Associations between physical function and device-based measures of physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns in older adults: moving beyond moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity

Abstract

Background Research supports that moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) is key to prolonged health and function. Among older adults, substantial changes to MVPA may be infeasible, thus a growing literature suggests a shift in focus to whole-day activity patterns. Methods With data from 795 older adults aged 65–100 in the Adult Changes in Thought Activity Monitoring study, we used linear regression to estimate associations between ActiGraph and activPAL measured activity patterns – including light intensity physical activity, steps, standing, and sedentary behaviors – and physical function as measured by a short Performance-based Physical Function (sPPF) score (range 0–12), a composite score based on three standardized physical performance tasks: gait speed, timed chair stands, and grip strength. We examined whether relationships persisted when controlling for MVPA or differed across age, gender, or quartiles of MVPA. Results In models unadjusted for MVPA, a 1-standard deviation (SD) increment of daily sitting (1.9 h more), mean sitting bout duration (8 min longer average), or time spent in sedentary activity (1.6 h more) was associated with ~ 0.3–0.4 points lower mean sPPF score (all p < 0.05). A 1-SD increment in daily steps (~ 3500 more steps) was associated with ~ 0.5 points higher mean sPPF score (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.73). MVPA adjustment attenuated all relationships. The association between physical function and steps was strongest among adults aged 75+; associations of worse function with greater sedentary behavior were more pronounced in participants with the lowest levels of MVPA. Conclusions We found associations between function and activity metrics other than MVPA in key subgroups, findings that support research on broader activity patterns and may offer ideas regarding practical intervention opportunities for improving function in older adults.

The role of socio-demographic factors and physical functioning in the intra- and interpersonal variability of older adults’ sedentary time: an observational two-country study

“…Physical functioning can be evaluated across the three constructs of the International Classification of Functioning framework: body function and structure, activities, and participation [ 22 ]. Recent research has identified physical functioning as an important determinant of older adults’ sedentary behavior [ 23 , 24 ]. In the study of Walker et al, a 0.3–0.4 points lower Short Physical Performance Battery score was related to 1.9 h more daily sedentary time [ 24 ].…”

“…Recent research has identified physical functioning as an important determinant of older adults’ sedentary behavior [ 23 , 24 ]. In the study of Walker et al, a 0.3–0.4 points lower Short Physical Performance Battery score was related to 1.9 h more daily sedentary time [ 24 ]. However, at this point, it remains unclear if this relationship differs according to time of the day.…”

The Longitudinal Association Between Physical Activity and Physical Function in Older Women

“…In the U.S., life expectancy is longer for women than men, but women are more likely than men to develop debilitating conditions and often live longer with disability (Freedman et al, 2016). Studies, including this study, have consistently found that physical activity is associated with better physical function in older women in clinical and community-dwelling populations (Yorston et al, 2012;Chmelo et al, 2013;Walker et al, 2021). Unfortunately, physical activity declines with age, and older women are the least active group of all age groups as only 12% of women ≥ 65 years meet national guidelines for aerobic and muscle strengthening activities (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, 2020).…”

Prevalence and determinants of physical frailty among people living in residential aged care facilities: a large-scale retrospective audit

“…Previous studies among older adults have indicated relationships between SPPB scores and level of physical and sedentary activity, barriers to good nutritional intake, knee-extensor muscle strength, handgrip strength, appendicular lean mass, inflammatory markers, and vitamin D levels [ 44 – 48 ]. Interestingly, relationships between grip strength and SPPB have been shown to become insignificant after adjustment for factors such as age, gender, BMI, cognitive impairment and nutritional status [ 49 ].…”