scholarly journals Novel Applications of Accelerometry Data for Health Outcomes in Older Adults: Thinking Beyond MVPA

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 336-336
Author(s):  
Jennifer Schrack ◽  
Jacek Urbanek ◽  
Manini Manini
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Time Series Data ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Series Data ◽  
Frailty Phenotype ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Measure Of Performance ◽  
Wearable Accelerometers

Abstract Physical activity is a well-established predictor of health and longevity. Wearable accelerometers produce high-frequency, time series data that capture multiple aspects of daily physical activity across the spectrum of intensity. Historically, the majority of accelerometry-based physical activity research has employed summary threshold metrics such as moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, or “MVPA.” Although these measures are important for understanding compliance with physical activity guidelines, they underutilize the potential of this data. To advance the science of physical activity in older adults, more sensitive, clinically translatable measures are needed. This symposium will examine the associations between novel measures of accelerometry-derived physical activity and various aging-related health outcomes. Dr. Wanigatunga will discuss the association of physical activity volume and fragmentation with the frailty phenotype in the Study to Understand Vitamin D and Fall Reduction in You (STURDY). Dr. Cai will present evidence on the association of physical activity quantities and patterns with measures of visual impairment in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Ms. Qiao will present a novel accelerometry-derived measure of performance fatigability in the Developmental Epidemiologic Cohort Study. Finally, Dr. Urbanek will discuss the role of accelerometry-derived free-living gait cadence in defining fall risk in STURDY. Collectively, these presentations highlight critical associations between objective measures of physical activity and health outcomes in older adults and illuminate the need for thinking beyond MVPA to improve prevention and intervention efforts.

scholarly journals Fractal Complexity of Daily Physical Activity Patterns Differs With Age Over the Life Span and Is Associated With Mortality in Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (9) ◽  
pp. 1461-1467 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A Raichlen ◽  
Yann C Klimentidis ◽  
Chiu-Hsieh Hsu ◽  
Gene E Alexander
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Time Scales ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Time Series Data ◽  
Series Data ◽  
Fluctuation Analysis ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Wearable Accelerometers

Abstract Background Accelerometers are included in a wide range of devices that monitor and track physical activity for health-related applications. However, the clinical utility of the information embedded in their rich time-series data has been greatly understudied and has yet to be fully realized. Here, we examine the potential for fractal complexity of actigraphy data to serve as a clinical biomarker for mortality risk. Methods We use detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) to analyze actigraphy data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; n = 11,694). The DFA method measures fractal complexity (signal self-affinity across time-scales) as correlations between the amplitude of signal fluctuations in time-series data across a range of time-scales. The slope, α, relating the fluctuation amplitudes to the time-scales over which they were measured describes the complexity of the signal. Results Fractal complexity of physical activity (α) decreased significantly with age (p = 1.29E−6) and was lower in women compared with men (p = 1.79E−4). Higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in older adults and in women were associated with greater fractal complexity. In adults aged 50–79 years, lower fractal complexity of activity (α) was associated with greater mortality (hazard ratio = 0.64; 95% confidence interval = 0.49–0.82) after adjusting for age, exercise engagement, chronic diseases, and other covariates associated with mortality. Conclusions Wearable accelerometers can provide a noninvasive biomarker of physiological aging and mortality risk after adjusting for other factors strongly associated with mortality. Thus, this fractal analysis of accelerometer signals provides a novel clinical application for wearable accelerometers, advancing efforts for remote monitoring of physiological health by clinicians.

scholarly journals Dynamics of sleep, sedentary behavior, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on school versus nonschool days

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bridget Armstrong ◽  
Michael W Beets ◽  
Angela Starrett ◽  
Keith Brazendale ◽  
Gabrielle Turner-McGrievy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Time Use ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Time Series Data ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Series Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Specific Behavior ◽  
School Day

