The Comparison of Resting Metabolic Rate to Daily Physical Activity in Adults Aged 55-69 Years Old
Abstract (Summary)Amy L. Morgan, Advisor The primary purpose of this study was to determine if the level of physical activity was related to resting metabolic rate (RMR) in an older population. If a relationship existed, physical activity and RMR could be parameters to observe in older populations by health care professionals (physicians, exercise physiologists, etc.) to aid in weight loss, risk factors of diseases, etc. Since RMR comprises 60-80% of an individual's total metabolism, it is important to determine ways to increase or maintain RMR as an individual ages. Thirty healthy subjects aged 55-69 years old (average age = 60 years) were recruited for this study. RMR was measured two consecutive times using the BodyGem. Anthropometric parameters that were measured included body height and weight, body composition, waist and hip measurements, and abdominal diameter. After RMR and body composition measures were obtained and recorded, subjects were given an accelerometer to wear for two weeks. The accelerometer measured daily steps taken, intensity of physical activity (moderate to vigorous activity), and calories burned through physical activity. A correlation coefficient was used to compare physical activity and anthropometric variables to RMR. A multiple regression was also used to determine which variables were most predictive of RMR. RMR was significantly correlated with every variable except percent body fat, physical activity calories, and physical activity minutes. Daily steps were significantly negatively correlated with RMR, BMI, percent body fat, hip circumference, and abdominal diameter. Physical activity calories were significantly correlated with physical activity minutes while physical activity minutes were significantly correlated with age and percent body fat. The regression analysis provided the following variables to be used in a prediction equation for RMR: age, percent body fat, physical activity minutes, and physical activity calories. In conclusion, although RMR was not found to be significantly correlated with physical activity level and negatively correlated with the anthropometric measures, the relationships such as daily steps with BMI, percent body fat, hip circumference, and abdominal diameter were able to provide additional information that recording daily steps may aid in weight maintenance and decrease risk factors for various diseases (i.e., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc.).
School Location:USA - Ohio
Source Type:Master's Thesis
Date of Publication:05/27/2009