Accelerometer-measured physical activity patterns are associated with phenotypic age: Isotemporal substitution...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Public Health
• Biomarkers of Aging
• Physical Activity Epidemiology

Background:

• Aging is a complex process influenced by lifestyle factors.
• The relationship between specific physical activity patterns and biological aging markers remains under investigation.
• Objective measurement of physical activity is crucial for understanding its impact on aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between objectively measured physical activity and phenotypic age.
• To investigate the impact of sedentary behavior, light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on biological aging.
• To quantify the potential age-reducing effects of substituting sedentary time with physical activity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States.
• Employed sensor-based objective physical activity measurements.
• Applied weighted linear regression and Isotemporal Substitution Models to analyze associations.

Main Results:

• Prolonged sitting was positively associated with increased phenotypic age (accelerated aging).
• Higher volumes of LPA and MVPA were associated with younger phenotypic age (delayed aging).
• Replacing 30 minutes of sedentary behavior with LPA or MVPA daily was linked to an estimated 0.4 or 1.9 years reduction in phenotypic age, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Objective physical activity measurement confirms that sedentary behavior accelerates aging.
• Regular engagement in LPA and MVPA can effectively delay biological aging processes.
• The intensity of physical activity plays a significant role in its age-delaying benefits.