Sex-related differences in the energy cost of physical activity in seniors

Abstract

Introduction. The aging of the human body, which is an inevitable and irreversible process, causes changes in the structure and functions of organs and a decrease in intellectual and cognitive functions. Physical activity is essential for the quality of life of seniors. The aim of the study was to compare the energy cost of physical activity of women and men over 65 years of age, living in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. Material and methods. Cross-sectional study covered seniors at the age of 65-74, from Podkarpackie Province. The research tool was an International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for the analysis. Results. Energy expenditure related to energy cost of vigorous (p = 0.031), moderate (p = 0.014) and total effort (p = 0.007) job-related, motor vehicle-related effort (p < 0.001), and leisure-time physical activity (p = 0.005) was statistically significantly higher in men. In women, higher values of vigorous physical activities in the garden or yard (p = 0.049) and moderate physical activities at home (p = 0.014) were observed. Conclusions. The energy cost of activities requiring job-related vigorous, moderate and total physical activity, as well as the energy cost of effort related to train, bus, car, tram, or other kind of motor vehicle, as well as recreation, sport, and leisure-time physical activity is higher in men. On the other hand, women are characterized by a higher energy cost of vigorous physical activities in the garden or yard and moderate physical activities inside home. The time spent sitting does not differentiate the surveyed women and men.