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pISSN 1225-8962
eISSN 2287-982X

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Phys. Ther. Korea 2021; 28(4): 251-255

Published online November 20, 2021

https://doi.org/10.12674/ptk.2021.28.4.251

© Korean Research Society of Physical Therapy

Correlation Between Physical Activity Measured by a Wearable Device and Quality of Life in Older Adults

Si-hyun Kim , PT, PhD

Department of Physical Therapy, Sangji University, Wonju, Korea

Correspondence to: Si-hyun Kim
E-mail: sihyunkim0411@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1870-2767

Received: September 30, 2021; Revised: October 15, 2021; Accepted: October 16, 2021

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Background: Physical activity and quality of life (QOL) influence the health status of older adults. Recently, the use of wearable devices to monitor physical activity has increased.
Objects: This study examined the relationship between the amount of physical activity, measured using a wearable device, and QOL among older adults.
Methods: In total, 71 older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) were enrolled. The amount of physical activity was measured using a wearable device with a wrist strap, and daily physical activity was classified according to intensity (sedentary, light, moderate, or very active). Self-reported QOL was evaluated using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were conducted to analyze parametric and non-parametric variables, respectively. The relationship between amount of daily physical activity and SF-36 scores was assessed.
Results: The correlation analyses revealed positive correlations between the amount of moderate-intensity and very active physical activity (minutes/day) and SF-36 scores (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Physical activity of at least moderate intensity is associated with better QOL in older adults. Further studies are required to verify the effects of increased physical activity on QOL in older adults.

Keywords: Aged, Physical activity, Quality of life, Wearable electronic devices

Article

Original Article

Phys. Ther. Korea 2021; 28(4): 251-255

Published online November 20, 2021 https://doi.org/10.12674/ptk.2021.28.4.251

Copyright © Korean Research Society of Physical Therapy.

Correlation Between Physical Activity Measured by a Wearable Device and Quality of Life in Older Adults

Si-hyun Kim , PT, PhD

Department of Physical Therapy, Sangji University, Wonju, Korea

Correspondence to:Si-hyun Kim
E-mail: sihyunkim0411@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1870-2767

Received: September 30, 2021; Revised: October 15, 2021; Accepted: October 16, 2021

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Background: Physical activity and quality of life (QOL) influence the health status of older adults. Recently, the use of wearable devices to monitor physical activity has increased.
Objects: This study examined the relationship between the amount of physical activity, measured using a wearable device, and QOL among older adults.
Methods: In total, 71 older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) were enrolled. The amount of physical activity was measured using a wearable device with a wrist strap, and daily physical activity was classified according to intensity (sedentary, light, moderate, or very active). Self-reported QOL was evaluated using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were conducted to analyze parametric and non-parametric variables, respectively. The relationship between amount of daily physical activity and SF-36 scores was assessed.
Results: The correlation analyses revealed positive correlations between the amount of moderate-intensity and very active physical activity (minutes/day) and SF-36 scores (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Physical activity of at least moderate intensity is associated with better QOL in older adults. Further studies are required to verify the effects of increased physical activity on QOL in older adults.

Keywords: Aged, Physical activity, Quality of life, Wearable electronic devices

Fig 1.

Figure 1.Wearing the Alta HR (Fitbit, San Francisco, CA, USA) device.
Physical Therapy Korea 2021; 28: 251-255https://doi.org/10.12674/ptk.2021.28.4.251

Table 1 . Participant characteristics (N = 71).

VariablesValues
Sex (male/female)32/39
Age (y)72.37 ± 4.95
Weight (kg)62.63 ± 10.16
Height (cm)160.07 ± 9.61
Body mass index (kg/m2)24.42 ± 3.31
Mini-mental state exam (scores)28.18 ± 1.51

Values are presented as number only or mean ± standard deviation..


Table 2 . Mean and standard deviation SF-36 of scores and amount of physical activity.

VariablesMean ± standard deviation
SF-36 (scores)
Total67.12 ± 13.22
Physical66.69 ± 14.85
Mental67.57 ± 13.76
Physical activity (minutes/day)
Sedentary721.62 ± 116.51
Lightly221.76 ± 75.00
Moderate22.11 ± 19.92
Very active24.45 ± 22.57

SF-36, Short Form 36..


Table 3 . Results of the linear correlation analysis.

Total SF-36Physical
component
Mental
component
Sedentary–0.041–0.049–0.016
Lightly0.0190.0250.059
Moderate0.462**0.514**0.331**
Very active0.371**0.444**0.243*

SF-36, Short Form 36. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01..