Walking as a Contributor to Physical Activity in Healthy Older Adults: 2 Week Longitudinal Study Using Accelerometry and the Doubly Labeled Water Method

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical activity is recommended to promote healthy aging. Defining the importance of activities such as walking in achieving higher levels of physical activity might provide indications for interventions.ObjectiveTo describe the importance of walking in achieving higher levels of physical activity in older adults.MethodsThe study included 42 healthy subjects aged between 51 and 84 years (mean body mass index 25.6 kg/m2 [SD 2.6]). Physical activity, walking, and nonwalking activity were monitored with an accelerometer for 2 weeks. Physical activity was quantified by accelerometer-derived activity counts. An algorithm based on template matching and signal power was developed to classify activity counts into nonwalking counts, short walk counts, and long walk counts. Additionally, in a subgroup of 31 subjects energy expenditure was measured using doubly labeled water to derive physical activity level (PAL).ResultsSubjects had a mean PAL of 1.84 (SD 0.19, range 1.43-2.36). About 20% of the activity time (21% [SD 8]) was spent walking, which accounted for about 40% of the total counts (43% [SD 11]). Short bouts composed 83% (SD 9) of walking time, providing 81% (SD 11) of walking counts. A stepwise regression model to predict PAL included nonwalking counts and short walk counts, explaining 58% of the variance of PAL (standard error of the estimate=0.12). Walking activities produced more counts per minute than nonwalking activities (P<.001). Long walks produced more counts per minute than short walks (P=.001). Nonwalking counts were independent of walking counts (r=−.05, P=.38).ConclusionsWalking activities are a major contributor to physical activity in older adults. Walking activities occur at higher intensities than nonwalking activities, which might prevent individuals from engaging in more walking activity. Finally, subjects who engage in more walking activities do not tend to compensate by limiting nonwalking activities.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01609764; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01609764 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6grls0wAp)

Physical activity patterns of adults with visual impairments

“…Specifically, it may be a result of barriers and lack of education regarding PA that could be overcome by providing assistance and recommendations (Carroll et al, 2014;National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2016). While substantial research points to walking as one of the most beneficial and easily obtained forms of PA for most Americans (Eyler, Brownson, Bacak, & Housemann, 2003;Valenti, Bonomi, & Westerterp, 2016), many studies have examined the impact of barriers to walking on adults with VI (Jaarsma, Dekker, Koopmans, Dijkstra, & Geertzen, 2014;Kirchner, Gerber, & Smith, 2008). Some of these environmental barriers include issues with sidewalk pavement, puddles, construction, snow removal, curb cuts, narrow sidewalks, and attitudes of the public (Kirchner et al, 2008).…”

Impact of the Built Environment and the Neighborhood in Promoting the Physical Activity and the Healthy Aging in Older People: An Umbrella Review

“…It would be crucial, though, to design a community that could support the possibility to walk or cycle and to provide access to recreational services. Several studies have found that the characteristics of the neighborhood are strongly related to the increase in walking and physical activity rates [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Previous evidence shows that a built environment that supports and encourages physical activity has long-term effects on a large portion of the population and also facilitates the maintenance of good acquired habits [ 18 ].…”

Activity Monitors as Support for Older Persons’ Physical Activity in Daily Life: Qualitative Study of the Users’ Experiences

“…In addition, general PA, which can be defined as “any bodily m ovement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure above the basal resting level” [ 4 ] can delay functional decline and reduce the risk of premature mortality of the old population. Walking activities are major contributors to general PA among healthy older adults [ 5 ]. Compliance to exercise programs is generally low in the old population; Riebe and Burbank report a 30% decrease of exercise activities only 4 weeks after an exercise program was introduced [ 6 ].…”