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Physical Activity and Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, 8 Priory Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1TZ, UK
Interests: physical activity and health

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Health, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
Interests: physical activity and health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Worldwide, 28% of adults do not meet global physical activity guidelines—almost a quarter of men and a third of women. Further, the proportion of adults meeting physical activity declines significantly with age. Physical activity has been shown to contribute to the prevention and management of various chronic diseases, for example, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and diabetes, and it reduces depression and anxiety symptoms. It also plays a role in maintaining physical functioning and bone health, factors which become especially important with increasing age. With an ageing population, the benefits of physical activity for health, as well as disease prevention, may become even more important in the future.

WHO defines physical activity as “any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure”. This includes a wide range of activities related to leisure time, active travel, exercise and sport, household activities, or work.

This Special Issue welcomes original studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses in any subject area related to physical activity and its relationship with health outcomes in middle-aged and/or older adults. The keywords listed below provide a guide to some potential areas of interest. Studies using objective measures of physical activity and/or objective outcome measures, and interventions aiming to improve health through physical activity in these populations, are particularly encouraged.

Dr. Miranda Armstrong
Dr. Max Western
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • older adults
  • middle-aged adults
  • physical activity
  • health outcomes
  • cardiovascular disease
  • bone health
  • body composition
  • interventions

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 589 KiB  
Article
“I’m Hooked on e-cycling, I Can Finally Be Active Again”: Perceptions of e-cycling as a Physical Activity Intervention during Breast Cancer Treatment
by Kirsty Mollie Way, Jessica Elizabeth Bourne and Miranda Elaine Glynis Armstrong
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 5197; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065197 - 15 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2582
Abstract
Electrically-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) are a means through which to increase individual physical activity (PA) and overcome some commonly reported barriers to engaging in conventional cycling. Fatigue is a common side effect to breast cancer treatment, and the rate of PA engagement drops significantly [...] Read more.
Electrically-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) are a means through which to increase individual physical activity (PA) and overcome some commonly reported barriers to engaging in conventional cycling. Fatigue is a common side effect to breast cancer treatment, and the rate of PA engagement drops significantly following a breast cancer diagnosis. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine perceptions of e-cycling as a means of increasing PA in this population. Twenty-four participants (mean age = 57.88 (standard deviation 10.8), 100% female) who have had a breast cancer diagnosis, completed two semi-structured interviews via Zoom. One interview was conducted prior to an e-bike taster session and a second, after the session. Taster sessions were conducted by certified cycling instructors in the community. Interviews were conducted between December 2021 and May 2022. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo 12 software. An inductive and deductive approach to analysis was adopted. Five themes were generated: (1) Perceived role of e-bikes during treatment, (2) The relationship between e-bikes and fatigue, (3) Cancer-specific considerations, (4) Is e-cycling ‘enough’?, and (5) Optimizing the intervention. Negative perceptions of e-bikes noted before the taster session were altered following riding an e-bike. The multiple levels of assistance made cycling manageable and less impacted by fatigue, thereby enabling individuals to re-establish previous cycling habits. E-cycling may be a suitable option to increase PA behavior amongst individuals being treated for breast cancer, with the potential to overcome many of the barriers of conventional cycling. Enabling this population to trial an e-bike elicits positive physical and psychological responses that may help to promote future engagement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults)
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14 pages, 405 KiB  
Article
Association between Physical Activity, Body Composition, and Metabolic Disorders in Middle-Aged Women of Ksar el Kebir (Morocco)
by Khouloud Harraqui, Dia Eddine Oudghiri, Hanae Naceiri Mrabti, Zineb Hannoun, Learn-Han Lee, Hamza Assaggaf, Ahmed Qasem, Khang Wen Goh, Long Chiau Ming, Ching Siang Tan, Abdelhakim Bouyahya and Abdellatif Bour
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 1739; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031739 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2613
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity (PA), body composition, and metabolic disorders in a population of Moroccan women classified by menopausal status. This cross-sectional study comprised 373 peri- and postmenopausal women aged 45–64 years old. PA levels were assessed [...] Read more.
