Published in:
01-05-2016
A comparison of objective physical activity, muscle strength, and depression among community-dwelling older women living in sloped versus non-sloped environments
Published in: The journal of nutrition, health & aging | Issue 5/2016
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Objective
To examine the relationship between the living location and outcomes of physical activity level and physical and psychological functioning in older women. The specific aim was to understand the association between living in a sloped versus non-sloped environment and these outcomes.
Design
Cross-sectional study.
Setting and Participants
108 older women aged 65 years or older who resided in Nagasaki prefecture participated.
Measurements
Physical activity, lung function, muscle strength (hand grip and quadriceps force) and depressive symptoms were assessed objectively.
Results
In logistic regression, activity counts per day (OR 0.779, 95%CI 0.715-0.841, p<0.01), activity times per day (OR 0.821, 95%CI 0.801-0.913, p<0.01), hand grip force (OR 0.666, 95%CI 0.558-0.796, p<0.001), and depressed (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale score ≥16) (OR 1.093, 95%CI 1.019-1.427, p<0.05) showed statistically significant inverse associations with living in a sloped ground.
Conclusions
Since dwelling on sloped ground was associated with negative (lower physical activity levels, lower grip strength, and more depression) outcomes, a comprehensive geriatric assessment, related to all aspects of older women, is recommended. Planning of home exercise programs for the elderly should take such environmental factors into consideration.