scholarly journals Associations of Physical Function and Physical Activity With COVID-19-Like Symptoms

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 543-544
Author(s):  
Marguerita Saadeh ◽  
Amaia Calderón-Larrañaga ◽  
Davide Vetrano ◽  
Philip von Rosen ◽  
Anna-Karin Welmer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Population Based ◽  
National Study ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Headache Pain

Abstract Physical function and physical activity have been associated with health outcomes related to the cardiopulmonary and immune systems, but the extent to which they are related to the risk of developing COVID-19-like symptoms remains unclear. We aimed to explore these associations among Swedish older adults. We analyzed data from 904 individuals aged ≥68 years from the population-based Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen. COVID-19-like symptoms were assessed by phone interview (March-June 2020) and included fever, cough, sore throat and/or a cold, headache, pain in muscles, legs and joints, loss of taste and/or odour, breathing difficulties, chest pain, gastrointestinal symptoms and eye inflammation. Muscle strength, mobility, and physical activity were objectively examined in 2016-2018. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models and stratifying by age. During the first outbreak of the pandemic, 325 (36%) individuals from our sample developed COVID-19-like symptoms. Those with longer time to perform the chair stand test had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-2.1) for presenting with COVID-19-like symptoms compared to those with a faster time to perform the test, after adjusting for potential confounders. The risk was even higher among people aged ≥80 years (OR: 2.6; 95% CI 1.5-4.7). No significant associations were found for walking speed or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. A weaker muscle strength, especially among the oldest-old adults, may contribute to higher odds of developing COVID-19-like symptoms, emphasizing the need to maintain sufficient levels of muscle strength in old age.

scholarly journals Associations of pre-pandemic levels of physical function and physical activity with COVID-19-like symptoms during the outbreak

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marguerita Saadeh ◽  
Amaia Calderón-Larrañaga ◽  
Davide Liborio Vetrano ◽  
Philip von Rosen ◽  
Laura Fratiglioni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
National Study ◽  
Activity Levels

Abstract Background One’s physical function and physical activity levels can predispose or protect from the development of respiratory infections. We aimed to explore the associations between pre-pandemic levels of physical function and physical activity and the development of COVID-19-like symptoms in Swedish older adults. Methods We analyzed data from 904 individuals aged ≥ 68 years from the population-based Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen. COVID-19-like symptoms were assessed by phone interview (March–June 2020) and included fever, cough, sore throat and/or a cold, headache, pain in muscles, legs and joints, loss of taste and/or odor, breathing difficulties, chest pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and eye inflammation. Muscle strength, mobility, and physical activity were examined in 2016–2018 by objective testing. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models in the total sample and stratifying by age. Results During the first outbreak of the pandemic, 325 (36%) individuals from our sample developed COVID-19-like symptoms. Those with slower performance in the chair stand test had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–2.1) for presenting with COVID-19-like symptoms compared to better performers, after adjusting for potential confounders. The association was even higher among people aged ≥ 80 years (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.5–4.7). No significant associations were found between walking speed or engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and the likelihood to develop COVID-19-like symptoms. Conclusion Poor muscle strength, a possible indicator of frailty, may predispose older adults to higher odds of developing COVID-19-like symptoms, especially among the oldest-old.

scholarly journals Mobility and Muscle Strength Trajectories: The Effect of Mediterranean Diet, Physical Activity, and Social Support

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 71-72
Author(s):  
Marguerita Saadeh ◽  
Federica Prinelli ◽  
Davide Vetrano ◽  
Weili Xu ◽  
Anna-Karin Welmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
National Study ◽  
Chair Stand ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
High Social Support

