Relationship of Objectively-Measured Habitual Physical Activity to Chronic Inflammation and Fatigue in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Abstract

Background: Habitual (non-exercise) physical activity (PA) declines with age, and aging-related increases in inflammation and fatigue may be important contributors to variability in PA. Methods: This study examined the association of objectively-measured PA (accelerometry over 7 days) with inflammation (plasma interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein) and with self-reported fatigue (SF-36 Vitality) at baseline and 18 months after a diet-induced weight loss, exercise, or diet-induced weight loss plus exercise intervention in 167 overweight/obese, middle-aged, and older adults. Results: At baseline, individuals with higher plasma interleukin-6, as well as those who reported feeling less energetic (more fatigued), took less steps per day and had lower PA energy expenditure and minutes of light and moderate-vigorous PA (p