Physical Activity In Older People Research Articles

Evaluation of selected forms of physical activity of older people - pilot study

Abstract Introduction: Regular physical activity can prevent sharp decline in the level of physical fitness of older people [1]. Both the quantity and quality of physical activity are important [2]. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected forms of physical activity of older people in terms of intensity of effort. Material and methods: In the study participated 10 women at the age of 73.6 ± 6.5 years, from the Third Age University at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. The study included four forms: gymnastics, Nordic walking, dancing and Tai Chi. The study used IDEEA device (Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity) and a pulse recorder (Polar). In addition, each of the woman immediately after class evaluated its intensity with the 20 points Borg Scale. Results: The results indicate a large diversity of physical activity in terms of work done, energy consumption, heart rate. Nordic Walking classes were most intense (2.8 kJ/min, 3.5 kcal/min, 101.5 beats/min) and Tai Chi was least intense (0.5 kJ/min, 1.6 kcal/min , 65 beats/ min). Subjective evaluation of intensity (Borg Scale) of the trainings confirms the values obtained by the objective methods - quite heavy (14 points) in Nordic Walking and very light (10 points) in Tai Chi. Conclusions: There is a need for a reliable analysis of proposed forms for the elderly in Poland. Using multiple measurement tools will help to increase the objectivity of the evaluation and defining their impact on the capabilities of older people. A comprehensive assessment can be used in programming physical activity for older people.

Assessment of Physical Activity in Older People With and Without Cognitive Impairment

The purpose of this study was to validate a new interview-administered physical activity questionnaire (Assessment of Physical Activity in Frail Older People; APAFOP) in older people with and without cognitive impairment. The authors assessed feasibility, validity, and test-retest reliability in 168 people (n = 78 with, n = 88 without cognitive impairment). Concurrent validity was assessed against an inertia-based motion sensor and an established questionnaire. Sensitivity to change was tested in an ongoing study in patients with mild to moderate dementia (n = 81). Assessment of physical activity by the APAFOP and the motion sensor correlated well in the total sample (TS; p = .705), as well as in the subsamples with cognitive impairment (CI; p = .585) and without CI (p = .787). Excellent feasibility with an acceptance rate of 100%, test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from .973 (TS) to .975 (CI) to .966 (no CI), and sensitivity to change (effect sizes: 0.35-1.47) were found in both subsamples.

Effect of physical activity counseling on physical activity of older people in Finland (ISRCTN 07330512)

The aim of this study was to describe the underlying theory and the implementation of a 2-year individualized physical activity counseling intervention and to evaluate whether benefits persisted 1.5 years after the intervention. The sample included 632 sedentary 75- to 81-year-old participants. Data were collected in 2003-2005. The participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group. The intervention consisted of an individualized face-to-face meeting followed by telephone contacts every 4 months for 2 years, with the aim to increase participation in specific physical activities as well as to increase habitual physical activity. At the 2-year follow-up, the prevalence of physical activities in the intervention group vs. control group was as follows: supervised calisthenics training 20 vs. 16%, walking for fitness 69 vs. 62%, weight training 13 vs. 8% and water aerobics 19 vs. 7%. For water aerobics and walking for fitness, the treatment effect was significant [water aerobics odds ratio (OR) 2.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16-5.36, walking for fitness OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.05-2.40]. As to the other activities, the effect did not reach statistical significance. At the 1.5-year post-intervention, the follow-up results indicated that the intervention effect was still evident. The subgroup analyses suggested that physical activity counseling may be most efficacious among people with intact mobility, while those having manifest mobility limitations may not benefit from it. Older people who have manifest mobility limitations may need more face-to-face counseling.

Physical activity among older people and related factors

Benefits of physical activity This research focus looks at three studies that focus on the benefits of participating in physical activity for older people and those experiencing mental health problems.

Treinamento com pesos, modelo de programa sistematizado para a terceira idade

Evidências têm demonstrado que a manutenção de um estilo de vida fisicamente ativo pode atenuar as perdas associadas ao processo de envelhecimento. Dentre as práticas recomendadas para a população idosa, o treinamento com pesos (TP) tem recebido destaque, revelando benefícios na realização das atividades da vida diária e na qualidade de vida, entre outros. Assim, programas para pessoas idosas devem descrever suas experiências na tentativa de impulsionar e aperfeiçoar as atividades relacionadas com TP. Desta forma, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo descrever o funcionamento do TP, que é umas das modalidades do Programa de Atividade Física para a Terceira Idade (PROFIT). Atualmente, a modalidade TP conta com 45 participantes, sendo que 80% são mulheres e 20% homens. A maior parte dos participantes (84%) possui idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, ao passo que 16% possuem idade entre 54 e 59 anos. As aulas são ministradas três vezes por semana, em dias não consecutivos, com duração de 45 minutos. Os participantes realizam oito exercícios alternados por segmentos corporais, sendo realizadas três séries em cada exercício. Neste sentido, a modalidade TP busca proporcionar melhorias na qualidade de vida da população idosa, bem como auxiliar na formação de graduandos e pós-graduandos e, consequentemente, aprofundar o entendimento da atividade física em idosos.

