Physical (in)activity, nutritional status and muscle status in older adults: Towards objective assessments in clinical practice

Anna Galina Maria Rojer

Research output: PhD ThesisPhD-Thesis - Research and graduation internal

326 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Older age is characterised by the increase of morbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and more complex geriatric syndromes. A health domain of specific interest in older adults is muscle status, which can be defined by the assessment of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. Poor muscle status, defined as limitations or deficits in muscle quality and quantity, may manifest before actual disabilities are present. Therefore, the assessment of muscle status could be used as a ‘signalling assessment’ to detect those individuals at risk for declining functional performance and losing independence. These morbidities and geriatric syndromes could be partly prevented, delayed or even treated by a healthy lifestyle, e.g., by minimising sedentary behaviour (SB), participating in physical activity (PA) and maintaining a healthy diet to preserve nutritional status. The aim of this thesis was to address aspects of the relationships between objectively assessed (instrumented) SB (i-SB) and PA (i-PA), nutritional status and muscle status in different older adult populations: first, in relatively healthy older adults, and second in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. Understanding these interrelations could inform future intervention studies on how to successfully preserve muscle status in older adults, which could be considered a prerequisite for maintaining functional performance, independent living, and thus actively participating in society.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDr.
Awarding Institution
  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Maier, Andrea, Supervisor
  • Pijnappels, Mirjam, Supervisor
  • Meskers, Carolus Gerardus Maria, Co-supervisor, -
  • Trappenburg, M., Co-supervisor, -
Award date28 Oct 2021
Place of PublicationAmsterdam
Publisher
Print ISBNs9789464234473
Publication statusPublished - 28 Oct 2021

Keywords

  • sedentary behaviour, physical activity, objective assessments, accelerometry, malnutrition, physical performance, muscle strength, gait speed, older adults, geriatric rehabilitation

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