This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity (PA), body composition, and metabolic disorders in a population of Moroccan women classified by menopausal status. This cross-sectional study comprised 373 peri- and postmenopausal women aged 45–64 years old. PA levels were assessed using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). Body composition and metabolic disorders were assessed by measurements of anthropometric and biological parameters: weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), WC/HC ratio, percent body fat, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and serum lipids (total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL-C, and LDL-C). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. Pearson correlations were used to test for associations. The mean total PA score of perimenopausal women was 1683.51 ± 805.36 MET-min/week, and of postmenopausal women was 1450.81 ± 780.67 MET-min/week. In all participants, peri- and postmenopausal women, PA was significantly and inversely associated with BMI, weight, percent body fat, HC, WC, and number of MetS components (p < 0.01), and with fasting blood glucose, TC, TG, and LDL-C (p < 0.05). The frequencies of metabolic disorders, obesity, abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and MetS were significantly lower at moderate and intense levels of PA (p < 0.05), in also all participants. In middle-aged women, particularly those who are peri-menopausal, PA at moderate and intense levels is associated with more favorable body composition and less frequent metabolic disorders. However, in this particular study, PA does not appear to be associated with blood pressure and HDL-C concentrations. Future studies may be needed to further clarify these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults)
13 pages, 319 KiB  
Article
The Association between Internet Use and Physical Exercise among Middle-Aged and Older Adults—Evidence from China
by Bin Guo, Xiaodong Zhang, Rui Zhang and Gong Chen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16401; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416401 - 7 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2459
Abstract
Background: In an aging and digital society, Internet use is significantly associated with residents’ physical exercise. This study aimed to explore the association between Internet use and physical exercise among Chinese middle-aged and older adults in two respects: Internet use and the purpose [...] Read more.
Background: In an aging and digital society, Internet use is significantly associated with residents’ physical exercise. This study aimed to explore the association between Internet use and physical exercise among Chinese middle-aged and older adults in two respects: Internet use and the purpose of Internet use. Methods: The data used in this study were obtained from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted by Peking University. The logit model and the ordered probit model were used to analyze the association between Internet use and physical exercise, and the substitution variable method was used to examine the robustness of the results. Results: (1) Internet use and the frequency of Internet use significantly increased the probability and frequency of middle-aged and older adults’ participation in physical exercise (p < 0.001). (2) “Watching news”, “chatting” and “watching videos” via the Internet were positively associated with physical exercise, while “playing games” had no impact. (3) Internet use had a greater impact on physical exercise participation among middle-aged adults and those living in urban areas than among older adults and those living in rural areas. Conclusions: This study suggests that Internet use among middle-aged and older adults is positively associated with their participation in physical exercise; the government should try to increase the popularity of Internet use to encourage their participation in physical exercise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults)
14 pages, 844 KiB  
Article
Associations of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) with Adverse Health Outcomes in Older Adults: A 14-Year Follow-Up from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA)
by Max J. Western and Olivia S. Malkowski
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 16319; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192316319 - 6 Dec 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3282
Abstract
The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is an objective tool for evaluating three domains (balance, repeated chair stands, and gait speed) of lower extremity physical function in older age. It is unclear how the associations between SPPB scores and health outcomes persist over [...] Read more.
