Gender differences in the association between physical activity and health-related quality of life among community-dwelling elders

Background Physical activity can improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults. However, the differential effects of gender on quality of life are unclear. Aims: To determine the association between physical activity and HRQoL in men and women. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted from March to August 2011. Community-dwelling older people aged 65 years or older were eligible. Physical activity in kcal per week was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)—Taiwan version. HRQoL was measured with the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Cognitive function and depression were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The relationship between physical activity and HRQoL in men and women was investigated by a multiple linear regression model. Results A total of 188 older people (M: 50.5%) participated in this study. The mean ages of men and women were 71.9 ± 5.3 and 77.1 ± 6.4 years, respectively ( p