ARS | Publication request: Habitual physical activity levels are associated with performance in measures of physical function and mobility in older men

Submitted to: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: February 1, 2010
Publication Date: September 1, 2010
Citation: Morie, M., Reid, K., Miciek, R., Lajevardi, N., Choong, K., Krasnoff, J., Storer, J., Fielding, R.A., Bhasin, S., Lebrassuer, N. 2010. Habitual physical activity levels are associated with performance in measures of physical function and mobility in older men. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 58(9):1727-1733.

Interpretive Summary: In this study we wanted to understand if there was a relationship between how much physical activity older men perform and their mobility and physical functioning. To do this we examined weekly physical activity in 82 older men over the age of 65 years by having them wear a device similar to a pedometer step counter called an accelerometer. We also measured their mobility and function y determining their average walking speed, their balance and the time it takes them to rise from a chair. We found that men who were more physically active had better mobility and physical function. This data suggests that regular physical activity is an important determinant of mobility and function in older men.

Technical Abstract: Physical activity according to triaxial accelerometers; physical function and mobility according to the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), gait speed, stair climb time, and a lift-and-lower task; aerobic capacity according to maximum oxygen consumption (VO(2) max); and leg press and chest press maximal strength and peak power. Older men with higher physical activity levels had a 1.4-point higher mean SPPB score and a 0.35-m/s faster walking speed than those with lower physical activity levels. They also climbed a standard flight of stairs 1.85 seconds faster and completed 60% more shelves in a lift-and-lower task (all P<.01); muscle strength and power measures were not significantly different between the low- and high-activity groups. Correlation analyses and multiple linear regression models showed that physical activity is positively associated with all physical function and mobility measures, leg press strength, and VO(2) max.