Light-intensity physical activity is associated with insulin resistance in elderly Japanese women independent of moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity.
BACKGROUND
It is unclear whether light physical activity is beneficially associated with insulin resistance, similar to moderate and/or vigorous physical activity. This cross-sectional study was performed to determine the relationship between the amount of light physical activity, as determined with a triaxial accelerometer, and insulin resistance.


METHODS
A total of 807 healthy men and women participated in this study. Physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer worn for 28 days and summarized as light intensity (1.1-2.9 METs) or moderate to vigorous intensity (≥ 3.0 METs). Insulin resistance was evaluated by HOMA_R (FPG [mg/dL] × IRI [μU/mL]/405).


RESULTS
The daily time spent in light physical activity was inversely associated with HOMA_R (r = -0.173, P < 0.05). After adjustment for confounders, the association between light physical activity and HOMA_R remained statistically significant (β = -0.119, P < .05). Light physical activity remained significantly associated with HOMA_R following further adjustment for moderate to vigorous intensity activity (β = -0.125, P < .05). Similar results were observed when light physical activity was modeled as quartiles, especially in elderly women.


CONCLUSIONS
These cross-sectional data suggest that light-intensity physical activity is beneficially associated with insulin resistance in elderly Japanese women.
Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan.
Yuko
Y
Gando
Haruka
H
Murakami
Ryoko
R
Kawakami
Noriko
N
Tanaka
Kiyoshi
K
Sanada
Izumi
I
Tabata
Mitsuru
M
Higuchi
Motohiko
M
Miyachi
D061725:Accelerometry; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000208:ethnology / Q000502:physiology*; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors