Associations between objectively measured physical activity levels and physical fitness and health-related quality of life in elderly women

Purpose Previous studies aimed at analyzing the associations between physical activity levels and physical fitness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) did not consider the differences between physical activity levels calculated as overall physical activity (MVPAall) or accumulated in bouts of at least 10 min (MVPA10).Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the different effects of MVPAall or MVPA10 and physical fitness on health-related quality of life in a population of young and older women. Methods Physical activity levels were objectively evaluated for 7 consecutive days. Physical fitness was determined with a handgrip strength test and a maximal treadmill test. HRQoL was measured with the Short Form 36 Health Status Survey. Results Although young women resulted more fit than older women [both cardiorespiratory and maximal strength resulted significantly higher in young adults with respect to older adults (p < 0.05)], no differences were detected for physical activity levels (neither MVPAall nor MVPA10) or HRQoL between groups. MVPAall was significantly higher than MVPA10 (p < 0.01). The Canonical correlation analysis revealed that there was a positive relationship between the level of cardiorespiratory fitness and the Physical Component Summary of HRQoL and that there was a negative relationship between vigorous physical activity and Social Functioning (p = 0.016). Otherwise, neither physical activity nor physical fitness influenced the Mental Component Summary. Conclusions These results will be useful for designing physical activity programs, aiming to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and that could also positively affect HRQoL.