Effect of a nutrition supplement and physical activity program on pneumonia and walking capacity in Chilean older people: a factorial cluster randomized trial.

Ageing is associated with increased risk of poor health and functional decline. Uncertainties about the health-related benefits of nutrition and physical activity for older people have precluded their widespread implementation. We investigated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a national nutritional supplementation program and/or a physical activity intervention among older people in Chile. We conducted a cluster randomized factorial trial among low to middle socioeconomic status adults aged 65-67.9 years living in Santiago, Chile. We randomized 28 clusters (health centers) into the study and recruited 2,799 individuals in 2005 (~100 per cluster). The interventions were a daily micronutrient-rich nutritional supplement, or two 1-hour physical activity classes per week, or both interventions, or neither, for 24 months. The primary outcomes, assessed blind to allocation, were incidence of pneumonia over 24 months, and physical function assessed by walking capacity 24 months after enrollment. Adherence was good for the nutritional supplement (~75%), and moderate for the physical activity intervention (~43%). Over 24 months the incidence rate of pneumonia did not differ between intervention and control clusters (32.5 versus 32.6 per 1,000 person years respectively; risk ratio = 1.00; 95% confidence interval 0.61-1.63; p = 0.99). In intention-to-treat analysis, after 24 months there was a significant difference in walking capacity between the intervention and control clusters (mean difference 33.8 meters; 95% confidence interval 13.9-53.8; p = 0.001). The overall cost of the physical activity intervention over 24 months was US$164/participant; equivalent to US$4.84/extra meter walked. The number of falls and fractures was balanced across physical activity intervention arms and no serious adverse events were reported for either intervention. Chile's nutritional supplementation program for older people is not effective in reducing the incidence of pneumonia. This trial suggests that the provision of locally accessible physical activity classes in a transition economy population can be a cost-effective means of enhancing physical function in later life. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN 48153354.

Physical Activity of Older People: An Investigation of a Retirement Center in Olomouc, Czech Republic

This study provides a look into the physical activities of the older people in Chválkovice, a retirement and senior center in Olomouc, Czech Republic. Three main topics or purposes emerged during this study. First, there is very little data or studies concerning physical activities in retirement homes or nursing homes. This study helps to provide more information in this area. A second purpose of this study was to better document the levels of physical activity of the older generation in Olomouc. A third purpose was to record the reasons these older adults attend the exercise classes available. This may provide professionals or family members some suggestions to motivate the older adult to get more physically active. We administered the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and found that 51% of the independent residents are categorized as having a low physical activity level, 45% moderate, and 3.4% high. A questionnaire was developed to discover the motivations for attending the physical activity classes. As a result of this questionnaire we concluded that retirement centers can help the older adult age successfully and remain active by focusing on group activities that are enjoyable and have health benefits.

Leisure‐time physical activities for community older people with chronic diseases

(1) To explore the types and three components (frequency, duration and caloric expenditure) of leisure-time physical activity in community older people with chronic diseases. (2) To identify leisure-time physical activity-related factors in these community older people. Previous research has focused primarily on measuring the actual physiological or psychological benefits of exercise or leisure-time physical activity, little is known about the factors that determine the frequency, intensity and duration of exercise or leisure-time physical activity. The identification of reliable predictors of the various components of leisure-time physical activity will enable healthcare providers to intervene and change the patterns of leisure-time physical activity in the sedentary older people more effectively. A cross-sectional design was used for this study. Participants were recruited from the Xinyi District in Taipei, Taiwan. A total of 206 older people were recruited and were asked to complete three questionnaires during a face-to-face interview with a researcher at the activity setting. The results showed that walking leisurely was the most frequent leisure-time physical activity for participants. The age, gender, living arrangement, affective feeling and environmental control were significant variables of leisure-time physical activity. The study constructs accounted for moderate amounts of variance (22% for leisure-time physical activity frequency, 27% for leisure-time physical activity duration and 24% for leisure-time physical activity caloric expenditure). This study also showed that different variables play different influential roles in the different components of LTPA. An effective intervention strategy for improving leisure-time physical activity of older people may involve tailoring the type, format, intensity, frequency and duration of a physical activity according to an individual's needs. This study described some environmental barriers to LTPA and recommended an increase in the accessibility to LTPA areas.

