Physical inactivity is associated with worse quality of life in older adults with pre-frailty or frailty: The FRAGSALUD project

  1. Laura Ávila-Cabeza-de-Vaca 1
  2. Andrea González-Mariscal 1
  3. Juan Corral-Pérez 1
  4. Alba Mier Perulero 1
  5. María Rebollo-Ramos 1
  6. Carlos Morillas-Cantos 1
  7. Cristina Casals 1
  8. María Ángeles Vázquez-Sánchez 2
  1. 1 ExPhy Research Group, Department of Physical Education and INiBICA, University of Cadiz, Spain
  2. 2 PASOS Research Group, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, Spain
Actas:
Exercise, biomechanics and Nutrition

Editorial: Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal – Escola Superior de Educação

ISBN: 978-989-35059-3-9

Año de publicación: 2023

Tipo: Aportación congreso

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Resumen

Frailty is a state of vulnerability in older adults who experience a decrease in functionalcapacity. Physical inactivity is a factor that can contribute to worsening the state of theseindividuals, increasing the risk of chronic diseases, and consequently worsening quality of life(QoL). The objective of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the association between inactivetime and QoL in older adults with pre-frailty and frailty . Physical inactivity was recorded throughaccelerometry for seven consecutive days in 184 older adults (178 women, 74.26 ± 8.27 years)with pre-frailty and frailty according to Fried’s criteria. Self-reported QoL was assessed throughthe EuroQOL-5D questionnaire and its visual analog scale (VAS). QoL index was obtained fromthe 5 items of the questionnaire plus the VAS, and the index ranges from 1 to 0, where 1 representsthe best health status. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the association betweenphysical inactivity and QoL index, adjusting for age and sex. Our results showed a significantassociation between physical inactivity and the QoL index adjusted for age and sex (β=-0.18;R2= 0.03; p<0.03), but no significant association was found between physical inactivity andVAS. Therefore, the frail/pre-frail older adults who spent more time physically inactive reportedworse QoL. Our study highlights the importance of reducing daily inactivity and sedentary time.Thus, health promotion policies for older adults with risk of frailty are encouraged to advertisesedentary breaks and physical activity, also promoting social interaction as effective strategies toreduce physical inactivity. These interventions have the potential to improve physical functionand quality of life, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.Further research is warranted to better understand the long-term benefits and sustainability ofthese interventions in this vulnerable population. FRAGSALUD Project funded by10.13039/501100011011, reference UMA20-FEDERJA-154