A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Adiposity Markers as Predictors of 11-Year Decline in Maximal Walking Speed in Late Midlife
Authors: Wennman H, Jerome GJ, Simonsick EM, Sainio P, Valkeinen H, Borodulin K, Stenholm S
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
Publication year: 2020
Journal: Journal of Applied Gerontology
Journal name in source: JOURNAL OF APPLIED GERONTOLOGY
Journal acronym: J APPL GERONTOL
Article number: UNSP 0733464820911542
Number of pages: 6
ISSN: 0733-4648
eISSN: 1552-4523
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464820911542
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/46964167
Background: Obesity is linked to poorer physical functioning in older adults, but impact of excess adiposity on loss of functional capacity in late midlife is unclear. This study examined associations between adiposity markers and 11-year change in maximal walking speed, a sensitive indicator of physical functioning, among adults aged 55 to 69 years. Method: Maximal walking speed over 6.1 m was assessed in 2000 and 2011 among Finnish men (n = 409) and women (n = 498) from the prospective Health 2000 Survey. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were assessed in 2000. Generalized estimating equation models estimated changes in maximal walking speed by BMI and waist circumference, stratified by sex. Results: BMI greater than 30 kg/m(2) was associated with accelerated decline in maximal walking speed particularly in women. Associations with waist circumference were nonsignificant. Conclusion: Late midlife obesity may speed up the decline in functional capacity as measured by maximal walking speed, especially in women.
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