A1 Journal article (refereed)
Two-week step-reduction has limited negative effects on physical function and metabolic health in older adults (2024)
Walker, S., Sahinaho, U.-M., Vekki, S., Sulonen, M., Laukkanen, J. A., Sipilä, S., Peltonen, H., Laakkonen, E., & Lehti, M. (2024). Two-week step-reduction has limited negative effects on physical function and metabolic health in older adults. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 124(7), 2019-2033. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-024-05426-1
JYU authors or editors
 | |
| |
| |
|
Publication details
All authors or editors: Walker, Simon; Sahinaho, Ulla-Maria; Vekki, Sakari; Sulonen, Mari; Laukkanen, Jari A.; Sipilä, Sarianna; Peltonen, Heikki; Laakkonen, Eija; Lehti, Maarit
Journal or series: European Journal of Applied Physiology
ISSN: 1439-6319
eISSN: 1439-6327
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 21/02/2024
Volume: 124
Issue number: 7
Pages range: 2019-2033
Publisher: Springer
Publication country: Germany
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-024-05426-1
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/93795
Abstract
This study determined the effects of a 2-week step-reduction period followed by 4-week exercise rehabilitation on physical function, body composition, and metabolic health in 70–80-year-olds asymptomatic for injury/illness.
Methods
A parallel-group randomized controlled trial (ENDURE-study, NCT04997447) was used, where 66 older adults (79% female) were randomized to either intervention or control group. The intervention group reduced daily steps to < 2000, monitored by accelerometer, for two weeks (Period I) and then step-reduction requirement was removed with an additional exercise rehabilitation 4 times per week for 4 weeks (Period II). The control group continued their habitual physical activity throughout with no additional exercise intervention. Laboratory tests were performed at baseline, after Period I and Period II. The primary outcome measure was leg lean mass (LLM). Secondary outcomes included total lean and fat mass, blood glucose and insulin concentration, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol concentration, maximal isometric leg press force (MVC), and chair rise and stair climb performance.
Results
LLM remained unchanged in both groups and no changes occurred in physical function nor body composition in the intervention group in Period I. HDL cholesterol concentration reduced after Period I (from 1.62 ± 0.37 to 1.55 ± 0.36 mmol·L−1, P = 0.017) and returned to baseline after Period II (1.66 ± 0.38 mmol·L−1) in the intervention group (Time × Group interaction: P = 0.065). MVC improved after Period II only (Time × Group interaction: P = 0.009, Δ% = 15%, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Short-term step-reduction in healthy older adults may not be as detrimental to health or physical function as currently thought.
Keywords: physical activity; inactivity; HDL cholesterol; training; walking (motion); intensity
Free keywords: physical activity; inactivity; HDL; exercise; walking economy; strength
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1