The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is an objective tool for evaluating three domains (balance, repeated chair stands, and gait speed) of lower extremity physical function in older age. It is unclear how the associations between SPPB scores and health outcomes persist over time. The aim of this 14-year cohort study was to investigate associations between SPPB scores and health outcomes among participants aged 60+ years in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). The exposures were SPPB scores (total and domain-specific) at baseline (Wave 2). The outcomes were mobility impairments, difficulties in performing basic activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and falls, measured at seven subsequent timepoints (Waves 3 to 9). The analyses involved linear and logistic multilevel regressions. After adjusting for potential confounders, a one-point increase in the total SPPB score was associated with a 0.13 (95% CI: −0.16, −0.10) decrease in mobility impairment, a 0.06 (−0.08, −0.05) decrease in ADL disabilities, a 0.06 (−0.07, −0.04) decrease in IADL disabilities, and 8% (0.90, 0.95) lower odds of falling (averaged across all follow-ups). Associations between the SPPB domains and health outcomes were more varied. The SPPB may be a useful measure for identifying older adults at a high risk of adverse outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults)
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29 pages, 1279 KiB  
Article
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour with Retirement in Maltese Civil Servants: A Dialectical Mixed-Method Study
by Karl Spiteri, John Xerri de Caro, Kate Grafton, Bob Laventure and David R. Broom
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14598; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114598 - 7 Nov 2022
Viewed by 2287
Abstract
(1) Background: Retirement is a life event that can influence physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) and can be used as an opportunity to promote positive lifestyle choices. The aims of this study were to (a) to identify changes in PA and [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Retirement is a life event that can influence physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) and can be used as an opportunity to promote positive lifestyle choices. The aims of this study were to (a) to identify changes in PA and SB resulting from retirement and (b) to explore predictors of any changes in PA and SB following retirement in Maltese civil servants. (2) Methods: a hybrid mixed-method (MM) study, using first quantitative followed by qualitative methods, of civil servants aged ≥60 years, who were followed during their retirement transition for two years. A proportion of the research participants in the MM study retired while the others remained employed. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. (3) Results: there were no changes in total PA and sitting behaviour with retirement in Maltese civil servants. People who retired carried out more domestic PA compared to when they were in employment, which resulted in more moderate-intensity PA behaviour. People perceived that their sitting time increased with retirement in the qualitative interviews, but this was not observed in the quantitative data. Past PA behaviour was an important predictor of future PA behaviour, but not for SB. (4) Conclusions: A change in PA occurs with the retirement transition. However, the uptake of exercise is a personal choice that is dependent on previous experience. Increasing SB is perceived as part of the retirement plan but is not necessarily seen in the measured quantitative data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults)
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11 pages, 691 KiB  
Article
Spanish Validation of the PALMS (Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale)
by Sagrario Pérez-de la Cruz, Juan Jose Gonzalez-Gerez, Óscar Arellano de León and Antonio Vargas Rodriguez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10064; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610064 - 15 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1928
Abstract
Although there is abundant evidence supporting an active lifestyle, it is necessary to promote the practice of physical activity among the population. To understand this phenomenon, several studies have been conducted to describe the reasons why people participate in sports activities. The PALMS [...] Read more.
Although there is abundant evidence supporting an active lifestyle, it is necessary to promote the practice of physical activity among the population. To understand this phenomenon, several studies have been conducted to describe the reasons why people participate in sports activities. The PALMS (Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale) was created as a comprehensive tool to measure the reasons for practicing sports. This tool consists of 40 items related to sports and is designed for the young and adult population. Each of the subscales is formed of five items (mastery, enjoyment, psychological condition, physical condition, appearance, the expectations of others, affiliation, competition/ego) that reflect the possible reasons for practicing sports. This study sought to validate the PALMS in the cultural context of Spain, for the type of population for which it is designed. In total, 596 voluntary participants completed the study from Spain, aged 18 to 53, who regularly practice sports. The adequacy of the model obtained in the exploratory study was confirmed, since a model composed of eight factors and 40 indicators in total was obtained. The parameters were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and the factor loadings presented values greater than 0.5. Regarding internal consistency, the values of Cronbach’s alpha and those of the composite reliability were above 0.8. In conclusion, the validation of the Spanish PALMS proved to be a valid and reliable measurement instrument for the evaluation of the reasons that lead the population to perform sports physical activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults)
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13 pages, 600 KiB  
Article
Interventions to Improve Body Composition, Upper and Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, and Balance Ability of Older Female Adults: An Intervention Study