Abstract Study Objectives Studies examining time-use activity behaviors (sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity) on school days compared with nonschool days have examined these behaviors independently, ignoring their interrelated nature, limiting our ability to optimize the health benefits of these behaviors. This study examines the associations of school-day (vs. nonschool day) with time-use activity behaviors. Methods Time series data (6,642 days) from Fitbits (Charge-2) were collected (n = 196, 53% female, 5–10 years). We used a variable-centered dynamic structural equation modeling approach to estimate day-to-day associations of time-use activity behaviors on school days for each child. We then used person-centered cluster analyses to group individuals based on these estimates. Results Within-participant analysis showed that on school days (vs. nonschool days), children (1) slept less (β = −0.17, 95% CI = −0.21, −0.13), (2) were less sedentary (β = −0.05, 95% CI = −0.09, −0.02), and (3) had comparable moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; β = −0.05, 95% CI = −0.11, 0.00). Between-participant analysis showed that, on school days, children with higher sleep carryover experienced greater decreases in sleep (β = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.08, 0.71), children with higher body mass index z-score decreased sedentary behavior more (β = −0.41, 95% CI = −0.64, −0.13), and children with lower MVPA increased MVPA more (β = −0.41, 95% CI −0.64, −0.13). Cluster analysis demonstrated four distinct patterns of connections between time-use activity behaviors and school (High Activity, Sleep Resilient, High Sedentary, and Dysregulated Sleep). Conclusions Using a combination of person-centered and more traditional variable-centered approaches, we identified patterns of interrelated behaviors that differed on school, and nonschool days. Findings can inform targeted intervention strategies tailored to children’s specific behavior patterns.

Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines Through Community-Based Group Exercise: “Better Bones and Balance”

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrienne J. McNamara ◽  
Michael J. Pavol ◽  
Katherine B. Gunter
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Fracture Prevention ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Bone Loading ◽  
Recommended Guidelines

Objective:Community-based exercise programs are popular for achieving physical activity among older adults, but the amount of physical activity obtained through such programs is unknown. This study quantified the bone-loading forces and levels of cardiovascular activity associated with participation in “Better Bones and Balance” (BBB), a community-based fall- and fracture-prevention program for older adults.Methods:Thirty-six postmenopausal women age 73.2 ± 7.6 yr engages in BBB participated in this study. Ground-reaction forces (GRFs) associated with BBB exercises were evaluated using a force platform. Session and weekly totals of minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total time spent above 55% maximum heart rate (HR) were measured using accelerometers and HR monitors, respectively.Results:BBB exercises produced mean 1-leg GRFs of 1.4–2.2 units body weight. Weekly BBB participation was associated with 126 ± 31 min of MVPA.Conclusion:Activity obtained by BBB participation meets recommended guidelines for skeletal and cardiovascular health.

Compliance of the Physical Activity Guidelines Accumulated in Bouts ≥10 Min and Nonbouts and Its Association With Body Composition and Physical Function: A Cross-Sectional Study in Brazilian Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Anna Gabriela Silva Vilela Ribeiro ◽  
Rozangela Verlengia ◽  
Maria Rita Marques de Oliveira ◽  
Matheus Valério Almeida Oliveira ◽  
Idico Luiz Pellegrinotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Appendicular Skeletal Muscle

This study aimed to investigate the association between compliance with the guidelines of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) accumulated in bouts of ≥10 min or nonbouts with body composition and physical function in older adults. The authors evaluated 230 noninstitutionalized older adults. Body composition was estimated using bioimpedance, and physical function was assessed using four physical tests. Physical activities were monitored for 7 days using an accelerometer. Older adults who were physically active according to MVPA in bouts of ≥10 min were less likely to have low appendicular skeletal muscle mass (odds ratio [OR] = 0.12), excess body fat (OR = 0.30), and abdominal obesity (OR = 0.34) and more likely to have a higher physical function (OR = 5.78). No significant association was observed with MVPA nonbout. Our findings indicate that older adults who accumulate MVPA in bouts of  ≥10 min have better parameters for body composition and physical function.

