Conference Agenda

Introduction

Accelerometers are widely used to quantify physical activity (PA), but despite the intuitive link between acceleration and energy expenditure, this association can be influenced by device placement, metric selection, and the inability to capture energy from low-acceleration activities such as sitting and standing. This study aimed to examine the association between accelerometer-derived PA from multiple placements and metrics with doubly labelled water (DLW)-measured activity energy expenditure (AEE), and whether accounting for postural energetics improves these associations.

Method

Ninety-eight community-dwelling older adults (75–90 years) participated. Participants wore accelerometers on the dominant wrist, thigh, hip, and lower back for 14 days, synchronized with DLW measurements. Resting metabolic rate and VO₂ during sitting and standing were assessed by indirect calorimetry, and body composition by DEXA. Two accelerometer metrics were analyzed: ActiGraph counts per minute (AGVMC) and Euclidean Norm Minus One (ENMO).

Results

Weak but significant associations were observed between accelerometer-measured PA and DLW-measured AEE across the four positions and both metrics (R²=0.08-0.13), except for AGVMC from the wrist (R²=0.01). Adjusting for age, fat-free mass, and fat mass substantially improved the models (R²=0.37–0.45), while accounting for postural energetics (energy from sitting and standing) did not further enhance the associations.

Conclusion

Accelerometer-derived PA modestly predicts AEE in very old adults but is insufficient as a standalone measure. Device placement and metric selection have limited influence on outputs, while adjustments for age and body composition substantially improve prediction. Accounting for postural energetics has minimal impact on the association.

Purpose: Extensive research shows that community-based physical activity (PA) programmes improve physical, clinical and psychological wellbeing in individuals with Long-Term Conditions (LTCs). However, evaluations typically focus on participant outcomes, with limited attention given to the wider social impacts on families, staff and other stakeholders. ExWell is a nationwide community-based PA programme in Ireland designed for people living with LTCs. This study aimed to explore the broader social impact of ExWell across multiple stakeholder groups.

Methods: A qualitative exploratory design embedded within a Social Return on Investment Framework was used. Stakeholders including ExWell participants (n=28), significant others (n=4), and staff members (n=12) participated in interviews (n=6) or focus groups (n=7) online and in-person. Interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis for Theory of Change development.

Results: Preliminary findings outlined distinct yet intertwined outcomes across stakeholder groups. Participants experienced enhanced quality of life, sustained social connection and reduced healthcare utilisation. ExWell staff described increased confidence, sense of purpose, career and skill development from programme delivery. Preliminary findings from significant others suggest improved relationships and mental wellbeing linked to participant engagement.

Conclusion: Findings suggest that community-based PA programmes generate meaningful social impact beyond direct participant outcomes. Recognising these wider benefits can support more informed decision-making, improved programme design and stronger justification for investment in community-based health enhancing PA initiatives. These findings highlight the broader value of community-based programmes and may support more effective and sustainable implementation of such health-enhancing PA intiatives.

Funding: SETU Co-fund and Active Carlow

Background and aim of study

Age-related decline in physical capacities increases fall risk in older adults. Vadbeceda is the first evidence-based multicomponent exercise programme in Slovenia, developed by NIJZ in line with WHO guidelines for active and healthy ageing. The programme targets strength, balance, mobility, and flexibility. This study evaluated the effects of an 8-week supervised Vadbeceda programme on physical fitness in adults aged 65+.

Methods

Forty-six adults completed three assessments: at baseline, after eight weeks of habitual exercise, and following an additional eight-week structured training programme. Fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test battery, handgrip strength, and single-leg stance on a foam surface. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni adjustment was applied.

Results

Significant improvements were found in balance (single-leg stance errors on a soft surface; p < .001), dynamic balance and agility (Timed Up and Go; p = .002), upper limb strength (arm curl; p < .001), and shoulder girdle flexibility (p < .001). Gains in aerobic endurance and lower limb strength were observed, though not solely due to the intervention. No intervention-specific effects were found for handgrip or hamstring flexibility.

Conclusions

Vadbeceda enhances balance, muscular strength, and flexibility in older adults, supporting fall prevention and functional independence. As a nationally implemented, freely accessible programme, it shows strong public health potential in Slovenia.

