The Feasibility of Reducing Sitting Time in Overweight and Obese Older Adults

Abstract

Background Overweight and obese older adults have high sedentary time. We tested the feasibility and preliminary effects of a sedentary time reduction intervention among adults over age 60 with a body mass index over 27 kg/m2 using a nonrandomized one arm design. Methods Participants (N = 25, Mean Age = 71.4, Mean BMI = 34) completed an 8-week theory-based intervention targeting reduced total sitting time and increased sit-to-stand transitions. An inclinometer (activPAL™) measured the primary outcomes, change in total sitting time and sit-to-stand transitions. Secondary outcomes included physical activity (ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer), self-reported sedentary behaviors, physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery), depressive symptoms (PHQ-8), quality of life (PROMIS), and study satisfaction. Paired t-tests examined pre-post test changes in sitting time, sit-to-stand transitions, and secondary outcomes. Results Inclinometer measured sitting time decreased by 27 minutes/day (p < .05) and sit-to-stand transitions increased by 2 per day (p > .05) while standing time increased by 25 minutes/day p < .05). Accelerometer measured sedentary time, light-intensity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity improved (all p values ≤ .05). Self-reported sitting time, gait speed, and depressive symptoms also improved (all p values < .05). Effect sizes were small. Study satisfaction was high. Conclusions Reducing sitting time is feasible and the intervention shows preliminary evidence of effectiveness among older adults with overweight and obesity. Randomized trials of sedentary behavior reduction in overweight and obese older adults, most of whom have multiple chronic conditions, may be promising.

Sitting Time and Mortality in Older Adults With Disability: A National Cohort Study

“…Gardiner et al (26) This study also found that older persons commonly replace sedentary behavior with lightintensity physical activity. These results have been confirmed in other studies (27,28). Given that it is difficult that disabled older adults, who are usually very sedentary, replace sitting time with moderate or vigorous physical activity (24), most interventions should focus on increasing light-intensity physical activity, such as household chores, gardening, walking at slow pace, or even doing in a standing position some habitual sedentary activities (e.g.…”

Sedentary time in older adults: a critical review of measurement, associations with health, and interventions

“…In another study where older adults were specifically told to restrict TV time to 30 min/day, TV time decreased from 322 to 16 min/day 81. Finally, three studies reported an increase in the number of breaks in ST95 99 or sit to stand transitions 96. In most of the studies, the intervention also resulted in a significant increase in physical activity, particularly when assessed by self-report.…”

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an intervention to reduce older adults’ sedentary behavior

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