Seasonality in physical activity and walking of healthy older adults

Abstract

BackgroundAn increasing number of older adults require improvements in their quality of life. Physical activities, particularly walking ability, are of primary importance for older adults. The influence of season on physical activity has not been sufficiently studied among older adults. Therefore, this report compared the physical activity and walking of older individuals between summer and winter seasons using a longitudinal study design in a community in a mid-latitude area.MethodsParticipants in the study comprised 39 healthy community-dwelling adults ranging in age from 65 to 80 years. Physical parameters and activities as well as the preferred speed of walking were measured at half-year intervals.ResultsSignificant seasonal differences from summer to winter and from winter to summer were detected. Specifically, body fat percentage, single-leg stance, walking speed, cadence, stride length, and trunk and head-trunk pitch ranges were greater in winter than in summer, whereas grip strength and steps per day were greater in summer. Temperature and total activity level were considered to be related to body fat percentage. Grip strength was thought to be affected by outdoor temperature. The possibility of relationships between increased activity per unit time in older adults and increased preferred walking speed, cadence, and stride length in winter temperatures was discussed.ConclusionThe seasonal climatic environment of the geographic area of this study affected the activity level of the participants. These results indicate that seasonality should be considered when analyzing physical activity and walking in older adults.

Perfil sóciodemográfico e antropométrico de idosas das academias da terceira idade

“…A manutenção da atividade física, particulamente da caminhada (marcha), é crucial para uma vida independente em adultos mais velhos. 17 A caminhada é uma atividade física que pode ser praticada sem custos e que pode ser realizada em qualquer lugar, seja nas ruas, nos parques, na praia, no campo, em pistas atléticas, ginásios ou em área interna de condomínios, ou seja, qualquer lugar é adequado para uma boa caminhada, inclusive próximo as ATIs, que ficam localizadas geralmente em parques, praças e em Unidades básicas de Saúde (UBS).…”

Seasonal Variation of Physical Activity in Community-Living vs. Residential-Dwelling Older Adults

“…In both studies, participants indicated the importance of the social benefits of exercise and suggested that easy access to programming-either through programs offered where people live, or by providing transportation to activities and classes-would help facilitate increased PA participation (Belza et al, 2004;Mathews et al, 2010). In these and other studies (Chan & Ryan, 2009;Clemes, Hamilton, & Griffiths, 2011;Guerin, et al, 2008;Kimura, Kobayashi, Nakayama, & Kakihana, 2015;Marquez et al, 2014), researchers have found that barriers to PA participation included personal (health/safety concerns) and environmental (lack of access and poor weather) factors.…”

“…However, one limitation of the existing research is that there were no longitudinal studies to see if the activity levels of older adults living in residential facilities was maintained throughout the year. In many parts of the world, the change of seasons may result in temperature extremes or high precipitation, factors which have been noted as barriers to older adults' ability to stay active (Aoyagi & Shephard, 2010;Kimura et al, 2015;Togo et al, 2008). Studies looking at the impact of seasonality on PA participation show mixed results.…”

“…However, the association between season and walking as a specific activity was not significant and the author concluded that seasonality does not need to be considered when using pre/post surveys to analyze the effects of walking programs (Cheadle, 2006). Conversely, in a longitudinal study of older adults in Japan (age range = 65-80 years), Kimura et al (2015) used pedometers to compare walking participation during summer and winter months. Results showed a decline in walking during the colder winter months and authors concluded that seasonal factors should be considered when analyzing walking and PA participation for this population (Kimura et al, 2015).. Because of discrepancies in results, the impact of seasonality on PA participation by older adults warrants further attention.…”

Seasonal Variation in Physical Activity among Preoperative Patients with Lung Cancer Determined Using a Wearable Device

“…In a healthy population, there was a 2.9% decrease in steps per day for every 10 • C drop in temperature [37]. In addition to temperature, day length and daylight hours account for 73% of the monthly differences in daily activity level, and these three parameters are independent predictors of daily activities [38]. To analyze the climate conditions affecting PA in our study, we conducted a subgroup analysis to identify the relationship between climate conditions and activity for 85 people living in the capital city of South Korea.…”