Associations of Daily Pedometer Steps and Self-Reported Physical Activity With Health-Related Quality of Life: Results From the Alberta Older Adult Health Survey.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to examine associations of self-reported physical activity (PA) and pedometer steps with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among a population-based sample of older adults.

METHOD

Adults ≥55 years (N = 1,296) were recruited through random-digit dialing and responded to a questionnaire via computer-assisted telephone interviewing methods. Questionnaires assessed demographic variables and validated measures of PA and HRQoL. Participants received a step pedometer and waist circumference tape measure via post.

RESULTS

Compared with participants in the low-step group (0-6,999 steps/day), participants in the high-step group (>10,000 steps/day) had significantly higher scores on mental health (Mdiff = 3.1, p < .001, confidence intervals [CI] = [1.8, 4.3]), physical health (Mdiff = 3.5, p < .001, CI = [2.2, 4.7]), and global health (Mdiff = 3.5, p < .001, CI = [2.3, 4.7]). Waist circumference and body mass index did not moderate any associations of pedometer steps and PA with HRQoL.

CONCLUSION

Older adults exceeding established step thresholds reported significantly higher HRQoL indices compared with those achieving lower thresholds.