scholarly journals Individual Scaling of Accelerometry to Preferred Walking Speed in the Assessment of Physical Activity in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (9) ◽  
pp. e111-e118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Karavirta ◽  
Timo Rantalainen ◽  
Heidi Skantz ◽  
Inna Lisko ◽  
Erja Portegijs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Surveillance Period ◽  
Walking Test ◽  
Cut Point ◽  
Metabolic Equivalents

Abstract Background Walking forms a large portion of physical activity (PA) of older adults. We assessed free-living PA using acceleration corresponding to preferred walking speed as a relative cut-point and studied how it relates to age. We compared the relative cut-point to a common absolute cut-point of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Method Four hundred forty-four community-dwelling adults aged 75, 80, and 85 years wore an accelerometer on the thigh during a PA surveillance period and a modified 6-minute walking test (6MWT) at preferred speed. Each individual’s mean acceleration (g) during the 6MWT was used as a cut-point for relative PA. Acceleration corresponding to three metabolic equivalents (METs) was used as the cut-point for absolute MVPA. Results When using the acceleration of preferred walking speed as a cut-point, 62 (SD 82) minutes a week of relative PA was detected, compared to 228 (163) minutes of absolute MVPA. For 96% of the participants, the acceleration generated by their preferred walking speed exceeded the common absolute cut-point for MVPA. Absolute MVPA was lower in the older age groups, and 6MWT speed explained 22% of its variation (p < .001), whereas relative PA was independent of walking speed and age. Conclusions Preferred walking speed was a significant contributor to absolute MVPA and those who walked the slowest accumulated the least MVPA. Assessing relative PA using the intensity of preferred walking speed as a cut-point eliminated the dependency of PA on age and walking speed, and may be a feasible scaling option to evaluate relative PA among older people.

scholarly journals Physical activity scaled to preferred walking speed as a predictor of walking difficulty in older adults: a 2-year follow-up

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Karavirta ◽  
Heidi Leppä ◽  
Timo Rantalainen ◽  
Johanna Eronen ◽  
Erja Portegijs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Walking Test ◽  
Walking Performance ◽  
Walking Difficulty

Abstract Background The usual accelerometry-based measures of physical activity (PA) are dependent on physical performance. We investigated the associations between PA relative to walking performance and the prevalence and incidence of early and advanced walking difficulties compared to generally used measures of PA. Methods Perceived walking difficulty was evaluated in 994 community-dwelling participants at baseline (age 75, 80 or 85 years) and two years later over two kilometers (early difficulty) and 500 meters (advanced difficulty). We used a thigh-mounted accelerometer to assess moderate-to-vigorous PA, daily mean acceleration and relative PA as movement beyond the intensity of preferred walking speed in a 6-minute walking test (PArel). Self-reported PA was assessed using questionnaires. Results The prevalence and incidence were 36.2 % and 18.9 % for early, and 22.4 % and 14.9 % for advanced walking difficulty, respectively. PArel was lower in participants with prevalent (mean 42 (SD 45) vs. 69 (91) mins/week, p<0.001) but not incident early walking difficulty (53 (75) vs. 72 (96) mins/week, p=0.15) compared to those without difficulty. The associations between absolute measures of PA and incident walking difficulty were attenuated when adjusted for preferred walking speed. Conclusions The variation in habitual PA may not explain the differences in the development of new walking difficulty. Differences in physical performance explain a meaningful part of the association of PA with incident walking difficulty. Scaling of accelerometry to preferred walking speed demonstrated independence on physical performance and warrants future study as a promising indicator of PA in observational studies among older adults.

scholarly journals Changes in Objectively Measured Lifestyle Factors During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takuya Ataka ◽  
Noriyuki Kimura ◽  
Atsuko Eguchi ◽  
Etsuro Matsubara
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Background: In this manuscript, we aimed at investigating whether objectively measured lifestyle factors, including walking steps, sedentary time, amount of unforced physical activity, level of slight and energetic physical activity, conversation time, and sleep parameters altered before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among community-dwelling older adults.Methods: Data were obtained from a prospective cohort study conducted from 2015 to 2019 and a subsequent dementia prevention study undertaken in September 2020. Community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years wore wearable sensors before and during the pandemic.Results: A total of 56 adults were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 74.2±3.9 years, and 58.9% (n=33) of the participants were female. The moderate and vigorous physical activity time significantly decreased and sedentary time significantly increased during the pandemic. Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate differences in objectively assessed lifestyle factors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among community-dwelling older adults. The findings show that the pandemic has adversely affected physical activity among older adults living on their own in Japan.

scholarly journals Walking Speed Threshold for Classifying Walking Independence in Hospitalized Older Adults

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (11) ◽  
pp. 1591-1597 ◽  
Author(s):  
James E. Graham ◽  
Steve R. Fisher ◽  
Ivonne-Marie Bergés ◽  
Yong-Fang Kuo ◽  
Glenn V. Ostir
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Cut Point ◽  
Risk Threshold ◽  
Risk Thresholds ◽  
Hospitalized Older Adults

Background Walking speed norms and several risk thresholds for poor health outcomes have been published for community-dwelling older adults. It is unclear whether these values apply to hospitalized older adults. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the in-hospital walking speed threshold that best differentiates walking-independent from walking-dependent older adults. Design This was a cross-sectional study. Methods This study recruited a convenience sample of 174 ambulatory adults aged 65 years and older who had been admitted to a medical-surgical unit of a university hospital. The participants' mean (SD) age was 75 (7) years. Fifty-nine percent were women, 66% were white, and more than 40% were hospitalized for cardiovascular problems. Usual-pace walking speed was assessed over 2.4 m. Walking independence was assessed through self-report. Several methods were used to determine the threshold speed that best differentiated walking-independent patients from walking-dependent patients. Approaches included a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity and specificity, and frequency distributions. Results The participants' mean (SD) walking speed was 0.43 (0.23) m/s, and 62% reported walking independence. Nearly 75% of the patients walked more slowly than the lowest community-based risk threshold, yet 90% were discharged home. Overall, cut-point analyses suggested that 0.30 to 0.35 m/s may be a meaningful threshold for maintaining in-hospital walking independence. For simplicity of clinical application, 0.35 m/s was chosen as the optimal cut point for the sample. This threshold yielded a balance between sensitivity and specificity (71% for both). Limitations The limitations of this study were the small size of the convenience sample and the single health outcome measure. Conclusions Walking speeds of older adults who are acutely ill are substantially slower than established community-based norms and risk thresholds. The threshold identified, which was approximately 50% lower than the lowest published community-based risk threshold, may serve as an initial risk threshold or target value for maintaining in-hospital walking independence.

scholarly journals 513Ophthalmic disease and older adults’ sedentary and physically-active behaviors: Findings from the NEIGE study

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiho Amagasa ◽  
Shigeru Inoue ◽  
Hiroshi Murayama ◽  
Takeo Fujiwara ◽  
Hiroyuki Kikuchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Reciprocal Influences

Abstract Background Physical inactivity can be associated adversely with markers of eye health, but little is known about how ophthalmic disease (OD) may be related to sedentary behaviour (SB) and different intensities of physical activity in older adults. We compared device-assessed time spent in SB, light-intensity PA (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) between older adults with and without OD. Methods A randomly-recruited sample of 512 community-dwelling older adults (47% male; aged 65–84 years) in Japan wore a valid tri-axial accelerometer for seven consecutive days in 2017. Prevalence of OD was assessed by medical interview. Times spent in SB, LPA, and MVPA were compared between those with and without OD by compositional multivariate analysis of covariance, adjusting for potential confounders (gender, age, residential area, living arrangement, working, body mass index, self-rated health, and cognitive function). Results Overall, percent times spent in SB, LPA, and MVPA during waking hours were 51.0, 44.6, and 4.4, respectively; and, 167 (36.5%) had OD. Activity patterns differed significantly between those with and without OD: in those with OD, the proportion of time spent in MVPA relative to other behaviours was lower, and the proportion of time spent in SB relative to other behaviours was higher. Conclusions Older adults with OD were found to be less physically active than those without. Key messages While these cross-sectional findings need to be confirmed by evidence from prospective studies, the reciprocal influences of OD and inactivity in older adults should be addressed as scientific, clinical and public health considerations.