Physical activity among older people and related factors

Objective: To investigate the duration, intensity and type of physical activity undertaken by people aged 60 years and over in relation to their reported levels of participation in social activities and their perceptions of their neighbourhood. Design: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of older people attending two luncheon and eight social clubs in two London boroughs. Methods: The questionnaires were distributed to volunteers and sought information on the following topics: physical and social activities undertaken, perceived health and weight status, views about local amenities and neighbourhood, and demographic data. Results: The sample comprised 225 adults aged 60 years and over (response rate: 88.6 per cent; mean age 75.0 years; 76.7 per cent women). Only 20.8 per cent of the sample met the recommended levels of physical activity if heavy housework and heavy gardening were not included, rising to 48.0 per cent when these activities were included. Reported good health status was strongly associated with higher levels of physical activity although physical activity significantly declined with advancing age. Living in an area with good recreational facilities and taking part in social entertainment were significantly associated with being physically active at the recommended levels. Conclusions: Good health status is associated with levels of physical activity in older people. Heavy housework is an important physical activity and provides an activity for maintaining functional independence in old age.

Evaluation of a Body-Worn Sensor System to Measure Physical Activity in Older People With Impaired Function

There is limited information on reliable and valid measures of physical activity in older people with impaired function. This study was conducted to compare the accuracy of single-axis accelerometers in recognizing postures and transitions and step counting with the accuracy of video recordings in people with stroke (n=14), older inpatients (n=14), people with hip fracture (n=8), and a reference group of 10 adults who were healthy. This was a cross-sectional study, evaluating the concurrent validity of small body-worn accelerometers against video observations as the criterion measure. Activity data were collected from 3 sensors (activPAL) attached to the thighs and the sternum and from registration of the same activities from video recordings. Participants performed a test protocol of in-bed, transfer, and walking activities. The sensor system was highly accurate in classifying lying, sitting, and standing positions (100%) and in recognizing transitions from lying to sitting positions and from sitting to standing positions (100%). Placement of a sensor on the nonaffected leg resulted in less underestimation of step counts than placement on the affected leg. Still, the sensor system underestimated step counts during walking, especially at slow walking speeds (≤0.47 m/s) (limits of agreement=-2.01 to 16.54, absolute percent error=40.31). The study was performed in a controlled setting and not during the natural performance of activities. The activPAL sensor system provides valid measures of postures and transitions in older people with impaired walking ability. Step counting needs to be improved for the sensor system to be acceptable for this population, especially at slow walking speeds.

Physical Inactivity and Pain in Older Men and Women with Hip Fracture History

Hip fracture patients often suffer from pain for several months after surgery. This may lead to physical inactivity and subsequent mobility limitation and disability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between severe musculoskeletal pain and the level of physical activity in older people with a history of hip fracture. Data were collected from 60- to 85-year-old (n = 78) community-dwelling people, 0.7–7.5 years after hip fracture. Physical activity was assessed with the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS). According to the YPAS summary index distribution, the participants were divided into the physically inactive and physically active groups. Musculoskeletal pain in the lower back, hip or knee region was assessed by the Visual Analog Scale. Pain was defined as severe pain if the subject rated the pain 66 mm or over (upper third of the scale) in at least one of the relevant body regions in the lower body. Thirty-three subjects (42%) experienced severe pain in the lower body, of whom 23 (70%) reported severe pain in the operated hip. Twenty-three patients (30%) used pain medication prescribed by a physician. The level of musculoskeletal pain was significantly higher in the physically inactive (62%) than in the physically active (31%) group (p = 0.011). Logistic regression analysis showed that people with severe pain had over three times (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.30–9.39) the risk for physical inactivity compared to those with less or no pain. Multivariate adjustments for balance confidence, time since fracture, number of chronic diseases and type of surgery did not materially change the estimate (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.00–9.30). Pain is an important associated factor of physical inactivity in older people with a hip fracture history. Pain management may be important in restoring and sustaining the level of physical activity after hip fracture. Further prospective and experimental studies are, however, needed to explore the causality between pain and physical activity as well as the role of pain management and physical activity interventions in preventing mobility limitation and disability among older people recovering from hip fracture.

