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Accelerometer-determined physical activity, mobility disability, and health
Paul D Loprinzi1, Jonathan Sheffield1, Brian M Tyo2
1Department of Exercise Science, Bellarmine University, 2001 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40205, USA.
Disability and Health Journal
|September 17, 2014
Summary
Adults with mobility limitations have higher sedentary behavior and worse health biomarkers. Increasing physical activity, even light-intensity, and reducing sedentary time can improve health outcomes for this population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
- Biomarkers and Chronic Disease
Background:
- Limited understanding of physical activity levels in individuals with mobility limitations.
- Unknown association between objectively measured physical activity and biomarkers in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare physical activity levels (sedentary, light, MVPA) using accelerometers between those with and without mobility limitations.
- Determine if increased physical activity is linked to better health outcomes in individuals with mobility disability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
- Assessed mobility limitation status via self-report.
- Measured physical activity using accelerometers and analyzed blood biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Individuals with mobility limitations exhibited more sedentary behavior and less light-intensity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
- Higher BMI, waist circumference, C-reactive protein, white blood cells, triglycerides, glucose, HbA1C, and homocysteine were observed in those with mobility limitations.
- Increased sedentary time correlated with higher chronic disease risk (RR 1.04), while light-intensity physical activity (RR 0.95) and MVPA (RR 0.91) showed decreased risk.
Conclusions:
- Reducing sedentary behavior is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations.
- Increasing physical activity, including light-intensity, may lead to improved health outcomes and reduced chronic disease risk in this population.
