Year-long physical activity and metabolic syndrome in older Japanese adults: Cross-sectional data from the Nakanojo study

Abstract

Background. We determined associations between habitual physical activity and metabolic syndrome in elderly persons. Methods. Pedometer/accelerometers measured step count and activity intensity on a 24-hour basis in 220 free-living Japanese persons 65-84 years old throughout an entire year. At year end, participants were screened for metabolic syndrome (modified criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III [NCEP-ATP III]). Results. Most individuals 65-74 years old who took >10,000 steps/d and/or spent >30 min/d of activity >3 metabolic equivalents (METs) had ≤2 metabolic syndrome diagnostic markers, as did those 75-84 years old with >8000 steps/d and/or >20 min/d at >3 METs. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that the risk of metabolic syndrome was 4.3 (1.6-11.7) and 3.3 (1.3-8.8) times greater in the least active quartiles of participants (taking <4700 steps/d and spending <9 min/d at >3 METs, respectively) relative to the most active quartiles (taking >8500 steps/d and spending >24 min/d at >3 METs, respectively). Conclusions. The metabolic syndrome is less likely in elderly people taking >8000-10,000 steps/d, and reaching an intensity >3 METs for >20-30 min/d, relative to their sedentary peers. Copyright 2008 by The Gerontological Society of America.