Relationship between physical activity and physical performance in later life in different birth weight groups

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) is linked to better physical performance in older age.
• Low birth weight is associated with poorer physical functioning and less leisure-time PA.
• The impact of birth weight on the PA-physical performance relationship in aging is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if birth weight modulates the association between physical activity and physical performance in old age.
• To determine if individuals with different birth weights experience varying benefits from physical activity for physical function.

Main Methods:

• Examined 695 individuals from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study (born 1934-1944).
• Assessed physical activity using a multisensory activity monitor and physical performance via the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) at a mean age of 70.7 years.
• Categorized participants into three birth weight groups: <3000 g, 3000-3499 g, and ⩾3500 g.

Main Results:

• Physical activity volume was significantly associated with physical performance across all birth weight groups.
• A large and significant effect size was observed only in men with a birth weight <3000 g (β=0.59).
• The association between PA and physical performance was strongest in men with low birth weight.

Conclusions:

• The association between physical activity and physical performance is significantly modulated by birth weight in men.
• Men with low birth weight may gain the most benefit from physical activity for maintaining physical performance in later life.