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Sex Differences in Age-Related Functional Mobility Decline: A Moderated Mediation Analysis
Filipe Rodrigues1,2, Vasco Bastos3,4, Diogo Santos Teixeira3,4
1ESECS-Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 1, Rua Dr. João Soares, Apartado 4045, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal.
Sports (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Aging impacts functional mobility, with lower limb strength and body mass index (BMI) playing a role. While these factors correlate with mobility, the study found no significant sex differences in their mediating effects on aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Functional mobility declines with age, but the underlying mechanisms and sex-specific differences are not fully understood.
- Investigating the interplay of aging, strength, BMI, and functional mobility is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if lower limb strength and body mass index (BMI) mediate the relationship between aging and functional mobility.
- To explore whether sex moderates these age-related associations in functional mobility.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 408 older adults (mean age 71.9 years; 67% female).
- Assessed functional mobility (Timed Up and Go), lower limb strength (30s Chair Stand), and BMI.
- Utilized moderated mediation analysis to evaluate direct and indirect effects.
Main Results:
- Lower limb strength and BMI significantly predicted functional mobility in both sexes (p < 0.05).
- No significant moderation was found in the indirect pathways.
- Advancing age predicted poorer functional mobility in females (p = 0.008) but not males (p = 0.141), independent of mediators.
Conclusions:
- Strength and BMI are associated with functional mobility in older adults.
- While a potential sex-specific direct effect of age on mobility was observed in females, the lack of significant interaction warrants caution.
- Further research is needed to elucidate sex-specific aging trajectories and inform tailored interventions beyond strength and body composition.
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