Citation

Dohrn IM, Hagstromer M, Hellenius ML, Ståhle A. J. Aging Phys. Act. 2015; 24(1): 22-31.

Affiliation

Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/japa.2014-0116

PMID

25642744

Abstract

AIM: To describe objectively measured physical activity levels and patterns among community-dwelling older adults with osteoporosis, impaired balance, and fear of falling, and to explore the associations with gait, balance performance, falls self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

METHODS: Ninety-four individuals (75.6 ±5.4 years) were included. Physical activity was assessed with pedometers (Yamax) and accelerometers (Actigraph). Mean steps/day, dichotomized into <5,000 or ≥5,000 steps/day, and time spent in different physical activity intensities were analyzed. Gait was assessed with a GAITRite walkway, balance performance with Modified-Figure-Eight test and one-leg stance, falls self-efficacy with Falls Efficacy Scale International and HRQoL with Short form-36.

RESULTS: Mean steps/day were 6,201 (991-17,156) and 40% reported <5,000 steps/day. Participants with <5,000 steps/day spent more time sedentary, had slower gait speed, poorer balance performance and lower HRQoL than participants with ≥5,000 steps/day. No participants with <5,000 met the recommended level of physical activity.

Language: en