Ten-Year Changes in Accelerometer-Based Physical Activity and Sedentary Time During Midlife

Abstract

We describe 10-year changes in accelerometer-determined physical activity (PA) and sedentary time in a midlife cohort of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study, within and by race and sex groups. Participants (n = 962) wore the accelerometer with valid wear (≥4 of 7 days, ≥10 hours per day) at baseline (2005-2006; ages 38-50 years) and 10-year follow-up (2015-2016; ages 48-60 years). Data were calibrated to account for accelerometer model differences. Participants (mean age = 45.0 (standard deviation, 3.5) years at baseline) had reduced accelerometer counts overall (mean = -65.5 (standard error (SE), 10.2) counts per minute/day), and within race and sex groups (all P < 0.001). Sedentary time increased overall (mean = 37.9 (SE, 3.7) minutes/day) and within race and sex groups, whereas light-intensity PA (mean = -30.6 (SE, 2.7) minutes/day) and moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (mean = -7.5 (SE, 0.8) minutes/day) declined overall and within race and sex groups (all P < 0.001). Significant differences in 10-year change estimates were noted by race and sex groups for accelerometer counts, sedentary time, and moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA bouts; black men had the greatest reductions in PA compared with other groups. PA declines during midlife were characterized by reductions in light-intensity PA with increases in sedentary time, which may have important health consequences. Targeted efforts are needed to preserve PA, regardless of intensity level, across midlife.

Descriptive epidemiology of changes in objectively measured sedentary behaviour and physical activity: six-year follow-up of the EPIC-Norfolk cohort

“…Our findings are consistent with those of previous studies in which activity was assessed via questionnaires [ 10 , 11 ] and accelerometers [ 6 – 9 ]. For example, in an analysis of 3334 participants of the EPIC-Norfolk Study during their transition into retirement, self-reported overall activity, transport-related activity, and occupational-related activity decreased, whereas recreational activity, household-related activity, and TV viewing time increased [ 10 ].…”

“…A smaller change in MVPA was observed in the CARDIA study (i.e. a 7.5 min/day decline in MVPA over 10 years of follow-up) [ 6 ]. The difference between our finding and the finding from the CARDIA study is likely a result of the CARDIA population being younger.…”

“…To inform the development and targeting of interventions designed to mitigate negative changes in activity, researchers have sought to quantify temporal changes in activity [ 6 – 9 ] and to identify their correlates [ 8 – 12 ]. For example, in a recent 10-year follow-up analysis of 962 participants of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study [ 6 ], sedentary time was found to increase by 37.9 min/day, and light-intensity physical activity (LPA), unbouted moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), and total activity were found to decrease by 30.6 min/day, 7.5 min/day and 65.5 cpm (17%) over a decade, respectively [ 6 ]. Changes in activity were patterned by race and sex [ 6 ].…”

“…For example, in a recent 10-year follow-up analysis of 962 participants of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study [ 6 ], sedentary time was found to increase by 37.9 min/day, and light-intensity physical activity (LPA), unbouted moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), and total activity were found to decrease by 30.6 min/day, 7.5 min/day and 65.5 cpm (17%) over a decade, respectively [ 6 ]. Changes in activity were patterned by race and sex [ 6 ]. While changes in physical activity and their correlates have been previously assessed, most studies, particularly those of older adults, have been restricted to the assessment of total physical activity volume [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Rationale and Design of the Women’s Health And Daily Experiences Project: Protocol for an Ecological Momentary Assessment Study to Identify Real-Time Predictors of Midlife Women’s Physical Activity

“…Individuals are excluded from participation if they do not meet the above criteria or if they state an intention to move away from the geographic area during the study period. Eligibility was not limited by current level of PA engagement, as existing evidence and pilot work suggested that engagement would range from low to moderate for the target population [ 115 , 116 ].…”