Temporal Characteristics of Habitual Physical Activity Periods Among Older Adults

While physical activity is advocated for the elderly, little is known about the patterns of habitual activity of older people, particularly those in aged care. This study employed a novel approach to analyzing activity data to compare the temporal characteristics of daily activity between 15 older people living at home with 16 living in an aged care facility. The time spent standing and walking, and the number and duration of upright activity periods (greater than 1 minute) were monitored for 72 hr continuously. Despite variation in all measures across the participants, those living in aged care spent significantly less time upright per day (2.3 hr vs. 7.2 hr), standing (1.6 hr vs. 5 hr), and walking (0.7 hr vs. 2.2 hr) than those living at home. Participants in both groups had a similar number of activity periods; however, the median activity period duration was less for those living in aged care (4 min vs. 8 min). Activity levels of both groups were low compared with recommendations. In particular, aged care residents were rarely upright for 30 min continuously, supporting the need for services to promote physical activity of older people particularly those living in aged care facilities.

Factors influencing the physical activity levels of older people from culturally-diverse communities: an Australian experience

ABSTRACTInactivity has been identified as a major contributor to the burden of disease among older Australians, particularly those in culturally-diverse communities. This study assessed the facilitators and barriers to physical activity in older people from culturally-diverse communities, and investigated the predictors of physical activity participation by recruiting 333 older people from seven different communities in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. A survey questionnaire that recorded physical activity and the barriers to and facilitators of activity was interviewer-administered in the participants' preferred language. The data were analysed using bivariate and multivariate inferential statistical methods. Personal barriers to physical activity, such as poor health, lacking the energy to exercise, being too tired and low motivation, were highly prevalent in all groups. Specific factors, such as ‘being self-conscious about my looks’, were more prevalent among the Vietnamese, as were concerns about the weather among Macedonians and Croatians. Across all groups, perceptions of health and safety strongly influenced physical activity behaviour, more so than the external environment. Some of the barriers can be addressed with a common approach, but others in some communities will require particular strategies.

Assessing Physical Activity in Older People: Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

Background: Physical activity (PA) is difficult to assess and few instruments are relevant to older people. We have developed a self-administered PA questionnaire (HPAQ) for the Hertfordshire Cohort Study; we report its feasibility and validity and describe PA participation in older people. Methods: 525 participants completed the HPAQ; 15 women also completed the EPAQ-2 for validation. Activity participa- tion was described using percentage participation, estimated energy expenditure and cluster analysis. Results: Most participants found the HPAQ simple to complete. Agreement between the HPAQ and EPAQ-2 was good. Activities with highest participation rates and energy expenditures were walking (99.6%, 149.8 MET.h/mth) for men and home activities (100%, 287.1 MET.h/mth) for women. Clustering identified three patterns of activity participation for men (Keep Fit, Indoors & Less active), and two for women (Keep Fit & Indoors). Conclusions: The HPAQ is a feasible and valid PA questionnaire for older people. Clustering identified different patterns of PA participation.

Estágios de mudança de comportamento e barreiras percebidas à prática de atividade física em idosos residentes em uma cidade de médio porte do Brasil

The aim was to analyze the prevalence of the stages of behavior change (BCS) and the perceived barriers to physical activity in older people residents in a medium size city of Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Seventy-nine older people participated of the study. The BCS was assessed by the Questionnaire of Behavior Chance Stages and those on perception of barriers by the Questionnaire on Barriers to the Practice of Physical Activity in Older People (QBPPAE). Statistical analyses was comprised by the Chi- square test (p<0.05). Data showed that: a) 64,6% of the older people do not practice physical activity and only 22,8% of them have been practicing it on a regular basis for more than 6 months; b) The most perceived barriers were: Active enough, Too old; Need to rest and; Disease or injury; c) The BCS seems modulate significantly the perception of barriers (p<0.05). We can conclude that: a) most of the older people are in the pre-contemplation, contemplation and preparation stages of the BCS, yet; b) gender influences almost nothing with perception of barriers and; c) the BCS interferes with the type of perceived barriers. Such conclusions support the suggestions that it is necessary to develop specific strategies for different stages of behavior change if it is to minimize the barriers. This may help to find the most effective way to change to more active lifestyle in the elderly.

Physical Performance and Physical Activity in Older People: Are Developmental Influences Important?

