Total energy expenditure and physical activity levels in functionally independent and limited older adults: A
Rie Tomiga-Takae1, Yoshiyuki Sonoda2, Jun Yasukata3
1Graduate School of Sports and Health Science, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan; Institute for Physical Activity, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
Background & Aims:
Total energy expenditure (TEE) in older adults is influenced by physical activity and body composition, but evidence remains inconsistent, particularly in those with functional limitations. This study compared TEE, physical activity level (PAL), and body composition between functionally independent and limited older adults.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 69 community-dwelling Japanese older adults (50 functionally independent and 19 functionally limited participants certified as requiring support under the national Long-Term Care Insurance system). TEE was measured using the doubly labeled water method, and PAL was calculated as TEE divided by estimated basal metabolic rate. Physical activity indices, including step counts, were assessed using a triaxial accelerometer (Actimarker EW4800P, Panasonic).
Results:
TEE did not differ significantly between functionally independent and limited participants in either sex (men: 2053 ± 410 vs. 1782 ± 321 kcal/day, p = 0.097; women: 1714 ± 242 vs. 1622 ± 169 kcal/day, p = 0.172). Similarly, body composition did not differ significantly between groups among either sex. In contrast, step counts were markedly lower in the limited group compared with the independent group, both in men (5998 ± 2738 vs. 1805 ± 909 steps/day, p < 0.001) and in women (5755 ± 2221 vs. 2592 ± 1395 steps/day, p < 0.001). Among women in the functionally limited group, higher TEE adjusted for fat-free mass was associated with poorer timed up and go performance.
Conclusions:
Despite lower physical activity, TEE was similar in functionally limited older adults, compared with functionally independent older adults. This cross-sectional analysis indicates that the maintenance of TEE may be associated with preserved body composition and a higher metabolic cost per movement. Among women in the functionally limited group, higher TEE adjusted for fat-free mass was associated with slower mobility performance.
Clinical Trial Registration:
UMIN000036659 (https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000041766).
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