Longitudinal Changes in Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Men and Women: A 2-Year Prospective Cohort Study in Japan

Background: To examine longitudinal changes in accelerometer-measured moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and associated factors of changes in MVPA among community-dwelling older Japanese men and women over 2 years of follow-up. Methods: In total, 601 participants (72.2 [5.4] y, 40.6% men) were included. MVPA was assessed at baseline (2011) and follow-up (2013) using triaxial accelerometers. Sex-stratified multiple linear regression models were used to identify associated factors of changes in MVPA. Results: On average, a significant decrease in MVPA over 2 years was observed only in women (P < .001). Higher baseline MVPA levels and older age were significantly associated with a decrease in MVPA over 2 years in both men and women. Men who were currently drinking (vs no) and had faster maximum gait speed showed statistically significant increases in MVPA. Women who had very poor/poor economic status (vs fair/good) and were socially isolated (vs no) showed statistically significant increases in MVPA over 2 years, while those who had fear of falling (vs no) and poor/fair self-rated health (vs good/ very good) showed statistically significant decreases in MVPA over 2 years. Conclusions: Our findings showed different associated factors of changes in MVPA by sex, suggesting the importance of accounting for sex differences in terms of developing specific intervention strategies for promoting MVPA among older men and women.

Automated summary

This study aimed to examine the longitudinal changes in physical activity and associated factors among older Japanese men and women. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in physical activity over 2 years in women but not in men. Higher baseline physical activity levels and older age were associated with a decrease in physical activity for both genders. Factors such as current drinking and faster maximum gait speed were associated with increases in physical activity among men, while factors such as poor economic status and social isolation were associated with increases in physical activity among women.