This study examined the relationship between life space and physical activity, focusing on age and sex.
Participants were 52 community-dwelling individuals (13 men and 39 women) aged 65 years and older. Participants were recruited from among patients undergoing outpatient rehabilitation at the Japanese Red Cross Kanazawa Hospital. Physical activity was measured using an accelerometer and the measurement period was five days, with a physical activity of 1.6–2.9 METs being considered light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and 3.0 METs or more being moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Life space assessment (LSA) was used to assess life space. Statistical analyses were performed by comparing groups (under vs. over 75 years of age; men vs. women) and analyzing the correlations between LSA and LPA or MVPA in each group.
The under 75 years group (n=20) had an LPA of 347 ± 116 min/day and a MVPA of 20.3 ± 20.1 min/day, while the over 75 years group (n=32) had an LPA of 320 ± 91.2 min/day and a MVPA of 8.1 ± 9.0 min/day. The older age group engaged in significantly less MVPA than the younger age group, but no significant correlations were observed between LSA and LPA or MVPA according to age group. Men (n=13) had an LPA of 243 ± 76.4 min/day and a MVPA of 15.0 ± 12.7 min/day, while women (n=39) had an LPA of 360 ± 92.0 min/day and a MVPA of 12.1 ± 16.3 min/day, showing that women had significantly more LPA than men. Significant correlations were found between LSA and LPA or MVPA in men, but not in women.
This study suggests that the relationship between life space and physical activity may differ between men and women.
The findings of the present study can be used to develop novel strategies to increase people’s life space and, in turn, increase their physical activity. These measures should consider the target population and provide tailored interventions according to age and sex.
Life Space
Older adults
