Melvyn M Hillsdon1, Eric J Brunner, Jack M Guralnik, Michael G Marmot. 1. International Centre for Health and Society, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, England. m.hillsdon@ucl.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the elderly, higher levels of physical function have consistently been associated with higher levels of physical activity. In this study, we test the hypothesis that physical activity earlier in the life course preserves high physical function over an extended period of time, before the onset of major age-related declines in physical function. METHODS: A cohort study with an average of 8.8 years of follow-up (1991-1993 to 2001). Logistic regression analyses were conducted adjusting for long-standing illness, baseline physical function, smoking, body mass index, and employment grade. Participants were 6398 London-based civil servants aged 39 to 63 years at baseline, 90% of whom were working. The main outcome measure was physical function measured by the Short Form (SF-36) General Health Survey. RESULTS: Relatively fit and healthy, mainly working, middle-aged men and women who were physically active at recommended levels, were more likely to report high physical function at follow-up, compared to their sedentary counterparts (odds ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.32-2.00). The association between initial level of physical activity and high physical function at follow-up remained after adjustment for baseline level of physical function and the presence of long-standing illness. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a physically active lifestyle during mid-life appears to be critical to the maintenance of high physical function in those who are fit and well enough to work and do or do not report any long-standing illness.
BACKGROUND: In the elderly, higher levels of physical function have consistently been associated with higher levels of physical activity. In this study, we test the hypothesis that physical activity earlier in the life course preserves high physical function over an extended period of time, before the onset of major age-related declines in physical function. METHODS: A cohort study with an average of 8.8 years of follow-up (1991-1993 to 2001). Logistic regression analyses were conducted adjusting for long-standing illness, baseline physical function, smoking, body mass index, and employment grade. Participants were 6398 London-based civil servants aged 39 to 63 years at baseline, 90% of whom were working. The main outcome measure was physical function measured by the Short Form (SF-36) General Health Survey. RESULTS: Relatively fit and healthy, mainly working, middle-aged men and women who were physically active at recommended levels, were more likely to report high physical function at follow-up, compared to their sedentary counterparts (odds ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.32-2.00). The association between initial level of physical activity and high physical function at follow-up remained after adjustment for baseline level of physical function and the presence of long-standing illness. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a physically active lifestyle during mid-life appears to be critical to the maintenance of high physical function in those who are fit and well enough to work and do or do not report any long-standing illness.
Authors: Thomas W Buford; Stephen D Anton; Andrew R Judge; Emanuele Marzetti; Stephanie E Wohlgemuth; Christy S Carter; Christiaan Leeuwenburgh; Marco Pahor; Todd M Manini Journal: Ageing Res Rev Date: 2010-05-14 Impact factor: 10.895
Authors: Allison Longenberger; Jeong Youn Lim; Todd T Brown; Alison Abraham; Frank J Palella; Rita B Effros; Trevor Orchard; Maria Mori Brooks; Lawrence A Kingsley Journal: Future Virol Date: 2011-04 Impact factor: 1.831
Authors: Allison Longenberger; Jeong Youn Lim; Trevor Orchard; Maria Mori Brooks; Jennifer Brach; Kristen Mertz; Lawrence A Kingsley Journal: Futur HIV Ther Date: 2008-11
Authors: Sandra H van Oostrom; Henriëtte A Smit; G C Wanda Wendel-Vos; Marjolein Visser; W M Monique Verschuren; H Susan J Picavet Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2012-09-20 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Sheila A Dugan; Susan A Everson-Rose; Kelly Karavolos; Barbara Sternfeld; Deidre Wesley; Lynda H Powell Journal: J Phys Act Health Date: 2009-01