Prolonged nightly fasting and lower-extremity functioning in community-dwelling older adults

Abstract

It is unknown if time-restricted feeding confers a protective effect on the physical function of older adults. The aim of this study was to assess prolonged nightly fasting in association with performance-based lower-extremity function (LEF) in a large population of community-dwelling older adults. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1226 individuals ≥64 years from the Seniors-ENRICA-II (Study on Nutrition and Cardiovascular Risk in Spain) cohort. Habitual diet was assessed through a validated diet history. Fasting time was classified into the following categories: ≤9, 10-11 and ≥12 h/d (prolonged nightly fasting). Performance-based LEF was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). After adjusting for potential confounders, a longer fasting period was associated with a higher likelihood of impaired LEF (OR for the second and third categories v. ≤ 9 h/d fasting: 2.27 (95 % CI 1.56, 3.33) and 2.70 (95 % CI 1.80, 4.04), respectively; P trend < 0.001). Fasting time showed a significant association with the SPPB subtests balance impairment (OR for highest v. shortest fasting time: 2.48; 95 % CI 1.51, 4.08; P trend = 0.001) and difficulty to rise from a chair (OR 1.47; 95 % CI 1.05, 2.06; P trend = 0.01). The risk associated with ≥12 h fasting among those with the lowest levels of physical activity was three times higher than among those with ≤9 h fasting with the same low level of physical activity. Prolonged nightly fasting was associated with a higher likelihood of impaired LEF, balance impairment, and difficulty to rise from a chair in older adults, especially among those with low levels of physical activity.