title: The Role of Age in Moderating the Association Between Disability and Light-Intensity Physical Activity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There's a lack of evidence on the association between light-intensity physical activity and disability. This study examines the relationships in activity by self-reported physical function in five domains (i.e., activities of daily living [ADL], instrumental ADL, leisure activities, lower extremity, and general activities), and whether this association varies by age.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 waves.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants included 5700 men and women ages 20 to 85 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Difficulty with various activities was measured with the Physical Functioning Questionnaire, accelerometer-measured physical activity, demographics, and self-rated health.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ordinary least squares regression models were run to examine the relationship between physical function in each domain, light-intensity activity, and the moderating effect of age. Analyses controlled for body mass index, moderate-to-vigorous-intensity activity, self-reported health, accelerometer wear time, and gender.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Little variation was seen in light-intensity physical activity among younger adults regardless of disability status. Older adults reporting difficulty with activities engaged in significantly less light-intensity physical activity compared to those with no disability (271.8 vs. 316.5 minutes). Age significantly moderated the association between light-intensity physical activity and leisure activities (p = .048), and lower extremity mobility (p = .039). Age did not moderate other domains of disability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Younger age may be protective regarding the influence of disability on light-intensity activity. In addition, disability may be more debilitating for some older individuals. Interventions to increase light-intensity activity should aim to address disability at all ages, with increased attention for older adults.
authors.forename: Lindsay P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Prizer
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Gay
authors.forename: Kerstin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gerst-Emerson
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Froehlich-Grobe
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Age; Disability; Health Promotion; Health focus: fitness/physical activity; Light-Intensity Activity; Manuscript format: research; Outcome measure: behavioral; Physical Activity; Prevention Research; Research purpose: modeling/relationship testing; Setting: state/national; Strategy: behavior change; Study design: nonexperimental; Target population age: adults, seniors; Target population circumstances: race/ethnicity