The Sedentary Time and Physical Activity Levels on Physical Fitness in the Elderly: A Comparative Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Ageing is a life-long process characterized by a progressive loss of physical fitness compromising strength, flexibility, and agility. The purpose of this study was to use accelerometry to examine the relationship between sedentary time, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with the elderly’s physical fitness. Additionally, we aimed to examine the association between the aforementioned variables on older adults who fulfilled global recommendations on physical activity for health and on those who did not fulfil these recommendations. Methods: Eighty-three elderly (mean ± SD: 72.14 ± 5.61 years old) of both genders volunteered to participate in this cross-sectional study, being divided into an active group (n = 53; 71.02 ± 5.27 years old) and an inactive group (n = 30; 74.13 ± 5.72 years old) according to the established guidelines. Sedentary and physical activity times were assessed using an ActiGraph® GT1M accelerometer, whereas physical fitness was evaluated with the Senior Fitness Test. Results: MVPA time was correlated with lower body mass index (BMI) ((rs = −0.218; p = 0.048; −0.3 < r ≤ −0.1 (small)) and shorter time to complete the agility test ((rs = −0.367; p = 0.001; −0.5 < r ≤ −0.3 (low)). Moreover, MVPA time was positively correlated with aerobic endurance ((rs = 0.397; p = 0.000; 0.5 < r ≤ 0.3 (low)) and strength ((rs = 0.243; p = 0.027; 0.3 < r ≤ 0.1 (small)). In the inactive group, MVPA time was positively correlated with upper limb flexibility ((rs = 0.400; p = 0.028; 0.5 < r ≤ 0.3 (low)); moreover, sedentary time was negatively correlated with upper limb flexibility ((r = −0.443; p = 0.014; −0.5 < r ≤ −0.3 (low)), and LPA time was negatively correlated with BMI ((r = −0.423; p = 0.020; −0.5 < r ≤ −0.3 (low)). In the active group, MVPA time was correlated with lower BMI ((rs = −0.320; p = 0.020; −0.5 < r ≤ −0.3 (low)), and shorter time to complete agility test ((rs = −0.296; p = 0.031; −0.3 < r ≤ −0.1 (small)). Conclusions: Our results reinforce the importance of promoting MVPA practice among the elderly, thereby allowing physical fitness maintenance or improvement.

Domain-Specific and Total Sedentary Behavior Associated with Gait Velocity in Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Physical Fitness

“…In line with previous studies [14,15,[29][30][31][32][33][34] our study shows that the time spent in domain-specific and total sedentary behavior is associated with physical fitness. Sedentary behaviors are considered a new risk factor for health in older adults, regardless of physical performance [29].…”

“…In older adults, the level of physical fitness is significantly reduced due to higher rates of disabilities and limitations [2]. Although a higher level of physical fitness reduces the time spent in sedentary behavior [14,15] and increases gait velocity [13,[16][17][18], according to available literature no study has investigated the potential mediating role of physical fitness in the association between domain-specific and total sedentary behavior and gait velocity. Since only 25% of older adults meet the recommended levels of physical activity proposed by the World Health Organization [19], it is necessary to identify individuals in need of increasing their physical fitness level in order to decrease sedentary lifestyle and improve gait parameters.…”

Effects of Augmented-Reality-Based Exercise on Muscle Parameters, Physical Performance, and Exercise Self-Efficacy for Older Adults

“…In 6 months of resistance exercise by the elderly aged 82.6 on average, a significant increase was seen in the chair stand test [10], confirming the effectiveness of continued resistance exercise in improving muscle strength and endurance even in the elderly. In addition, the fact that there was a significant difference in the chair stand test and the chair sit and reach test between the active elderly and the elderly with a long sedentary time indicated the importance of maintaining physical strength and participating in exercise on a regular basis to prevent muscle reduction in the elderly [31,33].…”

Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior and Physical Fitness in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…CRF was evaluated in 13 studies [ 22 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 53 , 54 , 55 ]. Muscular strength was also assessed in several studies, with tests to assess upper and lower limb strength [ 13 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 56 ]. The flexibility of the lower and upper limbs was evaluated in four studies [ 22 , 50 , 53 , 54 ].…”

“…Muscular strength was also assessed in several studies, with tests to assess upper and lower limb strength [ 13 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 56 ]. The flexibility of the lower and upper limbs was evaluated in four studies [ 22 , 50 , 53 , 54 ]. Lastly, a balance component was assessed in five studies [ 13 , 21 , 29 , 30 , 56 ].…”