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The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 63:1119-1123 (2008)
© 2008 The Gerontological Society of America


BRIEF REPORT

Year-Long Physical Activity and Metabolic Syndrome in Older Japanese Adults: Cross-Sectional Data From the Nakanojo Study

Sungjin Park, Hyuntae Park, Fumiharu Togo, Eiji Watanabe, Akitomo Yasunaga, Kazuhiro Yoshiuchi, Roy J. Shephard and Yukitoshi Aoyagi

1 Exercise Sciences Research Group, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Japan.
2 Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
3 Faculty of Physical Education and Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Address correspondence to Yukitoshi Aoyagi, PhD, Exercise Sciences Research Group, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan. E-mail: aoyagi{at}tmig.or.jp

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.

Key Words: Accelerometer • Aging • Blood glucose • Blood pressure • Body mass index • Cholesterol • Moderate-exercise duration • Step count







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Copyright © 2008 by The Gerontological Society of America.