising older people on the level of physical activity that is right for them. Based on the national requirements for physical activity in older people, nurses can tailor their advice to each individual, address the person's concerns about potential risks and emphasise the likely benefits of them becoming more physically active. This article explains the role of nurses in promoting and encouraging physical activity in older people. It describes the historical background of this area of health promotion, considers the challenges nurses experience and discusses the strategies they can use when advising older people on physical activity.

Designing and applying technology for prevention-Lessons learned in AEQUIPA and its implications for future research and practice.

Almost all Western societies are facing the challenge that their population structure is changing very dynamically. Already in 2019, ten countries had a population share of at least 20 percent in the age group of 64 years and older. Today's society aims to improve population health and help older people live active and independent lives by developing, establishing, and promoting safe and effective interventions. Modern technological approaches offer tremendous opportunities but pose challenges when preventing functional decline. As part of the AEQUIPA Prevention Research Network, the use of technology to promote physical activity in older people over 65 years of age was investigated in different settings and from various interdisciplinary perspectives, including technology development and evaluation for older adults. We present our findings in three main areas: (a) design processes for developing technology interventions, (b) older adults as a user group, and (c) implications for the use of technology in interventions. We find that cross-cutting issues such as time and project management, supervision of participants, ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration are of vital importance to the success of the work. The lessons learned are discussed based on the experiences gained in the overall AEQUIPA network while building, particularly on the experiences from the AEQUIPA sub-projects TECHNOLOGY and PROMOTE. Our experiences can help researchers of all disciplines, industries, and practices design, study and implement novel technology-based interventions for older adults to avoid pitfalls and create compelling and meaningful solutions.

Associations Between Planned Exercise, Walking, Incidental Physical Activity, and Habit Strength in Older People: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Habits play an important role in physical activity (PA) engagement; however, these associations in older people are not well understood. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between engagement in types of PA and their automaticity in older people, using an observational, cross-sectional design. Current hours engaged in planned exercise (excluding walking), planned walking, and incidental activities and the automaticity of those PA behaviors were measured in 127 community-dwelling Australians aged 65 years and older via an online questionnaire. After controlling for demographic and health factors (age, gender, education level, body mass index, history of falls, and anxiety and depression symptoms), higher automaticity scores were associated with more hours undertaking planned walking and incidental activity but not planned exercise. Although preliminary, these findings indicate that the role of habit in maintaining PA in older people may, therefore, differ depending on the type of activity.

S05-1 Online tool to stimulate physical activity for older people with dementia - development and dissemination

Physical activity (PA) stimulates physical health, quality of life, and potentially cognition in people with dementia. However, home dwelling older people with dementia are in general less active than peers. For those attending daycare, the amount of physical activity is highly dependent on the centre's policy. For those without daycare, municipalities are responsible for support but generally there is no attention to PA for this target group. Professionals and volunteers in day care centers, and informal caregivers lack awareness and knowledge to support the people with dementia. Figures on users of other online information on PA show that video's and practical information are highly rated.As part of a research consortium with 4 scientific partners, we were funded for dissemination of research outcomes to practice and policy. We therefore decided to build an online tool with easy to understand instruction movies and background information on theme's like strong legs and physical activity friendly layout of spaces. Human movement scientists provided the technical exercise information. We tested the information on user-friendliness among professionals. The instrument was launched in the week of World Alzheimer's day 2019. The tool has been viewed often since then. We will present development and dissemination of the tool and will discuss ongoing optimization.

Prevalence and incidence of sarcopenia and low physical activity among community-dwelling older Thai people: a preliminary prospective cohort study 2-year follow-up.

BackgroundSarcopenia, defined as a loss of muscle mass, has become a major health problem in older people. Few prospective studies report the incidence and risk of sarcopenia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the prevalence of sarcopenia at the baseline and follow-up after 2 years in community-dwelling older Thai individuals.MethodsIn 2019, 330 older people were recruited from a community-dwelling population, and these participants were requested to present again in 2021. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the criteria for the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS). All participants were asked to perform a 6-meter walk test, handgrip strength test, and bioelectric impedance assessment, and complete the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.ResultsThe study found that the prevalence of sarcopenia was 65 (19.70%) in 330 older people in 2019, and 44 of 205 participants (21.46%) were reported to have sarcopenia after 2 years. The incidence of sarcopenia was noted to be 2.44% in 2021. Analysis with ANOVA and pairwise comparisons showed that the reversibility of sarcopenia was attributed to high level of physical activity in the 2-year follow-up group (p = 0.014, 95% CI [−1753.25–−195.49]). Further, participants with moderate and high physical activity had a reduced incidence of sarcopenia (odds ratio = 9.00 and 14.47, respectively). Therefore, low physical activity in older people led to the development of sarcopenia from the baseline to the 2-year follow-up, indicating that increased physical activity may be useful in reversing sarcopenia, as suggested in the 2-year follow-up study. Low physical activity could be a risk factor for the incidence of sarcopenia. Hence, the prevention of sarcopenia could promote health improvement through moderate to high physical activity.

The effects of social isolation due to COVID-19 on the fear of movement, falling, and physical activity in older people.

ObjectiveThis study investigates the interaction between fear of movement, fall risk, and physical activity levels in ageing individuals who experienced social isolation during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsIn this descriptive and cross‐sectional study, 254 eligible participants used an online background survey. Individuals’ fear of movement was evaluated by the kinesiophobia causes scale, fall risk by the falls efficacy scale, and physical activity levels by the physical activity scale for the ageing.ResultsThe fear of movement had a significant positive interaction on fall risk (β = 0.471, R 2 = 0.495, p < 0.001). The fall risk had a negative effect on physical activity (β = −1.686, R 2 = 0.161, p < 0.001). The fear of movement and fall risk explained 15.6% of the change in physical activity levels of ageing individuals (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThese results showed a significant interaction between physical activity levels and fear of movement, with a high fall risk in ageing individuals during the pandemic period.