Analysis of female physical activity characteristics according to age and ponderal status in a free-living context: a study from a central Italy sample

Purpose: The analysis of daily physical activity characteristics is an important starting point to favor the promotion of proper physical activity against obesity. The aim of our study was to characterize physical activity organization, among the different intensities and across age and ponderal status, to verify whether the normal-weight condition has the same physical activity characteristics across ages. Methods: We recruited 381 female participants; 100 were between 6 and 10 years old; 134 were between 35 and 54 years, and 147 were between 55 and 69 years. The body mass index of participants ranged from normal weight to obese. Daily physical activity was objectively recorded in the period between 15 June and 15 July, from 2011 to 2014. The effects of age, ponderal status, and their interaction on daily physical activity were studied. Results: Normal-weight children (NW-C) have higher daily METs and more vigorous physical activity than other sub-samples, while overweight and obese children (OW-C, O-C) have the same daily physical activity characteristics as normal-weight adults and older adults (NW-A, NW-OA). Conclusions: In female population, the intensity of daily physical activity is a distinctive characteristic of NW-C, while time engaged in moderate physical activity is a distinctive characteristic for NW-A and NW-OA. As OW-C and O-C have the same physical activity characteristics as NW-A and NW-OA, it is suggested that an age-related approach in the field of physical activity promotion should be developed.