Differences in physical activity between seasons with and without snowfall among elderly individuals residing in areas that receive snowfall

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the influence of climatic conditions on the daily physical activities of elderly individuals by comparing the physical activity during seasons with and without snowfall. [Participants and Methods] In total, 35 participants attending the Health Promotion Program conducted by Chitose City Office participated in this study. The survey for the seasons with snowfall was conducted in February 2016, while the survey for the seasons without snowfall was conducted in September 2015. The physical activity of the participants was measured using a Kenz Lifecorder GS accelerometer. [Results] Physical activity was found to be significantly lower during seasons with snowfall than in seasons without snowfall. Multivariate analysis revealed that physical activity significantly increased with lower temperature during the seasons with snowfall, and it significantly increased with higher temperature and decreased with larger amounts of precipitation during the seasons without snowfall. [Conclusion] It was found that the climatic conditions affect the level of physical activity during seasons with and without snowfall. A lower level of physical activity was observed in areas that received snowfall than in areas that did not receive snowfall.