scholarly journals Virtual Reality Exercise as a Coping Strategy for Health and Wellness Promotion in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1986 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zan Gao ◽  
Jung Eun Lee ◽  
Daniel J. McDonough ◽  
Callie Albers
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Intervention Strategy ◽  
Effective Intervention ◽  
World Health ◽  
Motor Ability ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Wellness Promotion

The December 2019 COVID-19 outbreak in China has led to worldwide quarantine, as recommended by local governments and the World Health Organization. Particularly affected are older adults (i.e., those aged ≥ 65 years) who are at elevated risk for various adverse health outcomes, including declines in motor ability and physical activity (PA) participation, increased obesity, impaired cognition, and various psychological disorders. Thus, given the secular increases in the older adult population, novel and effective intervention strategies are necessary to improve physical activity behaviors and health in this population. Virtual reality (VR)-integrated exercise is a promising intervention strategy, which has been utilized in healthcare fields like stroke rehabilitation and psychotherapy. Therefore, the purpose of this editorial is to synthesize recent research examining the efficacy and effectiveness of VR exercise in the promotion of favorable health outcomes among the older adults. Results indicate the application of VR exercise to facilitate improved physical outcomes (e.g., enhanced motor ability, reduced obesity), cognition and psychological outcomes. VR exercise has also been observed to be an effective intervention strategy for fall prevention in this population. Future research should employ more rigorous research designs to allow for a more robust quantitative synthesis of the effect of VR exercise on the preceding outcomes to elucidate which type(s) of VR-based PA interventions are most effective in promoting improved health outcomes among older adults. Findings from this study will better inform the development of technology-savvy PA programs for wellness promotion in older adults who practice social distancing and exercise from home under the unprecedented global health crisis.

scholarly journals Profiles of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Physically Active and Inactive Older Adults in Rural England

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3971
Author(s):  
Jolanthe de Koning ◽  
Suzanne H. Richards ◽  
Grace E. R. Wood ◽  
Afroditi Stathi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Physical Activity Behaviour ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active

Objective: Loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risk of morbidity and mortality and physical inactivity in older age. This study explored the socioecological context in which both physically active and inactive older adults experience loneliness and/or social isolation in a UK rural setting. Design: A mixed-methods design employed semi structured interviews and accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Interviews explored the personal, social and environmental factors influencing engagement with physical activities, guided by an adapted-socioecological model of physical activity behaviour. Findings: Twenty-four older adults (MeanAge = 73 (5.8 SD); 12 women) were interviewed. Transcripts were thematically analysed and seven profiles of physical activity, social isolation and loneliness were identified. The high-MVPA group had established PA habits, reported several sources of social contact and evaluated their physical environment as activity friendly. The low MVPA group had diverse experiences of past engagement in social activities. Similar to the high MVPA, they reported a range of sources of social contact but they did not perceive the physical environment as activity friendly. Conclusions: Loneliness and/or social isolation was reported by both physically active and inactive older adults. There is wide diversity and complexity in types and intensity of PA, loneliness and social isolation profiles and personal, social and environmental contexts.

scholarly journals Association of daily composition of physical activity and sedentary behaviour with incidence of cardiovascular disease in older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manasa S. Yerramalla ◽  
Duncan E. McGregor ◽  
Vincent T. van Hees ◽  
Aurore Fayosse ◽  
Aline Dugravot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Movement Behaviour ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Daily Movement ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Current Duration