by Wei-Yang Huang and Cheng-En Wu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4765; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084765 - 14 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2744
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to understand the effects of a moderate-intensity physical activity program on the changes observed in the body composition, upper and lower extremity muscle strength, as well as balance in elderly female adults in order to evaluate [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study was to understand the effects of a moderate-intensity physical activity program on the changes observed in the body composition, upper and lower extremity muscle strength, as well as balance in elderly female adults in order to evaluate sarcopenia. In this study, 30 healthy elderly females were recruited and were randomly assigned to either the control group or the experimental group. The experimental group engaged in a moderate-intensity physical activity program twice a week for 8 weeks. Using a body composition analyzer, the senior fitness test, and handgrip strength and gait speed tests, all participants were tested in pre- and post-tests. The results of the study revealed changes in the overall body composition in the experimental group, with significant decreases in body mass index, body fat percentage, and body fat mass and substantial increases in the basal metabolic rate and skeletal muscle mass, while the upper and lower extremity muscle strength and balance ability also showed significant improvements. The moderate-intensity physical activity program also increased upper limb handgrip strength and lower limb gait speed, showing that the plan was able to effectively evaluate sarcopenia. The study concluded that using upper limb handgrip strength and lower limb walking speed to evaluate sarcopenia are useful diagnostic tools. Moderate-intensity physical activity is effective for improving muscle strength and reducing sarcopenia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults)
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12 pages, 463 KiB  
Article
Association between Parenthood and Health Behaviour in Later Life—Results from the Population-Based CARLA Study
by Lisa Becker, Sarah Negash, Nadja Kartschmit, Alexander Kluttig and Rafael Mikolajczyk
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010082 - 22 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3307
Abstract
Previous research has focused on comparing health behaviour between parents and non-parents at younger ages, while little is known about the impact of being a parent on health behaviours in later life. We studied whether parenthood is associated with later physical activity (PA), [...] Read more.
Previous research has focused on comparing health behaviour between parents and non-parents at younger ages, while little is known about the impact of being a parent on health behaviours in later life. We studied whether parenthood is associated with later physical activity (PA), dietary pattern, smoking status and alcohol consumption in German adults of middle and old age. We used data from the baseline examination of the population-based CARLA-study in Halle (Saale), comprising 1779 adults aged 45–83. Linear and logistic regression analyses assessed the relationship between parenthood and health behaviours while controlling for age, partner status, education, income, occupational position, socioeconomic status in childhood, and number of chronic diseases. Of the participants, 89.1% had biological children. Being a father was associated with higher PA in sports (sport index ß = 0.29, 95% confidence interval [0.14; 0.44]), but not with PA in leisure time (excluding sports), dietary pattern, consumption of alcohol and smoking status. No associations were found between being a mother with all outcome variables. Provided that PA of fathers is typically reduced when the children are young, the development towards higher PA at later age needs to be studied in more detail. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults)
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13 pages, 353 KiB  
Article
Older Adults’ Choice of Patterns of Outdoor Physical Activity Duration: A Mixed Multinomial Logit Model
by Zhengying Liu, Wenli Huang, Yuan Lu and You Peng
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8199; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158199 - 3 Aug 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2843
Abstract
Outdoor physical activity duration is a key component of outdoor physical activity behavior of older adults, and therefore, an important determinant of their total physical activity levels. In order to develop a successful outdoor physical activity program, it is important to identify any [...] Read more.
Outdoor physical activity duration is a key component of outdoor physical activity behavior of older adults, and therefore, an important determinant of their total physical activity levels. In order to develop a successful outdoor physical activity program, it is important to identify any heterogeneity in preferences for outdoor physical activity duration patterns among older adults. In addition, more insight is needed in the influence of environmental characteristics on duration choice for creating supportive neighborhood environments matching individuals’ preferences. To this end, a mixed multinomial logit model is estimated based on one-week data collected among 336 respondents aged 60 or over in 2017 in Dalian, China. The present model formulation accounts for heterogeneity in individuals’ preferences and allows for the analysis of substitution and complementary relationships between the different patterns of outdoor physical activity duration. Results indicate that older adults vary significantly in their preferences for each outdoor physical activity duration pattern. Moreover, short walking duration, short exercise duration and medium exercise duration are substitutes for medium walking duration while short walking duration and short exercise duration are complements for medium exercise duration in terms of individuals’ outdoor physical activity duration preferences. In addition, we find that distance to the nearest park, footpath conditions and neighborhood aesthetics are associated with older adults’ outdoor physical activity duration choice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults)
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