scholarly journals Ability of RT3 Accelerometer Cut Points to Detect Physical Activity Intensity in Ambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 310-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Ryan ◽  
Michael Walsh ◽  
John Gormley
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Accelerometer Data ◽  
Physical Activity Intensity ◽  
Cut Points ◽  
Cut Point ◽  
Activity Intensity ◽  
Metabolic Equivalents ◽  
Children With Cerebral Palsy

This study investigated the ability of published cut points for the RT3 accelerometer to differentiate between levels of physical activity intensity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Oxygen consumption (metabolic equivalents; METs) and RT3 data (counts/min) were measured during rest and 5 walking trials. METs and corresponding counts/min were classified as sedentary, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) according to MET thresholds. Counts were also classified according to published cut points. A published cut point exhibited an excellent ability to classify sedentary activity (sensitivity = 89.5%, specificity = 100.0%). Classification accuracy decreased when published cut points were used to classify LPA (sensitivity = 88.9%, specificity = 79.6%) and MVPA (sensitivity = 70%, specificity = 95–97%). Derivation of a new cut point improved classification of both LPA and MVPA. Applying published cut points to RT3 accelerometer data collected in children with CP may result in misclassification of LPA and MVPA.

scholarly journals Linking objective measures of physical activity and capability with brain structure in healthy community dwelling older adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Marthe Sanders ◽  
Geneviève Richard ◽  
Knut Kolskår ◽  
Kristine M. Ulrichsen ◽  
Tobias Kaufmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Brain Morphology ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Physical Capability ◽  
Brain Age

AbstractMaintaining high levels of daily activity and physical capability have been proposed as important constituents to promote healthy brain and cognitive aging. Studies investigating the associations between brain health and physical activity in late life have, however, mainly been based on self-reported data or measures designed for clinical populations. In the current study, we examined cross-sectional associations between physical activity, recorded by an ankle-positioned accelerometer for seven days, physical capability (grip strength, postural control, and walking speed), and neuroimaging based surrogate markers of brain health in 122 healthy older adults aged 65-88 years. We used a multimodal brain imaging approach offering two complementary structural MRI based indicators of brain health: white matter diffusivity and coherence based on diffusion tensor imaging and subcortical and global brain age based on brain morphology inferred from T1-weighted MRI data. The analyses revealed a significant association between global white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) and walking speed, indicating higher white matter coherence in people with higher pace. We also found a significant interaction between sex and brain age on number of daily steps, indicating younger-appearing brains in more physically active women, with no significant associations among men. These results provide insight into the intricate associations between different measures of brain and physical health in old age, and corroborate established public health advice promoting physical activity.

scholarly journals The Associations between Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Physical Function in Community-Dwelling Older Japanese Men and Women

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 369
Author(s):  
Harukaze Yatsugi ◽  
Tao Chen ◽  
Si Chen ◽  
Xin Liu ◽  
Hiro Kishimoto
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Japanese Men ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Standing Time ◽  
Women Subjects ◽  
Objectively Measured

Objective: The relationships between physical activity (PA) and physical function (PF) among older Japanese adults have been examined before, with some studies reporting that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is positively associated with PF. However, it is unclear whether the observed associations differ between men and women. In this study, we investigated the associations of objectively measured MVPA, light physical activity (LPA), and sedentary time (ST) with different PF levels in older Japanese men and women. Subjects and Methods: A total of 810 community-dwelling subjects aged 65–75 years were investigated (52.1% women, 47.9% men). The PF variables included grip strength, one-leg standing, usual and maximum walking speeds, and chair-standing time. PA (MVPA, LPA, and ST) and the number of steps taken daily were assessed for seven consecutive days by a tri-axial accelerometer. We determined the sex-specific quartiles of MVPA, LPA, and ST and analyzed their associations with physical function in separate models for each exposure measure. Results: In the crude analysis, MVPA was significantly associated with all PF variables in the men, and with the usual walking speed, max. walking speed, and chair-standing time in the women. Neither LPA nor ST was significantly associated with any PF variables. After adjusting potential confounding factors, significant associations between MVPA and usual walking speed remained in the men and women. Conclusions: Only greater moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was significantly associated with higher levels of PF variables in both men and women. Thus, time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) can help older adults maintain or improve their physical function.

