Physical Activity in Diabetic Elderly

Abstract

Background: In India there is a rising trend of prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) since many years. DM causes several complications in affected individuals by their physical, psychological and social aspects of quality of life. Moderate physical activity performed at 3 to 6 METS has been recommended for good health and optimal physical function of older adults Methodology: 43 older adults with diabetes mellitus were included for the study according to the inclusion criteria. International physical activity questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF) was used to find out the level of physical activity. Physical activity was categorized based on IPAQ levels. Correlation between age and physical activity was also estimated using Pearson correlation coefficient test. Result: About half of the subjects had low physical activity (46.5%), 41.9% had moderate physical activity and 11.6% had high physical activity. Pearson correlation coefficient test was used and found weak negative correlation (r= -0.29) between age and physical activity in the population studied. Conclusion: A significant rate of physical inactivity was found in community dwelling older adults with diabetes mellitus. Age related decline in physical activity was seen in the population studied but the correlations were weak.