Introduction:
Population studies generally use indirect methods to estimate the physical activity level (PAL). However, the measurement error, particularly when it comes to the elderly, is significant. National studies using objective measures are scarce.
Objective:
This study aimed to describe the physical activity level of the elderly in São Paulo city using accelerometry.
Methods:
This research is part of SABE Study carried out in the capital of São Paulo and analyzed data of 568 elderly people (≥65 years). The Actigraph accelerometer was used for three consecutive days. The elderly were classified according to the PAL in accordance with the current recommendations of PA. The PAL was described (mean and 95% CI) by sex and age groups (< 70 years, 70-79 years and ≥ 80 years). The proportion of elderly people in each PAL group was described in relative terms (%). Differences between groups were estimated using Wald test.
Results:
Elderly classified as sedentary accounted for 63.1% (48.3% men and 71.7% women) and had higher mean age; prevalence was 25.7% of men and 8.13% of women classified as physically active, which corresponds to only 14.6% of the elderly. The elderly spend on average 12.6 (95% CI 10.6 to 13.7) minutes per day in physical activity considered moderate and/or vigorous. The proportion of elderly individuals active is smaller the greater the age.
Conclusion:
The PAL of elderly population of São Paulo city is low and insufficient, especially among women. Thus, the proportion of elderly people considered sedentary and insufficiently active were greater compared to physically active elderly people.
accelerometer; elderly; motor activity
