Daily Walking Steps and Physical Fitness in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Community Dwellers

Abstract

Increasing age is related to decrease in physical activity and physical fitness. This leads to decline in physical function, decrease quality of life and dependency. This research aimed to determine daily walking steps and physical fitness in middle - aged and older adults in community. Second objective is to examine the correlation between age, daily walking steps and physical fitness. A total 48 participants in community, 22 middle-aged (mean age 51.50 ± 4.07 years) and 26 older adults (mean age 69.42 ± 7.61 years) were recruited and assessed daily walking steps by wearing accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Physical fitness, including handgrip strength, 5 Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5TSST), 6-Minute Walk test (6MWT) were assessed to determine upper limb strength, lower limb strength and cardiovascular function, respectively. The result showed that there were no significantly differences in daily walking steps, handgrip strength and 5TSTS between middle -aged and older adults. Whereas, 6MWT was higher in middle-aged when compared with older adults (p = 0.017). Age was associated with daily walking steps (r= -0.573, p= 0.000), handgrip strength (r=-0.287, p= 0.048), 5TSTS (r= 0.466, p= 0.001) and 6MWT (r= - 0.609, p= 0.000). In addition, daily walking steps was correlated with physical fitness. Daily walking steps had positive correlation with physical fitness in community dwellers aged over 45 years. The finding would give benefit information for promote physical activity and health in middle-aged and older adults in community.