Relationship between quantitative physical activity and deterioration of locomotive function: a cross-sectional study using baseline data from a cohort

In aged society, health policies aimed at extending healthy life expectancy are critical. Maintaining physical activity is essential to prevent the deterioration of body functions. Therefore, it is important to understand the physical activity levels of the target age group and to know the content and intensity of the required physical activity quantitatively. Especially we focused the role of non-exercise activity thermogenesis and sedentary time, which are emphasized more than the introduction of exercise in cases of obesity or diabetes. A total of 193 patients from 25 institutions were included. Participants underwent a locomotive syndrome risk test (stand-up test, 2-step test, and Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale-25 questionnaire) and were classified into three stages. Physical activity was quantitatively monitored for one week with 3-axial accelerometer. Physical activity was classified into three categories; (1) Sedentary behavior (0 ∼ ≤ 1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs)), (2) Light physical activity (LPA:1.6 ∼ 2.9 METs), and (3) Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA: ≥3 METs). We investigated the relationship between physical activity, including the number of steps, and the stages after gender- and age- adjustment. We also investigated the relationship between social isolation using Lubben's Social Network Scale (LSNS), as social isolation would lead to fewer opportunities to go out and less outdoor walking. Comparison among the three stages showed significant difference for age (p = 0.007) and Body Mass Index (p