Study of Factors Affecting the Step Count and Physical Activity Related Energy Expenditure of Healthy Elderly: Is It Possible to Assess Physical Activity by Only The Step Count?

Abstract

[Purpose] To examine whether the physical activity of healthy elderly people can be evaluated using step counts. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 102 healthy elderly persons. Daily physical activity (step counts and physical activity-related energy expenditure “PAEE”) were assessed using a uniaxial accelerometer. We also evaluated factors associated with physical activity, such as body mass index, quadriceps force hand-grip force respiratory function, depressive symptoms, regional environment, and wearing rate. [Results] A high correlation was observed between the step count and PAEE. Furthermore, age, hand-grip force quadriceps force and wearing rate affected the number of steps and PAEE, according to multiple regression analysis. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that a step count is sufficient to evaluate the PAEE of healthy elderly people.