Abstract Decline in physical function varies substantially across older individuals due to several biological and extrinsic factors. We aimed to determine the effect of modifiable factors -such as dietary patterns, physical activity and social support- and their interaction with mobility and muscle strength decline after age 60. We analyzed data from 1686 individuals aged 60+ from the population-based Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen. The Mediterranean Diet Score was calculated based on a validated food frequency questionnaire. Physical activity was categorized based on current recommendations, and social support was measured according to participants' perceived material and psychological support. Participants’ physical function was assessed over 12 years through changes in walking speed (m/s) and chair stand time (s). Linear mixed models adjusted for socio-demographic and clinical factors were used. Subjects with high adherence to Mediterranean diet were <78 years (82.3%), women (56.1%), married (61.1%), with university education (52.8%), high levels of social support (39.3%) and health-enhancing physical activity (51.5%). One-point (over nine) increase in the MDS was associated with a slower annual worsening in walking speed (β*time=0.001; p=0.024) and chair stand time (β*time=-0.014; p=0.008). The protective effect of Mediterranean diet was highest among subjects reporting high social support (β*time=-0.065, p=0.026 for chair stands) and high physical activity (β*time=0.010, p=0.001 for walking speed), beyond the effect of each exposure individually. A higher adherence to Mediterranean diet, especially in combination with recommended levels of physical activity and high social support, contribute to delay the decline in physical function observed with aging.

scholarly journals Mobility and muscle strength trajectories in old age: the beneficial effect of Mediterranean diet in combination with physical activity and social support

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marguerita Saadeh ◽  
Federica Prinelli ◽  
Davide L. Vetrano ◽  
Weili Xu ◽  
Anna-Karin Welmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
National Study ◽  
Chair Stand ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
High Social Support

Abstract Introduction Decline in physical function varies substantially across older individuals due to several extrinsic modifiable factors such as dietary patterns, physical activity and social support. We aimed to determine the association of these factors and their interaction with mobility and muscle strength decline. Methods We analyzed data from 1686 functionally healthy individuals aged 60 + from the population-based Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K). The Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) was calculated based on a validated food frequency questionnaire. Self-reported physical activity was categorized based on current recommendations, and social support was measured according to participants’ perceived material and psychological support from relatives and friends. Participants’ physical function was assessed over 12 years through changes in walking speed (m/s) and chair stand time (s). Linear mixed models adjusted for socio-demographic and clinical factors were used. In order to explore the combined effect of the different exposures, two indicator variables were created by cross-classifying individuals' levels of Mediterranean diet adherence and social support or physical activity. Results Participants with a high adherence to Mediterranean diet were primarily < 78 years (82.3%), women (56.1%), married (61.1%), with university education (52.8%), high levels of social support (39.3%) and health-enhancing levels of physical activity (51.5%). A one-point increase in MDS (score range 0–9) was associated with less annual deterioration in walking speed (β*time[year] = 0.001; p = 0.024) and chair-stand time (β*time[year] = -0.014; p = 0.008). The potential protective effect of Mediterranean diet was highest among participants reporting high social support (β*time[year] = -0.065, p = 0.026 for chair stands) and high physical activity (β*time[year] = 0.010, p = 0.001 for walking speed), beyond the effect of each exposure individually. Conclusion A higher adherence to Mediterranean diet, especially in combination with recommended levels of physical activity and high social support, may contribute to delay the decline in physical function observed with aging.

Differences in physical function and metabolic syndrome risk factors according to the level of physical activity in elderly Korean men: a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Mineral Density

Background and objective: Managing the decrease in physical function in the elderly is a major task in aging societies globally. Here, we aimed to compare the physical function and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors according to levels of physical activity (PA). Material and methods: We measured PA in 77 elderly Korean men (74.21 ± 6.26 years old) with an accelerometer and recorded body composition, physical function, and MetS-related risk factors. Participants were divided into three groups based on daily moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA): low (under 60 min), middle (60-120 min), and high (over 120 min). The groups were compared using a one-way analysis of variance and the Scheffe post hoc test. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated by logistic regression analysis. Results: Significant differences were found between the groups for sedentary behavior time (P < 0.001), light PA (P < 0.05), moderate PA (P < 0.001), vigorous PA (P < 0.05), and total energy expenditure (P < 0.001). The high PA group showed a significantly lower percentage of body fat and fat mass and higher muscle mass than did the low and middle PA groups (P < 0.05). The 6-min walk test was significantly better in the high PA group than in the low and middle PA groups (P < 0.05). Grip strength and the Berg balance scale were also significantly better in the high PA group (P < 0.05). Bone mineral density (BMD) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were significantly higher in the high PA group than in the low PA group (P < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher in the middle PA group than in the low PA group (P < 0.05). Participants with more than three MetS criteria showed an OR of 0.09 (95% confidence interval 0.01-0.82) in the high PA group as compared with the low PA group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Moderate-vigorous physical activity of more than 120 min daily showed better physical function and lower OR of MetS than did lower MVPA levels in elderly Korean men.

scholarly journals Objectively measured physical activity, sedentary behaviour and all-cause mortality in older men: does volume of activity matter more than pattern of accumulation?

