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Assessment of Physical Activity Intensity with Accelerometers and Oxygen Consumption
Published on: June 20, 2025
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Keeping active: maintenance of physical activity after exercise programmes for older adults
D Kendrick1, E Orton1, N Lafond1
1School of Medicine, Division of Primary Care, Tower Building, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
Public Health
|October 5, 2018
Summary
Maintaining moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) after an exercise program is linked to initial activity levels, social support, and physical function. Interventions should target individuals less likely to sustain their activity levels long-term.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Older adults often struggle to maintain physical activity (PA) after structured exercise programs conclude.
- Identifying factors influencing long-term PA adherence is crucial for public health initiatives targeting aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate predictors of sustained moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in adults aged 65 and older, 6 to 24 months post-exercise intervention.
- To inform the development of targeted strategies for long-term PA maintenance in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study nested within a randomized controlled trial involving community-dwelling older adults in England.
- Self-reported MVPA and potential influencing factors were assessed at baseline and up to 24 months post-intervention.
- Multilevel logistic regression analyzed factors associated with achieving 150 minutes/week of MVPA.
Main Results:
- Older age and female sex were associated with lower odds of maintaining target MVPA.
- Higher baseline physical activity, broader social networks, and better performance in sit-to-stand tests predicted sustained MVPA.
- Negative exercise expectations positively influenced MVPA maintenance, particularly in less active individuals at baseline.
Conclusions:
- Several factors, including baseline activity, social integration, and physical capacity, predict long-term PA maintenance in older adults.
- The identified factors did not show differential associations with short-term versus long-term PA adherence.
- Healthcare providers and commissioners should consider tailored interventions for individuals at higher risk of declining PA post-program completion.
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