Associations of Monitor-Assessed Activity with Performance-Based Physical Function

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional associations of monitor- derived measures of sedentary time and physical activity with performance-based physical function in healthy Australian adults. Data from 602 participants (mean age 58.1 ± 10.0 years; 58% female) from the 2011/12 wave of the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab3) study were analyzed. The thigh-worn activPAL3 ™ monitor (7-days continuous wear) was used to derive time during waking hours spent: sitting/reclining; standing; and, stepping (overall, and separately as light [ < 3 METs] and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA; 3 METs]), and number of sit-stand transitions. Associations of these (in hours/day, or 15 transitions/day) with physical function measures (8ft Timed Up and Go [TUG-8; log-transformed seconds] and Knee Extensor Strength [KES; kg]) were tested via linear regression, adjusting for confounders. Interactions by sex and age-category ( < 45; 45 – 54; 55 – 64; 65 years) were tested. In all participants, KES was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with stepping and MVPA stepping only; none of the activity measures were associated with TUG-8. However, subgroup analysis revealed that in older adults ( 65 years), TUG-8 was associated with stepping and MVPA stepping (both p < 0.05). All associa- tions with sitting time, standing, sit-stand transition and sex interactions were not statistically significant. In summary, sitting time was not significantly associated with impaired muscle strength or gait/mobility in Australian adults aged 36 – 80 years, but light- to moderate activity (stepping) was positively associated with muscle strength, and gait/mobility in older adults aged 65 years. The direction of causation is not known and remains important to investi- gate considering the high prevalence of both poor function and limited activity in older age.