Faculty Collaboration Database

Physical Activity, Inflammation, and Physical Function in Older Adults: Results From the Health & Retirement Study. Biol Res Nurs 2023 Jan;25(1):24-32

Date

07/08/2022

Pubmed ID

35798678

DOI

10.1177/10998004221111217

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85133832770 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   5 Citations

Abstract

UNLABELLED: Physical function declines with aging due to physical and biological changes. The biological process of aging has been associated with increases in systemic inflammation and a greater risk for chronic conditions. In older adults, physical activity aids in maintenance of function. However, the influence of inflammatory biomarkers and adiposity on physical activity and physical function needs to be further explored.

METHODS: A cross-sectional secondary data analysis from Wave 13 of the Health & Retirement Study (HRS) core biennial data and Venous Blood Study (VBS) was conducted. Structural equation modeling was used to establish the model and test the relationships.

RESULTS: Chronic low-level inflammation was moderately negatively correlated with physical activity (r = -0.326) and function (r = -0.367). Latent regressions showed that higher physical activity is associated with better physical function (unstandardized estimate = 0.600, p < .001) while inflammation negatively affects physical function (unstandardized estimate = -0.139, p < .001), and adiposity was not a predictor in the model (p = 0.055).

CONCLUSION: For older adults, preserving physical function by participation in physical activity and decreasing chronic inflammation are key preventive health strategies for older adults to maintain independence, with a need to further explore pro and anti-inflammatory biomarkers.

Author List

Hlebichuk JL, Gretebeck RJ, Garnier-Villarreal M, Piacentine LB, Singh M, Gretebeck KA

Author

Linda Piacentine BS,MS,NP,PhD Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adiposity
Aged
Aging
Biomarkers
Cross-Sectional Studies
Exercise
Humans
Inflammation
Obesity