Reciprocal associations between trajectories of physical activity and physical function among older women: findings from the Australian longitudinal study on women’s health

Review written by Dr Mariana Wingood info

Key Points

  1. Physical activity is a modifiable factor that can prevent and address a physical function decline in our 40’s.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Starting at the age of 40, our physical function starts to decline. However, participating in regular physical activity is a critical modifiable factor for preventing decline in physical function and reducing the likelihood of experiencing physical disability (1). Despite this known association, the specifics about this association are less clear. For example, we do not currently understand the associations between trajectories of physical activity and physical function when in mid-older age. Another knowledge gap is related to the decline in physical activity and the lack of knowledge about how this may have a reciprocal relationship with physical function (2).

The objective of this study was to examine physical activity and physical function trajectories from ages 73 to 90, their relationship with each other's decline, and temporal links using data with a three-year lag.

Starting at the age of 40, our physical function starts to decline.
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Those in the highly active group maintained high physical function and did not reach the starting physical function level of the low physical activity group until they were 87 (14 years later).

METHODS

Design: Secondary analysis utilizing data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (N = 8,238).

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