Accelerometer-measured light-intensity physical activity and the risk of cardiovascular disease or death in older adults: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Light-intensity physical activity (LPA) is related to a reduced risk of all-cause death in older adults, but its effect on cardiovascular disease or death remains questioned. This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the association of LPA with the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in older adults.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search in electronic databases for prospective cohort studies assessing the relationship between LPA measured by accelerometers and the risk of cardiovascular disease and/or death in adults aged ≥60 years. Study-specific hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Of the 518 articles identified, 5 prospective cohort studies were included. The mean body mass index of included participants was all over 25 kg/m2. Pooled results showed that the summary HR per 60 min/day higher of LPA was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.83-0.98; n = 3) for the risk of cardiovascular disease and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.49-0.72; n = 2) for cardiovascular death. Both the relationship of LPA with the risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular death were linearly and inversely shaped. The HR for the risk of cardiovascular disease was greater for LPA than for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), in either equal time or equal amount scale (both Pinteraction < 0.01); but the HR for the risk of cardiovascular death was comparable between LPA and MVPA in both scales (both Pinteraction ≥0.20).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher LPA is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and death in older adults.