BACKGROUND: Functional dependence and the risks of disability increase with age. The loss of independence is thought to be partially due to a decrease in physical activity. However, in populations, accurate measurement of physical activity is challenging and may not provide information on functional impairment. METHODS: This study therefore assessed physical functionality and physical activity level in a group of nonagenarians (11 men/11 women; 93+/-1 years, 66.6+/-2.4 kg, body mass index [BMI]=24+/-1 kg/m2) and a group of participants aged 60-74 years (17 men/15 women; 70+/-1 years, 83.3+/-3.0 kg, BMI=29+/-1 kg/m2) from the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study. Physical activity level was calculated from total energy expenditure (TEE) and resting metabolic rate (RMR). Physical functionality was assessed using the Reduced Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance Test (CS-PFP10). RESULTS: Nonagenarians had lower absolute (p<.001) and adjusted (p<.007) TEE compared to participants aged 60-74 years which was attributed to a reduction in both RMR and physical activity level. Nonagenarians also had reduced functional performance (p<.001) which was correlated with activity level (r=0.68, p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: When compared to individuals aged 60-74 years, 73% of the reduction in TEE in nonagenarians can be attributed to a reduction in physical activity level, the remaining being accounted for by a reduction in RMR. The reduced physical activity in nonagenarians is associated with less physical functionality. This study provides the first objective comparison of physical functionality and actual levels of physical activity in older individuals.
BACKGROUND: Functional dependence and the risks of disability increase with age. The loss of independence is thought to be partially due to a decrease in physical activity. However, in populations, accurate measurement of physical activity is challenging and may not provide information on functional impairment. METHODS: This study therefore assessed physical functionality and physical activity level in a group of nonagenarians (11 men/11 women; 93+/-1 years, 66.6+/-2.4 kg, body mass index [BMI]=24+/-1 kg/m2) and a group of participants aged 60-74 years (17 men/15 women; 70+/-1 years, 83.3+/-3.0 kg, BMI=29+/-1 kg/m2) from the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study. Physical activity level was calculated from total energy expenditure (TEE) and resting metabolic rate (RMR). Physical functionality was assessed using the Reduced Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance Test (CS-PFP10). RESULTS: Nonagenarians had lower absolute (p<.001) and adjusted (p<.007) TEE compared to participants aged 60-74 years which was attributed to a reduction in both RMR and physical activity level. Nonagenarians also had reduced functional performance (p<.001) which was correlated with activity level (r=0.68, p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: When compared to individuals aged 60-74 years, 73% of the reduction in TEE in nonagenarians can be attributed to a reduction in physical activity level, the remaining being accounted for by a reduction in RMR. The reduced physical activity in nonagenarians is associated with less physical functionality. This study provides the first objective comparison of physical functionality and actual levels of physical activity in older individuals.
Authors: Martin Brochu; Patrick Savage; Melinda Lee; Justine Dee; M Elaine Cress; Eric T Poehlman; Marc Tischler; Philip A Ades Journal: J Appl Physiol (1985) Date: 2002-02
Authors: L P Fried; C M Tangen; J Walston; A B Newman; C Hirsch; J Gottdiener; T Seeman; R Tracy; W J Kop; G Burke; M A McBurnie Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci Date: 2001-03 Impact factor: 6.053
Authors: Tanya A Miszko; M Elaine Cress; Jill M Slade; Carlton J Covey; Subodh K Agrawal; Christopher E Doerr Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci Date: 2003-02 Impact factor: 6.053
Authors: Philip A Ades; Patrick D Savage; M Elaine Cress; Martin Brochu; N Melinda Lee; Eric T Poehlman Journal: Med Sci Sports Exerc Date: 2003-08 Impact factor: 5.411
Authors: Manthos G Giannoulis; Finbarr C Martin; K Sreekumaran Nair; A Margot Umpleby; Peter Sonksen Journal: Endocr Rev Date: 2012-03-20 Impact factor: 19.871
Authors: Darcy L Johannsen; James P DeLany; Madlyn I Frisard; Michael A Welsch; Christina K Rowley; Xiaobing Fang; S Michal Jazwinski; Eric Ravussin Journal: J Appl Physiol (1985) Date: 2008-06-12
Authors: Angela Chalé-Rush; Jack M Guralnik; Michael P Walkup; Michael E Miller; W Jack Rejeski; Jeffrey A Katula; Abby C King; Nancy W Glynn; Todd M Manini; Steven N Blair; Roger A Fielding Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2010-08-24 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: Eleonora Poggiogalle; Katie E Cherry; L Joseph Su; Sangkyu Kim; Leann Myers; David A Welsh; S Michal Jazwinski; Eric Ravussin Journal: J Am Med Dir Assoc Date: 2018-08-24 Impact factor: 4.669
Authors: Sarinnapha Vasunilashorn; Antonia K Coppin; Kushang V Patel; Fulvio Lauretani; Luigi Ferrucci; Stefania Bandinelli; Jack M Guralnik Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci Date: 2009-01-31 Impact factor: 6.053
Authors: Leanne M Redman; Leonie K Heilbronn; Corby K Martin; Lilian de Jonge; Donald A Williamson; James P Delany; Eric Ravussin Journal: PLoS One Date: 2009-02-09 Impact factor: 3.240