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (16) ◽  
pp. 1013-1020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara J Jefferis ◽  
Tessa J Parsons ◽  
Claudio Sartini ◽  
Sarah Ash ◽  
Lucy T Lennon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Sedentary Breaks ◽  
Objectively Measured

ObjectivesTo understand how device-measured sedentary behaviour and physical activity are related to all-cause mortality in older men, an age group with high levels of inactivity and sedentary behaviour.MethodsProspective population-based cohort study of men recruited from 24 UK General Practices in 1978–1980. In 2010–2012, 3137 surviving men were invited to a follow-up, 1655 (aged 71–92 years) agreed. Nurses measured height and weight, men completed health and demographic questionnaires and wore an ActiGraph GT3x accelerometer. All-cause mortality was collected through National Health Service central registers up to 1 June 2016.ResultsAfter median 5.0 years’ follow-up, 194 deaths occurred in 1181 men without pre-existing cardiovascular disease. For each additional 30 min in sedentary behaviour, or light physical activity (LIPA), or 10 min in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), HRs for mortality were 1.17 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.25), 0.83 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.90) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.96), respectively. Adjustments for confounders did not meaningfully change estimates. Only LIPA remained significant on mutual adjustment for all intensities. The HR for accumulating 150 min MVPA/week in sporadic minutes (achieved by 66% of men) was 0.59 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.81) and 0.58 (95% CI 0.33 to 1.00) for accumulating 150 min MVPA/week in bouts lasting ≥10 min (achieved by 16% of men). Sedentary breaks were not associated with mortality.ConclusionsIn older men, all activities (of light intensity upwards) were beneficial and accumulation of activity in bouts ≥10 min did not appear important beyond total volume of activity. Findings can inform physical activity guidelines for older adults.

scholarly journals Dietary Protein, Muscle and Physical Function in the Very Old

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 935 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernhard Franzke ◽  
Oliver Neubauer ◽  
David Cameron-Smith ◽  
Karl-Heinz Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Muscle Protein ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Very Old ◽  
Protein Requirements ◽  
Protein Ingestion

There is an ongoing debate as to the optimal protein intake in older adults. An increasing body of experimental studies on skeletal muscle protein metabolism as well as epidemiological data suggest that protein requirements with ageing might be greater than many current dietary recommendations. Importantly, none of the intervention studies in this context specifically investigated very old individuals. Data on the fastest growing age group of the oldest old (aged 85 years and older) is very limited. In this review, we examine the current evidence on protein intake for preserving muscle mass, strength and function in older individuals, with emphasis on data in the very old. Available observational data suggest beneficial effects of a higher protein intake with physical function in the oldest old. Whilst, studies estimating protein requirements in old and very old individuals based on whole-body measurements, show no differences between these sub-populations of elderly. However, small sample sizes preclude drawing firm conclusions. Experimental studies that compared muscle protein synthetic (MPS) responses to protein ingestion in young and old adults suggest that a higher relative protein intake is required to maximally stimulate skeletal muscle MPS in the aged. Although, data on MPS responses to protein ingestion in the oldest old are currently lacking. Collectively, the data reviewed for this article support the concept that there is a close interaction of physical activity, diet, function and ageing. An attractive hypothesis is that regular physical activity may preserve and even enhance the responsiveness of ageing skeletal muscle to protein intake, until very advanced age. More research involving study participants particularly aged ≥85 years is warranted to better investigate and determine protein requirements in this specific growing population group.

