Adherence to physical activity guidelines in older adults, using objectively measured physical activity in a population-based study
Year: 2014
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) levels in older adults decline with age. The prevalence and correlates of adherence to current UK PA guidelines in older adults has not been studied using objectively measured PA, which can examine precisely whether PA is carried out in bouts of specified length and intensity. METHODS: Free living men and women aged 70-93 years from 25 towns in the United Kingdom, participating in parallel on-going population based cohort studies were invited (by post) to wear a GT3x accelerometer over the hip for one week in 2010-12. Adherence to UK PA guidelines was defined as ≥150 minutes/week of moderate or vigorous PA (MVPA) in bouts of ≥10 minutes; the effect of different intensities and durations were examined. RESULTS: 1593 men and 857 women participated (responses 51% and 29% respectively). 15% men and 10% women achieved ≥150 minutes/week of MVPA (defined as >1040 cpm) in bouts lasting ≥10 minutes. With MVPA defined as >1952 cpm, prevalences were 7% and 3% respectively. Those adhering to guidelines were younger, had fewer chronic health conditions, less depression, less severe mobility limitations, but higher exercise self-efficacy and exercise outcomes expectations. They rated their local environment more highly for social activities and leisure facilities, having somewhere nice to go for a walk and feeling safe after dark, They left the house on more days per week, were more likely to use active transport (cycle or walk) and to walk a dog regularly. CONCLUSIONS: Few older adults attain current PA guidelines. Health promotion to extend the duration of moderate-intensity activity episodes to 10 minutes or more could yield important health gains among older adults. However future studies will need to clarify whether attaining guideline amounts of PA in spells lasting 10 minutes or more is critical for reducing chronic disease risks as well as improving cardiometabolic risk factors.
Source: BMC Public Health
Authors: Barbara J Jefferis, Claudio Sartini, I-Min Lee, Minkyoung Choi, Antoinette Amuzu, Christina Gutierrez, Juan Pablo Casas, Sarah Ash, Lucy T Lennnon, S Goya Wannamethee, Peter H Whincup
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,290
Awards: RENEWAL: British Regional Heart Study: a prospective investigation of the aetiology and prevention of coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure among older British men, Pathways to prevention and prediction of cardiovascular disease and associated disability in older men: the British Regional Heart Study, G2609527929, British Regional Heart Study (BRHS): a long-term prospective investigation of cardiovascular disease (causes, pathways, prediction and prevention) among older British men (renewal), G4912399440, Does physical activity protect against CVD, diabetes and disability in later life? a study of objectively measured physical activity in older adults., Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Mortality in Women, and High resolution analysis of biological and environmental determinants of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular events in older women, G943627480
OpenAlex ID: W2169313154