Moderate‐to‐Vigorous Physical Activity Is Associated With Higher Muscle Oxidative Capacity in Older Adults

Abstract Age-related decline in muscle oxidative capacity negatively affects muscle function and mobility, which may lead to disability and frailty. Whether exercise and other life-style practices reduce age-related decline in muscle oxidative capacity is unclear. We assessed whether, after accounting for age, higher daily physical activity levels are associated with greater muscle oxidative capacity. Participants included 384 adults (54.7% women) aged 22 to 92 years from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Muscle oxidative capacity was measured in vivo using phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We determined the time constant for phosphocreatine recovery (τPCr, in seconds) after exercise, with lower values of τPCr reflecting greater oxidative capacity. Time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was assessed using accelerometers that participants wore for 5.9 ± 0.9 consecutive days in the free-living environment. In linear regression models, older age was associated with higher τPCr (β = 0.39, p-value <.001) after adjusting for sex, race, height and weight. After including MVPA as an independent variable, the standardized regression coefficient for age was attenuated by 40% to 0.22. p-value <.001). MVPA was strongly associated with lower τPCr (β = -0.33, p-value <.001) after adjusting for health status, education and smoking history and was only attenuated by 3% after additional adjustment for age. These results suggest that MVPA is strongly associated with muscle oxidative capacity independent of age, providing mechanistic insights into the health benefits of daily physical activity in older persons.

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Association between 6-minute walk test and moderate to vigorous physical activity level in older adults

Korean Journal of Sports Science ◽

10.35159/kjss.2017.10.26.5.911 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 26 (5) ◽

pp. 911-919

Author(s):

Soon-Chang Sung ◽

Jin-Wook Chung ◽

Seung-Sam Jung ◽

Hyun-Soo Kim

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Activity Level ◽

Walk Test ◽

6 Minute Walk Test ◽

Minute Walk

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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18083971 ◽

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.

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

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s12966-021-01157-0 ◽

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.

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

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2021-0012 ◽

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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Evaluation of wrist and hip sedentary behaviour and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity raw acceleration cutpoints in older adults

Journal of Sports Sciences ◽

10.1080/02640414.2018.1555904 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 37 (11) ◽

pp. 1270-1279 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

George J. Sanders ◽

Lynne M. Boddy ◽

S. Andy Sparks ◽

Whitney B. Curry ◽

Brenda Roe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Sedentary Behaviour ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity

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

10.21203/rs.3.rs-847301/v1 ◽

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.

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Abstract P495: Trends in Physical Activity Among US Older Adults With Heart Failure 2007-2016

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.141.suppl_1.p495 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Fan Ye ◽

Li Zhou ◽

Joseph Yeboah ◽

Peter H Brubaker ◽

Alain G Bertoni

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Older Adults ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Recreational Activities ◽

Aerobic Activity ◽

Vigorous Intensity ◽

The Impact

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health problem which is the leading cause of hospitalization. About half of people who develop HF die within 5 years of diagnosis. Recent evidence suggests that physical inactivity may be an important risk for HF. However, the importance of physical activity in the prevention and treatment have not been adequately recognized. Self-reported physical activity can provide insights into the impact of lifestyle behaviors on mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between physical activity and HF in a nationally representative sample of United States (US) adults. Methods: The 2007-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data collection cycles were used for this analysis. Participants aged 65 and older with HF were defined as those who answered “yes” to the question: “Has a doctor or other health professional ever told you that you had congestive HF?” Frequency and duration of self-reported moderate-intensity (“Days moderate recreational activities” and “Minutes moderate recreational activities”) and vigorous-intensity Days vigorous recreational activities” and “Minutes vigorous recreational activities”) physical activity were collected through questionnaires as well in all data cycles. We used 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Older Adults, which recommended that most older adults (age≥65 years) participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week as our cut-off points for calculating moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Results: Between 2007-2008 and 2015-2016, the percentage of US adults ≥65 years with HF increased from 2.76% to 3.69% (p=0.04). Although a similar percentage of participants who met the criteria of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week was noted in both groups from 2007 to 2016 (on average, HF: 56.9% vs. HF-free: 56.7%, respectively, p>0.05), more HF-free participants reported at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity recreational activities per week compared to HF participants in each calendar year (82.8% vs. 66.7%, 85.0% vs. 70.0%, 83.5% vs. 55.0%, 87.0% vs.75%, 85.2% vs. 63.6%, respectively, p<0.01). Additionally, among those who reported activities, older adults with HF were less than 20 times as likely to report moderate or vigorous recreational activities compared to those without HF. Conclusions: Our findings illustrate lower self-reported physical recreational activities, especially vigorous activities, in older participants who report a diagnosis of HF and more participants without HF report vigorous-intensity recreational activities. Future study should focus on understanding the physical limitations of HF patients, which is paramount in developing cardiac rehabilitation strategies to improve their function capacity.