The Potential Win-win Strategy for Healthy Aging and Environmental Protection: Environmental Volunteering

2021 ◽  
pp. 089011712110555
Author(s):  
Chung-Shan Hung ◽  
Ching-Hui Loh ◽  
Jyh-Gang Hsieh ◽  
Jia-Ching Chen ◽  
Yan-Wei Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Muscle Testing ◽  
Environmental Volunteering ◽  
Intensive Group

Purpose To explore the physical activity level of community environmental volunteering (CEV) participants and the differences in physical functions and daily activity patterns between the older adults who engaged in intensive CEV (≥15 hours/week) and non-intensive CEV (<15 hours/week) groups. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Three recycling stations in Taiwan. Sample In total, 113 community-dwelling older adults who regularly participated in CEV. The response rate was 53%. Measures The ActiGraph wGT3x-BT accelerometer for the percentage of sedentary, light, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of CEV time and awaken time; the Jamar hand dynamometer for grip strength; and the MicroFET3 muscle testing dynamometer for knee extension strength. Analysis Analysis of covariance with the baseline characteristics as covariates. Results Overall, MVPA, light, and sedentary activities accounted for 53.73%, 41.10%, and 5.23% of CEV time, respectively. The intensive group (n = 61) displayed greater dominant handgrip strength ( P = .004) and higher MVPA percentage in daily life ( P = .044) than the non-intensive group (n = 52). Conclusion CEV provides sufficient opportunities for older adults to perform physical activity. Intensive CEV is related to greater handgrip strength but not lower limb strength. Further study is needed to establish the causal relationship between CEV and health variates.

scholarly journals Physical Inactivity and Related Barriers: A Study in a Community Dwelling of Older Brazilians

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastião Gobbi ◽  
Emerson Sebastião ◽  
Camila Bosquiero Papini ◽  
Priscila Missaki Nakamura ◽  
Américo Valdanha Netto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

This study sought to investigate the prevalence of physical inactivity and related barriers in older Brazilian adults. A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted, and a stratified random sampling procedure was used. A total of 359 older adults were interviewed. The long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Questionnaire of Barriers to Physical Activity Practice were used to assess physical activity level and barriers, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed on the prevalence of physical inactivity in either gender or age groups. Regarding barriers, the proportion of 9 out of 22 barriers was statistically significant between men and women. Self-reported physical inactivity/activity in older Brazilian adults continues to be a concern. Uncommonly, older males reported a higher prevalence of physical inactivity compared to their counterparts. Additionally, physical inactivity prevalence continued to increase with the aging process. Yet, personal barriers such as lack of time and poor health were strongly associated with physical inactivity. The results of this study may help health professionals and public policy makers to better address the issues related to a healthy lifestyle among older adults and promote physical activity among Brazilian older adults and in other countries with similar characteristics.

scholarly journals Accelerometer Assessment of Physical Activity in Active, Healthy Older Adults

2009 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Copeland ◽  
Dale W. Esliger
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Cut Point ◽  
Rich Information ◽  
The Rich ◽  
Older Populations

Despite widespread use of accelerometers to objectively monitor physical activity among adults and youth, little attention has been given to older populations. The purpose of this study was to define an accelerometer-count cut point for a group of older adults and to then assess the group’s physical activity for 7 days. Participants (N= 38, age 69.7 ± 3.5 yr) completed a laboratory-based calibration with an Actigraph 7164 accelerometer. The cut point defining moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was 1,041 counts/min. On average, participants obtained 68 min of MVPA per day, although more than 65% of this occurred as sporadic activity. Longer bouts of activity occurred in the morning (6 a.m. to 12 p.m.) more frequently than other times of the day. Almost 14 hr/day were spent in light-intensity activity. This study demonstrates the rich information that accelerometers provide about older adult activity patterns—information that might further our understanding of the relationship between physical activity and healthy aging.

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