Domain-Specific and Total Sedentary Behavior Associated with Gait Velocity in Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Physical Fitness

Abstract

Although it has been well-documented that older adults spend a significant amount of time being sedentary and have slower gait velocity, little is known of how physical fitness mediates the association between them. The main purpose of this study was to explore whether objectively measured physical fitness mediates the association between domain-specific and total sedentary behavior and gait velocity. We recruited 120 older adults aged ≥ 60 years. Sedentary behavior was assessed by the Measure of Older Adults’ Sedentary Time questionnaire. We used a Zebris pressure platform to assess gait velocity. To assess the level of overall physical fitness, we summed the z-scores of seven tests: (1) waist circumference, (2) chair stand in 30 s, (3) arm curl in 30 s, (4) 2-min step test, (5) chair sit-and-reach test, (6) back scratch test, and (7) 8-foot up-and-go test. Overall physical fitness was obtained by summing up all physical test z-scores. Gait velocity was significantly associated with all domain-specific and total sedentary behavior (β = −0.04 to −0.35, p < 0.05). Overall physical fitness was significantly associated with all domain-specific and total sedentary behavior (β = −0.21 to −1.24, p < 0.001) and gait velocity (β = 0.23 to 0.24, p < 0.001). When physical fitness was put as the mediator, significant direct effects between sedentary behavior and gait velocity disappeared. Results indicate that physical fitness fully mediates the association between sedentary behavior and gait velocity in older adults.

Factors Differentiating the Level of Functional Fitness in Polish Seniors

“…Although its scope and pace may differ between individuals, a lower level of functional fitness is associated with the risk of loss of functional independence in everyday life, and so the motor abilities of older adults need to be monitored and evaluated in order to implement appropriate programs and procedures [3,[16][17][18]. One of the most important problems that needs to be addressed is the preference for a sedentary lifestyle and reduction of movement to just the most necessary daily activities [19].…”

“…Croatian seniors have also achieved results convergent with our subjects in five tests (30 s chair stand test, chair sit-and-reach test, 2-min step test, 8-foot up and go test, arm curl test). This is another group that presents a level of functional fitness higher than American seniors [16].…”

“…The development of optimal programs aimed at improving the independence, safety of movement, and broadly understood quality of life has become a challenge for the sciences of health and physical education [13][14][15]. Assessment of physical fitness should be helpful in taking actions that will improve the quality of life of older people [16].…”

<p>Self-Reported vs Measured Physical Fitness in Older Women</p>

“…More detailed description of the study methodology, sample size and inclusion criteria are based on previously published data that can be found elsewhere. 17 In brief, we spread the information about the main aims and benefits of the study via posters. We based our sample on 120 older women.…”

More Time Spent in Sedentary Behaviors is Associated with Higher Plantar Pressures in Older Women

“…One-hundred and twenty older women aged ≥60 years participated in this cross-sectional study. More detailed information about the methodology and sample size collection has been reported previously [8].…”