The Functional Usability Study for the Elderly (FuSE): The Independent and Interrelated Effects of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior on Functional and Quality of Life Outcomes in Older Adults
Open Access
- Author:
- Gross, Brian William
- Area of Honors:
- Kinesiology
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Steriani Elavsky, Thesis Supervisor
Steriani Elavsky, Thesis Honors Advisor
Jinger S. Gottschall, Faculty Reader - Keywords:
- physical activity
sedentary behavior
accelerometer - Abstract:
- Background: The independent and synergistic effects of physical activity and sedentary behavior on function and quality of life outcomes in older adults remains understudied. Specifically, it is unclear whether sedentary behavior impacts function while controlling for physical activity levels. Additionally, few studies have examined the efficacy of comprehensive (in)activity counseling (relating physical activity and sedentary behavior to function) to short-term behavioral adaptations. The purpose of this investigation was to analyze these effects using objective (accelerometry) and subjective (self-report) methods of assessment. Methods: A sample of community-dwelling older adults (n= 61, mean age = 72.9, S.D. = 7.1) participated in a functional fitness test (objective function), completed baseline questionnaire measures (subjective function and quality of life), and wore an accelerometer for a period of 7 days to monitor physical activity and sedentary behavior trends. Associations between function and physical activity and sedentary behavior were evaluated using bivariate correlations and regression analysis. Following the 7-day baseline monitoring period, a subset of subjects with high levels of sedentary behavior (>8.0 hr/day) and below recommended levels of physical activity (<150 minutes of MVPA/week) were selected to wear an accelerometer for a period of 14 days after receiving either standard (control) or enhanced behavioral counseling (experimental). Between group differences were evaluated using paired sample t-tests. Results: Physical activity was significantly associated with function while controlling for sedentary behavior and sedentary behavior was not significantly associated with function while controlling for physical activity. Between-group differences revealed no statistically significant changes in physical activity or sedentary behavior outcomes in either the control or experimental counseling groups. Conclusion: These data suggest potential negative functional effects of sedentary behavior can be ameliorated by engaging in physical activity at recommended levels. Additionally, no added value is seen from receiving behavioral counseling enhanced by provision of personalized functional fitness feedback, although larger studies should corroborate these conclusions.