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Are Aerobically Fit Older Individuals More Physically Active in Their Free-Living Time? A Doubly Labeled Water Approach¹

Divisions of Clinical Pharmacology and Metabolic Research (M.B., R.D.S., E.T.P.) and Cardiology (M.B., P.A.A.), Department of Medicine, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont 05405

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Eric T. Poehlman, Ph.D., Given Building, B-247, Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405. E-mail: epoehlma{at}zoo.uvm.edu

There is considerable controversy regarding factors regulating free-living physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) in older individuals. This component is highly variable, is difficult to accurately assess, and reflects both volitional and nonvolitional activities. We examined the association between maximal aerobic fitness (peak VO₂) and free-living PAEE in older individuals.

One hundred and eighty healthy older patients (96 females and 84 males) between 45–90 yr of age were studied. Total energy expenditure was measured from doubly labeled water. PAEE was calculated as the difference between total energy expenditure, resting metabolic rate, and estimated thermic effect of a meal. Peak VO₂ was assessed from an exercise test to volitional fatigue. Fat mass and fat-free mass were assessed from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry.

After correction for age, fat mass, and fat-free mass, significant correlations were observed between peak VO₂ and PAEE for older males (r = 0.42; P < 0.0001) and females (r = 0.24; P < 0.05), although significant variation among volunteers was noted. When subjects were subdivided by tertiles based on their peak VO₂ (liters per min), males with the highest peak VO₂ showed greater free-living PAEE than individuals with low peak VO₂ (P < 0.01). Similar results were observed in females (P < 0.05).

Our results suggest a positive association between higher levels of peak VO₂ and greater free-living PAEE in older individuals. This relationship is stronger in older men than in women. These additional energy-dissipating properties during their free-living time may serve to preserve leanness and buffer fat gain with age.

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