Latent profiles of physical behaviour and their impact on physical fitness and function of Portuguese older adults

Abstract

Exploring individuals’ patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour can reveal profiles that could differently impact health outcomes and benefit targeted interventions. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of physical behaviour in older adults and examine their association with physical fitness and function outcomes. The sample included 1095 participants (765 females) from the Portuguese physical activity and sports monitoring system. Latent profiles of physical behaviour were identified based on the percentage of waking time spent in sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) assessed by accelerometery. Physical fitness was assessed by Senior Fitness Test Battery, and physical function was evaluated through the 12-item Composite Physical Function questionnaire. Associations between the profiles of physical behaviour and physical fitness and function outcomes were examined using generalized linear models adjusted for age. Three profiles of physical behaviour were identified: "active", "intermediate", and "sedentary" for both sexes. Participants with “active" or "intermediate" profiles exhibited the most favourable physical fitness and functional outcomes, while those with a "sedentary" profile showed the poorest results. Our findings suggest that a more balanced behaviour between physical activity and sedentary behaviour throughout the waking day appears to provide physical fitness and functional benefits, even if MVPA are not fully met. This is important for older adults who may struggle to comply fully with MVPA guidelines but could maintain or improve their physical fitness and function with a more active behaviour through the reduction of sedentary behaviour and inclusion of light physical activity.