Abstract P232: Poor Lower Extremity Physical Function Increases Risk For Heart Failure In Older Women: The OPACH Study

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Bellettiere ◽  
Andrea Z LaCroix ◽  
Chongzhi Di ◽  
Charles Eaton ◽  
Michael J Lamonte
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Race Ethnicity

Background: A hallmark of clinically manifest heart failure (HF) is reduced levels of exercise tolerance and physical function. It is unclear, however, whether an association exists between poor physical function and future development of HF, particularly at older ages. Methods: Women (n=5327; mean±SD age = 79±7) with no history of HF completed the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) to measure physical function. The SPPB consists of three timed tasks that assess standing balance (with 3 progressively difficult balance tests), strength (with 5 unassisted chair stands), and gait (with a 4m usual-pace walk), and is scored 0 (worst) to 12 (best). Four previously-defined categories were used: very low (SPPB 0-3; n=237); low (4-6; n=900), moderate (7-9; n=2139), and high (10-12; n=1767; referent group). Women were followed for up to 8 years for incident physician-adjudicated HF hospitalization. Cox proportional hazards regression models were adjusted for age, race-ethnicity, education, smoking, alcohol, diabetes, hypertension, COPD, osteoarthritis, depression, BMI, and accelerometer-measured moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time. Results: The number of HF cases (crude rate/1000 person-years) across the above SPPB categories (very low to high) were 41 (33.5), 78 (15.5), 96 (7.8), and 41 (4.0). Covariate-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 3.39 (2.05-5.84), 2.20 (1.47-3.31), 1.74 (1.20-2.51) and 1.00 (ref), trend P<.001. After additional adjustment for MVPA and sedentary time, the fully-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 2.85 (1.71-4.75), 1.94 (1.29-2.93), 1.61 (1.10, 2.32) and 1.00 (ref), trend P<.001. When modeled continuously (per 3-unit decrement in SPPB score), fully-adjusted associations were consistent over stratum of age (<80: HR=1.72; ≥80: HR=1.56; interaction P=.05), race-ethnicity (white: HR=1.59; black: HR=1.59; Hispanic: HR=1.18; P=.57), and accelerometer-measured total physical activity (<5.6 hr/d: HR=1.54; ≥5.6 hr/d: HR=1.51; P=.81). Conclusions: A significant inverse association between SPPB score and HF incidence was observed in ambulatory older women, independent of age, physical activity levels, and other HF predictors. Physical function is a modifiable factor that may be important for HF prevention in later life.

scholarly journals Accelerometry-assessed physical activity and sedentary time and associations with chronic disease and hospital visits - a prospective cohort study with 15 years follow-up

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ing-Mari Dohrn ◽  
Anna-Karin Welmer ◽  
Maria Hagströmer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Hospital Care ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Hospital Visits ◽  
Hospital Days

Abstract Background Associations of objectively assessed physical activity in different intensities and risk of developing chronic disease that requires hospital care have not yet been examined in long term population-based studies. Studies addressing the link between physical activity and sedentary time and subsequent hospital admissions are lacking. Objective To examine the prospective associations between physical activity and sedentary time with morbidity defined as: 1) a registered main diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, cancer, type-2 diabetes, dementia, obesity or depression; 2) number of in- and outpatient hospital visits; and 3) number of in-hospital days. Methods In total, 1220 women and men, 18–75 years, from the population-based Sweden Attitude Behaviour and Change study 2000–2001 were included. Time spent sedentary, in light-intensity physical activity and in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and total accelerometer counts were assessed using the ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer. Morbidity data were obtained 2016 from Swedish registers. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios (HR) of morbidity with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and negative binomial regression estimated incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% CI for number of hospital visits, and length of hospital stay. Results Over a follow-up of 14.4 years (SD = 1.6), 342 persons had at least one registered hospital visit due to any of the included diagnoses. Higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with significant risk reductions for combined morbidity (all included diagnoses) (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.48–0.88) and cardiovascular disease (HR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.33–0.82). Higher total counts showed similar results, and was also associated with fewer hospital visits (IRR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37–0.85). Higher sedentary time increased the risk of in-hospital days. (IRR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.20–4.74). Conclusion This study supports the importance of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for preventing chronic disease that requires hospital care, especially cardiovascular disease. High volumes of sedentary behavior may increase the risk of future hospitalization. Our results support the public health message “sit less and move more”.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document