Abstract Background Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is proposed as key for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) prevention. At older ages, the role of sedentary behaviour (SB) and light intensity physical activity (LIPA) remains unclear. Evidence so far is based on studies examining movement behaviours as independent entities ignoring their co-dependency. This study examines the association between daily composition of objectively-assessed movement behaviours (MVPA, LIPA, SB) and incident CVD in older adults. Methods Whitehall II accelerometer sub-study participants free of CVD at baseline (N = 3319, 26.7% women, mean age = 68.9 years in 2012–2013) wore a wrist-accelerometer from which times in SB, LIPA, and MVPA during waking period were extracted over 7 days. Compositional Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for incident CVD for daily compositions of movement behaviours characterized by 10 (20 or 30) minutes greater duration in one movement behaviour accompanied by decrease in another behaviour, while keeping the third behaviour constant, compared to reference composition. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, cardiometabolic risk factors and multimorbidity index. Results Of the 3319 participants, 299 had an incident CVD over a mean (SD) follow-up of 6.2 (1.3) years. Compared to daily movement behaviour composition with MVPA at recommended 21 min per day (150 min/week), composition with additional 10 min of MVPA and 10 min less SB was associated with smaller risk reduction – 8% (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87–0.99) – than the 14% increase in risk associated with a composition of similarly reduced time in MVPA and more time in SB (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02–1.27). For a given MVPA duration, the CVD risk did not differ as a function of LIPA and SB durations. Conclusions Among older adults, an increase in MVPA duration at the expense of time in either SB or LIPA was found associated with lower incidence of CVD. This study lends support to public health guidelines encouraging increase in MVPA or at least maintain MVPA at current duration.

scholarly journals Walking Cadence to Exercise at Moderate Intensity for Adults: A Systematic Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Slaght ◽  
M. Sénéchal ◽  
T. J. Hrubeniuk ◽  
A. Mayo ◽  
D. R. Bouchard
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Aerobic Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Background. Most adults choose walking as a leisure activity. However, many do not reach the international physical activity guidelines for adults, which recommend moderate intensity aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes/week in bouts of 10 minutes. Purpose. This systematic review provides an update on the walking cadence required to reach moderate intensity in adults and older adults, identifies variables associated with reaching moderate intensity, and evaluates how walking cadence intensity should be measured, but the main purpose is to report the interventions that have been attempted to prescribe walking cadence to increase time spent at moderate intensity or other outcomes for adults and older adults. Methods. SportDISCUS, Scopus, and PubMed databases were searched. We identified 3,917 articles and 31 were retained for this systematic review. Only articles written in English were included. Results. In general, 100 steps/minute is prescribed for adults to achieve moderate intensity, but older adults may require a higher cadence. Currently, few studies have explored using walking cadence prescription as an intervention to increase physical activity levels. Conclusion. Prescribing walking cadence as a way to increase physical activity levels has potential as a practical and useful strategy, but more evidence is required to assess its ability to increase physical activity levels at moderate intensity.

The Relations Between Physical Activity Level, Executive Function, and White Matter Microstructure in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Marissa A. Gogniat ◽  
Catherine M. Mewborn ◽  
Talia L. Robinson ◽  
Kharine R. Jean ◽  
L. Stephen Miller
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Neuropsychological Testing ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Average Intensity ◽  
Age Related

The population of older adults is increasing, indicating a need to examine factors that may prevent or mitigate age-related cognitive decline. The current study examined whether microstructural white matter characteristics mediated the relation between physical activity and executive function in older adults without any self-reported psychiatric and neurological disorders or cognitive impairment (N = 43, mean age = 73 y). Physical activity was measured by average intensity and number of steps via accelerometry. Diffusion tensor imaging was used to examine microstructural white matter characteristics, and neuropsychological testing was used to examine executive functioning. Parallel mediation models were analyzed using microstructural white matter regions of interest as mediators of the association between physical activity and executive function. Results indicated that average steps was significantly related to executive function (β = 0.0003, t = 2.829, P = .007), while moderate to vigorous physical activity was not (β = 0.0007, t = 1.772, P = .08). White matter metrics did not mediate any associations. This suggests that microstructural white matter characteristics alone may not be the mechanism by which physical activity impacts executive function in aging.

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