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Impact of first and second eye cataract surgery on physical activity: a prospective study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024491 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. e024491 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lynn B Meuleners ◽

Ying Ru Feng ◽

Michelle Fraser ◽

Kate Brameld ◽

Kyle Chow

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cataract Surgery ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Moderate Physical Activity ◽

Bilateral Cataract ◽

Eye Surgery ◽

The Impact

ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of first eye and second eye cataract surgery on the level of physical activity undertaken by older adults with bilateral cataract.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThree public ophthalmology clinics in Western Australia.ParticipantsFifty-five older adults with bilateral cataract aged 55+ years, awaiting first eye cataract surgery.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was participation in moderate leisure-time physical activity. The secondary outcomes were participation in walking, gardening and vigorous leisure-time physical activity. Participants completed a researcher-administered questionnaire, containing the Active Australia Survey and visual tests before first eye cataract surgery, after first eye surgery and after second eye surgery. A Generalised Estimating Equation linear regression model was undertaken to analyse the change in moderate leisure-time physical activity participation before first eye surgery, after first eye surgery and after second eye surgery, after accounting for relevant confounders.ResultsParticipants spent significantly less time per week (20 min) on moderate leisure-time physical activity before first eye cataract surgery compared with after first eye surgery (p=0.04) after accounting for confounders. After second eye cataract surgery, participants spent significantly more time per week (32 min) on moderate physical activity compared with after first eye surgery (p=0.02). There were no significant changes in walking, gardening and vigorous physical activity throughout the cataract surgery process.ConclusionFirst and second eye cataract surgery each independently increased participation in moderate leisure-time physical activity. This provides a rationale for timely first and second eye cataract surgery for bilateral cataract patients, even when they have relatively good vision.

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Heterogeneous effects of old age on human muscle oxidative capacity in vivo: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2016-0195 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 41 (11) ◽

pp. 1137-1145 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Liam F. Fitzgerald ◽

Anita D. Christie ◽

Jane A. Kent

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Old Age ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Oxidative Capacity ◽

Muscle Group ◽

Resonance Spectroscopy ◽

Muscle Oxidative Capacity ◽

Study Results

Despite intensive efforts to understand the extent to which skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity changes in older humans, the answer to this important question remains unclear. To determine what the preponderance of evidence from in vivo studies suggests, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of age on muscle oxidative capacity as measured noninvasively by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A secondary aim was to examine potential moderators contributing to differences in results across studies, including muscle group, physical activity status, and sex. Candidate papers were identified from PubMed searches (n = 3561 papers) and the reference lists of relevant papers. Standardized effects (Hedges’ g) were calculated for age and each moderator using data from the 22 studies that met the inclusion criteria (n = 28 effects). Effects were coded as positive when older (age, ≥55 years) adults had higher muscle oxidative capacity than younger (age, 20–45 years) adults. The overall effect of age on oxidative capacity was positive (g = 0.171, p < 0.001), indicating modestly greater oxidative capacity in old. Notably, there was significant heterogeneity in this result (Q = 245.8, p < 0.001; I2 = ∼70%–90%). Muscle group, physical activity, and sex were all significant moderators of oxidative capacity (p ≤ 0.029). This analysis indicates that the current body of literature does not support a de facto decrease of in vivo muscle oxidative capacity in old age. The heterogeneity of study results and identification of significant moderators provide clarity regarding apparent discrepancies in the literature, and indicate the importance of accounting for these variables when examining purported age-related differences in muscle oxidative capacity.

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