Purpose To examine whether the weekly accumulated volume of physical activity, including total and domain-specific activity, is associated with quality of life among older adults in China.
Methods We analyzed 106 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 60 years from three Beijing communities. Physical activity was assessed with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and quality of life with the SF-36 (PCS and MCS). To aid interpretation, PASE was expressed in IPAQ-equivalent units. Associations between total, leisure time, and housework physical activity and quality of life were estimated using multivariable linear regression and restricted cubic splines. Occupational activity was uncommon and was not modeled.
Results Total physical activity showed a positive, nonlinear dose-response association with PCS (P < 0.01) but no association with MCS (P = 0.46). The steepest gains occurred around the median (PASE ≈ 141.7 points), corresponding to about 1270–1450 MET-min per week or 320–360 min per week (≈ 45–52 min per day) of moderate-equivalent activity. Additional exposure beyond ≈ 273.7 points was associated with smaller increments. As for different domain-specific activity, leisure time and housework activity were positively associated with PCS (P = 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively), while neither related to MCS (both P > 0.05). The leisure time curve rose rapidly from lower baselines and tended to plateau near PASE ≈ 100 points; the housework curve increased more gently across the range.
Conclusion Higher physical activity was associated with better physical health; the practical results of our study indicated 45 to 52 min per day of moderate intensity equivalent activity could substantially increase the quality of life in older adults. Emphasis on feasible, progressive leisure time activity, complemented by routine domestic activity, may help support physical functioning in later life, whereas no association was found between physical activity and mental health of the elderly population.
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Funding
Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2021TD012)
National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2020YFC2006701)
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Beijing Sport University
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