Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2025
Using a Real-Time Locating System to Measure Walking Activity Associated with Wandering Behaviors Among Institutionalized Older Adults
Published on: February 8, 2019
Rest Activity Rhythms and Their Association with Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Walking Energetics in Older Adults:
Melissa L Erickson1, Terri L Blackwell2, Reagan E Garcia3
1Translational Research Institute, AdventHealth, Orlando, FL.
Purpose:
It is recognized that disruptions in circadian behavior, such as with shift work or jet lag, are associated with diminished health. This known relationship implies that people with stronger indices of circadian behavior will exhibit improved physiology. To address the association between rhythmic activity behavior and physiology, we proposed that metrics indicative of "more rhythmic" rest-activity patterns would be associated with better cardiorespiratory fitness and walking energetics in a cohort of older adults.
Methods:
Using baseline data from the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging ( N = 799, age: 76 ± 5 yr, 58% female), we quantified metrics describing rhythmic aspects of rest-activity behavior (amplitude, robustness, time of peak activity, others) from continuous wrist-worn accelerometry. We used linear models to examine cross-sectional associations between rhythmic metrics with V̇O 2peak and walking energetics (cost-capacity ratio at slow and preferred walking speeds) adjusted for age, sex, race, height, health conditions, and other factors.
Results:
Metrics that reflect more rhythmic behavior were associated with V̇O 2peak (higher amplitude: Q1: 18.4 vs Q4: 22.0 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; P -trend < 0.001) higher pseudo- F statistic/robustness (Q1: 19.2 vs Q4: 21.3 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; P -trend < 0.001), and earlier time of peak activity (Q1 (earliest): 20.9 vs Q4 (latest): 19.2 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; P -trend < 0.001). Similar trends were observed with lower cost-capacity ratio at preferred and slow walking speeds (amplitude, pseudo- F statistic, acrophase: P -trend < 0.001 for all).
Conclusions:
More rhythmic activity behavior and earlier time of peak activity were associated with better cardiorespiratory fitness and walking energetics. These findings support the framework that rhythmic activity supports healthy physiology. Further investigations are warranted to determine if declines in rhythmicity of human behavior are predictive of disease.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:23Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...