Normative Data of Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Community-Dwelling Older Japanese

Background: The amounts of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and sedentary time (ST) by sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) in older Japanese adults have not been known. We conducted this study to determine the actual physical activity (PA) and ST in this population. Subjects and Methods: A total of 3998 community-dwelling Japanese adults aged >= 65 years were investigated. Their levels of PA and ST and number of steps taken daily were assessed for seven consecutive days by a tri-axial accelerometer. Normative values of daily PA and ST were analyzed by age and BMI groups in the men and the women and are presented as mean, median, or decile. Results: The subjects generally adhered to the PA guideline, i.e., >= 10 metabolic equivalents (METs)center dot hour MVPA per week. Older age was associated with lower adherence to the PA guideline. Conclusions: Normative values (mean, median, or decile) were yielded for MVPA, LPA, and ST based on accelerometer readings in a large sample of older community-dwelling Japanese adults. One-half of the subjects' waking time was spent being sedentary, and >70% of the subjects met the current PA guideline by engaging in MVPA.

Automated summary

A study was conducted on 3998 community-dwelling Japanese adults aged 65 years and older to determine their levels of physical activity and sedentary time. The results showed that the subjects generally adhered to the physical activity guideline, but adherence decreased with older age. The study also found that sedentary time was high, but majority of the subjects met the current physical activity guideline by engaging in moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity.