Physical Activity Levels in Middle-Aged and Elderly Women
Author Information
Author(s): Orsini Nicola, Bellocco Rino, Bottai Matteo, Pagano Marcello, Wolk Alicja
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
Hypothesis
Are total daily physical activity levels associated with age, body mass index, smoking, drinking status, and sociodemographic factors among middle-aged and elderly women?
Conclusion
Total daily physical activity levels decrease with age, body mass index, educational level, smoking, drinking, and growing up in urban places.
Supporting Evidence
- Total daily physical activity levels were measured as metabolic equivalents (MET-h/day).
- Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by ordinal logistic regression models.
- Women who grew up in urban areas were less likely to engage in high levels of physical activity.
Takeaway
As women get older or heavier, they tend to be less active. Also, women who smoke or drink are less likely to exercise.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires to assess physical activity and other factors.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of activity levels due to reliance on self-reported data.
Limitations
Self-reported physical activity may lead to inaccuracies in recall.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 48 to 83 years, residing in central Sweden.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.85–0.89 for age; 95% CI: 0.79–0.84 for BMI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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