Association of life-space with light-intensity and moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity in older adults using daycare rehabilitation facilities

Background: The use of assistive devices and the presence of caregivers in the living space of older people using daycare rehabilitation facilities may increase their physical activity. However, the exact relationship between these factors and physical activity has not been well established.Objective: We aimed to examine whether assistive devices and caregivers were life-space factors associated with light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) among daycare rehabilitation facility users.Methods: Forty-seven daycare rehabilitation facility users were recruited (mean age: 76.5 +/- 8.6 years; men: 16; women: 31). LPA and MVPA were measured using accelerometers and averaged over 7 days. Life-space assessment (LSA) and the Geriatric Depression Scale score were assessed. The LSA includes composite life-space, maximal life-space (LS-M), life-space using equip-ment (LS-E), and independent life-space. Grip strength and maximum gait speed were measured two times, and the best results were used. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that LPA was significantly associated with sex (beta = 0.773), grip strength (beta = 0.434), and LS-M (beta = 0.325), whereas MVPA was significantly associated with age (beta = -0.421) and LS-E (beta = 0.455).Conclusion: A close association was found between LS-M and LS-E and the intensity of physical activity in older people who used daycare rehabilitation facilities.