Background: Reduced physical performance and physical activity have serious health consequences, but adult determinants do not fully explain variation in older people. Objective: Our objective was to investigate the relationship between early growth, physical performance and physical activity in older people. Methods: We studied 349 men and 280 women born 1931–1939 with known birth weight and weight at 1 year who were taking part in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, UK. Physical performance was measured (3-m walk, chair rises and standing balance) and physical activity was assessed by questionnaire and converted to estimated energy expenditure. Results: Poor balance was associated with lower birth weight (odds ratio [OR] for poor balance per standard deviation [SD] increase in birth weight = 0.68, p = 0.01) and weight at 1 year (OR for poor balance per SD increase in weight at 1 year = 0.67, p = 0.03) after adjustment for age and current size in men, but not in women. There were no significant positive relationships between early size and growth and the other measures of physical performance or physical activity in men or women. Conclusion: Current lifestyle factors, particularly those affecting adult weight, may be more important than developmental influences on most measures of physical performance and physical activity in older people.

Optimising recruitment into a study of physical activity in older people: a randomised controlled trial of different approaches

physical activity studies in older people often have poor recruitment. Including a questionnaire with the invitation would provide information about non-participants and selection bias, but could reduce recruitment. Telephone contact might encourage participation. to test the effects of different strategies for recruitment into a study of physical activity in older people. factorial randomised controlled trial. Randomisation by household into four groups: telephone contact plus questionnaire, telephone contact only, questionnaire only, neither. primary care, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. 560 patients > or = 65 years randomly selected after exclusions. questionnaire to assess health, functional ability and physical activity. Telephone contact by the research nurse a week after sending study information. recruitment into physical activity study. telephone contact increased recruitment: contact 47.9% (134/280), no contact 37.9% (106/280), difference (adjusted for the clustering effect of household) 10.0% (95% CI 0.2-19.8). Questionnaire inclusion did not significantly reduce recruitment: no questionnaire 44.3% (124/280) questionnaire 41.4% (116/280) difference -2.9% (95% CI -12.7-7.0). telephone contact significantly increased recruitment and should be considered in studies where recruitment may be low. While inclusion of a questionnaire provided valuable information on non-participants and did not significantly reduce recruitment, an adverse recruitment effect could not be excluded.

Relationship between customary physical activity, muscle strength and physical performance in older men and women: findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

Sir—Maintenance of muscle strength and physical performance in later life is an important component of healthy ageing [1–4]. Reported influences include age, gender, size and physical activity [5–7]. Older age has been linked to lower strength [8, 9], but these studies have not considered how age-related decline in activity levels may contribute to these changes. A study of grip strength in older people found that it declined by 20% per decade but only 11% of this decline could be attributed to age alone [10]. Older people are encouraged to maintain levels of physical activity, but most evidence considers the benefits of exercise and strength training intervention programmes [11–13]. It is important to quantify activity levels corresponding to levels of benefit in general, as well as defining specific outcomes related to particular activities in both men and women. Epidemiological studies suggest that increased customary physical activity is associated with improved muscle strength and physical performance, but it is unclear whether men and women derive similar benefit [14–17]. For example Bassey et al. found a positive association between usual physical activity and muscle strength in both men and women [18], whereas Rantanen's study of everyday physical activity in older people showed the importance of activities such as housework, walking and gardening in maintaining independence for women [19]. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between customary physical activity, muscle strength and physical performance in older men and women.

NÍVEL DE ATIVIDADE FÍSICA E AS PRINCIPAIS BARREIRAS PERCEBIDAS POR IDOSOS DE RIO CLARO

Physical activity benefits elders’ dimensions of living. Thus, knowing the physical activity level (LPA) and main barriers to the practice is relevant for planning and developing actions designed to an active lifestyle in older people. Aiming to analyze the LPA and the main perceived barriers to the practice of physical activity in older people, 129 participants answered the questionnaires Baecke Modified for the Elderly (BQME) and the Barriers one. The mean in LPA (BQME) was 1.9 points and the most perceived barriers were: “Disease” (52%); “Need resting” (47%); “Lack of persistence” (46%); “Active enough” (41%). It was also found that more active elderly perceived fewer barriers than less active ones. In conclusion: a) older people present low LPA; b) older people’s perception of being active enough seems to be quite different than the recommended LPA; d) gender and LPA seem to modulate the perception of barriers.

What factors are associated with physical activity in older people, assessed objectively by accelerometry?

Objectives:To assess physical activity (PA) levels measured objectively using accelerometers in community-dwelling older people and to examine the associations with health, disability, anthropometric measures and psychosocial factors.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Setting:Single general practice...