Physical activity and sedentary behavior as predictors of fear of falling and risk of sarcopenia in older adults

Abstract

Introduction: Low-level physical activity and sedentary behavior are factors that can impact the fear of falling and risk of falls in older adults. Objective: This study aimed to determine whether the duration and frequency of physical activity and sedentary behavior predict the fear of falling and risk of sarcopenia in older people. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 116 older individuals from southern and southeastern Brazil. A sociodemographic and health questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ – short version), the Falls Efficacy Scale – International (FES-I), and the SARC-f were used. Data were analyzed by bootstrapping procedures, Pearson's correlation, and regression analysis (p < 0.05). Results: Walking days (β = -0.38; p < 0.001) and moderate activity days (β = -0.23; p < 0.001) showed a negative prediction of fear of falling. Walking days also had a significant and negative prediction of the risk of sarcopenia (β = -0.34; p < 0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that weekly walking and the practice of moderate-intensity physical activity negatively predict the fear of falling in older adults. Weekly walking also negatively predicts the risk of having sarcopenia. Sedentary behavior was not a predictor of fear of falling and risk of sarcopenia.