Approved research

The associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and muscle strength

Lay summary

Although regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of premature mortality and cardiovascular disease, only 21% of men and 16% of women aged 65-74 years achieve the recommended 150 minutes/week of physical activity. Recent data suggests that time spent sedentary, which increases sharply after the age of 70 years, is also associated with increased risk of death and cardiovascular disease, independent of physical activity. There is emerging evidence to suggest that physical inactivity and sedentary behaviours may also be associated with lower levels of muscle strength and loss of independence in older age, placing a substantial and increasing burden on societies and health care systems. However, there is limited research examining the associations between sedentary behaviours and physical activity with muscle strength in older adults (those aged =65 years). Given the need for further research in this area and the potential independent roles of physical activity and sedentary behaviours on muscle strength, we aim to: (1) examine the independent associations of physical activity and sedentary behaviours with grip strength in older adults, and (2) examine whether sedentary behaviours modify the association between physical activity and grip strength in older adults meeting current physical activity guidelines. Please note that we are requesting access to data only and that the research project consists, initially, of a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline association between sedentary behaviours and physical activity with grip strength. Also, we would like to request the repeat assessment data in the subset of the cohort (circa 20,000 participants aged 65y+), meaning there will be data on physical activity approximately 4.5 years after recruitment to allow us to conduct a prospective analysis. Subset - all adults aged 65 years and over