Associations between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and quality of life in pre-frail and frail older adults: The FRAGSALUD Project
- Laura Ávila Cabeza-de-Vaca 1
- Andrea González-Mariscal 1
- Juan Corral-Pérez 1
- Alba Mier Perulero 1
- Luis Muguerza-Rodríguez 1
- Alberto Marín-Galindo 1
- Cristina Casals 1
- María Ángeles Vázquez-Sánchez 2
- 1 ExPhy Research Group, Department of Physical Education and INiBICA, University of Cadiz, Spain
- 2 PASOS Research Group, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Hea lth Sciences, University of Malaga, Spain
Publisher: Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal – Escola Superior de Educação Centro de Investigação em Qualidade de Vida
ISBN: 978-989-53236-8-5
Year of publication: 2023
Type: Conference paper
Abstract
Frailty is defined as a geriatric syndrome characterized by a decrease in physiological reserve and functional capacity, which significantly compromises the quality of life of fragile individuals. Physical activity can have a positive impact on the quality of life of people with frailty. Studies have shown that physical inactivity can worsen the state of these individuals and increase the risk of chronic diseases, which can worsen their quality of life. Cross-sectional study aims to analyze the association between time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the quality of life of frail and pre-frail older adults. 184 older adults (178 women, 74.26 ± 8.27 years) with pre-frailty and frailty were recruited, and MVPA was evaluated using accelerometry for seven consecutive days. Quality of life was assessed using the EuroQOL-5Dquestionnaire and the EuroQOL-5D visual analog scale (VAS). QoL index was obtained from the 5 items of the questionnaire plus the VAS, and the index ranges from 1 to 0, where 1 represents the best health status. The statistical analysis was carried out using multiple regression adjusting for sex and age, with the significance level set at p<0.005. Results showed a significant association between MVPA time (128.25 ± 163.37 min/day) and quality of life index (0.88 ±0.09), adjusting for age and sex (β=0.18; R2= 0.09; p<0.03), but no significant association was found between MVPA time and VAS (64.39 ± 22.35). Based on the results of this study, the complete version of the quality of life tool should be applied, and although shortening the evaluation time by only using the VAS scale may seem appropriate, it would not be suitable for frail or pre-frail individuals as it is not associated with MVPA, which is a preventive variable for frailty.