Physical activity as a determinant of change in mobility performance: the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
This study examined the association of (change in) physical activity and decline in mobility performance in older men and women.

DESIGN:
A 3-year prospective study using data of the Longitudinal Aging Study.

SETTING:
Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS:
Two thousand one hundred nine men and women aged 55 to 85.

MEASUREMENTS:
Total physical activity (expressed as hours per day and kilocalories per day) and sports participation were measured using a validated, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Mobility performance was assessed using two timed tests:
6-meter walk and repeated chair stands.

RESULTS:
Mobility performance declined for 45.6% of the sample. At baseline, the mean time +/- standard deviation spent on total physical activity was 3.0 +/- 2.1 h/d or 719 +/- 543 kcal/d, and 56.6% of the sample participated in sports. Sports participation and a higher level of total physical activity, walking, or household activity were associated with a smaller mobility decline. After 3 years, total physical activity declined, and only 53.4% of those reporting sports at baseline continued doing so. Continuation of physical activity over time was associated with the smallest decline in mobility. The observed associations were similar for those with and without chronic disease (P> 0.3). The conclusions did not change after adjustment for potential confounders, including demographic and lifestyle variables, depression, and cognitive status.

CONCLUSIONS:
Physical activity, and especially a regularly active lifestyle, may slow the decline in mobility performance. A beneficial effect was observed for sports and nonsports activities, independent of the presence of chronic disease.

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Author information

Author/s: Visser, Marjolein (M); Pluijm, Saskia M F (SM); Stel, Vianda S (VS); Bosscher, Ruud J (RJ); Deeg, Dorly J H (DJ); Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam;

Affiliation: Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. m.visser.emgo(-atsign-)med.vu.nl

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (J Am Geriatr Soc), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Nov; vol 50 (issue 11) : pp 1774-81

Dates: Created 2002/11/04; Completed 2002/12/13; Revised 2008/03/10;

PMID: 12410894, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aging - physiology
Female
Humans
Life Style
Longitudinal Studies
Male

Middle Aged
Motor Activity - physiology
Movement Disorders - physiopathology
Netherlands
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Psychomotor Performance - physiology
Time Factors

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