Physical activity in older adult women: relationship to mobility, balance confidence, health locus of control and risk of osteoporosis fractures

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Date
2008-09-10T14:04:55Z
Authors
Giardini, Tania E. F
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Abstract
There is limited understanding of the relationship between physical activity (PA), mobility and psychological constructs for the prevention/management of osteoporosis fractures in older adult women. PURPOSE: To examine PA patterns and the relationship of PA to mobility, psychological constructs and osteoporosis fracture risk. METHODS: Participants (N=41, ages 70-92, BMI 27.2 (6.1)) completed a general questionnaire, the ABC balance scale, MHLOC locus of control scale, as well as completing mobility tests (TUG and STS). PA was assessed using 5 day pedometry and accelerometry (Biotrainer Pro). RESULTS: The average PA was very low (energy expenditure 225.4 (152.9) kcals/day; activity time 101.8 (42.3) min; step count 4,516 (3,227)). The mobility scores were within the acceptable range (TUG 9.2 (3.8) s; STS 14.2 (6.4) s). Correlations with physical activity: TUG (p<0.05); ABC (p<0.05); Powerful MHLOC (p<0.01, p<0.05). No significant correlations with Internal MHLOC. CONCLUSION: Sedentary PA patterns correlated to poor mobility, low balance confidence and greater fracture risk. Pedometry and accelerometry measured PA demonstrated the importance of multiple methods of PA assessment in understanding the lifestyles of this population. The results aid in identification of factors that can be modified to enhance the quality of life of this population.
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Physical, activity
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