Support/Funding

Suported by the project Integration of Geriatric Care for the Elderly, funded by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

Purpose: Hip ad knee osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder. Physical activity, sedentary behaviour ad sleep have been previously individually associated with the incidence of hip and knee osteoarthritis. This study investigates for the first time the association between the compositional nature of 24-hour movement behaviours and hip and knee osteoarthritis incidence.

Methods: Individuals aged 40-69 years from the UK Biobank cohort were included between 2013 and 2015 for this prospective study. Movement behaviours (sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) were measured with a wrist-worn triaxial accelerometer over 7 days. Incident hip and knee osteoarthritis cases were prospectively identified from hospital inpatient records. Compositional Cox proportional hazard models were used.

Results: Among the 86,461 individuals included, 5,429 developed hip and knee osteoarthritis over a mean follow-up of 7.6 years. Reallocating 30 min/day from sedentary behaviour (HR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.97-0.99) or from light physical activity (HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.91-0.96) to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with lower incidence of hip and knee osteoarthritis. Similarly, reallocating 30 min/day from sedentary behaviour (HR = 0.97,95% CI = 0.96-0.99) or from light physical activity (HR = 0.93,95% CI = 0.91-0.95) to sleep was associated with lower incidence hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Conclusion: Using device-based objective measures and accounting for the compositional nature of movement behaviours, this study provides evidence that both moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and adequate sleep may play important roles in the prevention of hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Background

Older adults living in care homes frequently experience agitation, reduced emotional wellbeing, and diminished quality of life. Pharmacological approaches are often limited by side effects, highlighting the need for accessible, non-pharmacological interventions. Chair-based yoga may offer a safe and inclusive option for residents with physical and cognitive impairments.

Aim

This study evaluated the impact of a 12-week chair-based yoga programme on agitation and quality of life among care home residents.

Methods

Twenty-five residents participated in weekly chair-based yoga sessions focusing on gentle movement, breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation. Sessions were adapted to accommodate mobility and cognitive challenges. Care home staff completed the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory – Short Form (CMAI-SF) and the Care Home version of the Dementia Quality of Life measure (C-DemQoL-CH). Paired t-tests were conducted to examine changes over time. Qualitative feedback from staff and participants was also collected.

Results

Significant reductions in agitation were observed following the intervention (mean CMAI-SF: 17.4 to 15.3; t(24) = 4.91, p < 0.001). Quality of life also improved significantly (mean C-DemQoL-CH: 72.9 to 56.8; t(24) = 2.75, p = 0.011). Qualitative feedback indicated high levels of enjoyment, increased engagement, and calmer daily environments within care homes.

Conclusion

The chair-based yoga programme was associated with reduced agitation and improved quality of life in care home residents. The intervention was feasible, well accepted, and low cost, supporting its integration into routine care. Further research using controlled designs and longer follow-up is recommended to confirm and extend these findings.

Most studies on ageing, sport, and health focus on understanding the causes of illness rather than on what promotes health. Conversely, this study adopts a health-promoting perspective, viewing sports clubs as settings for health. Research questions: What characterises the organised sports that older people participate in? How do older people want sports to be a health-promoting setting for them?

This study is cross-sectional, adopting a salutogenic approach within the context of sports clubs, focusing older adults who regularly participate. A dataset of 4,837 adults aged 60-96 who participated in various sports was collected via a national survey. The sample comprised over 1000 sports clubs and 50 different sports. The questionnaire SPAHRQ (Salutogenic Physical Activity Health Resources Questionnaire) was used. It contains multiple-choice questions and allows open-ended answers. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The open-ended questions were analysed deductively for each fixed-answer option.

Almost half of the sports activities that older adults participate in are organised as exercise groups for all ages, 46% and 24% are arranged as exercise groups for 60+ only. The majority of are recruited through internal contacts 91%, such as friends, relatives, partners or neighbours. A sports club should be welcoming, inclusive, well-organised and offer a variety of activities.

This study offers recommendations on how sports clubs could organise sports to suit as many people as possible for as long as possible. In sum, inclusiveness has high cohesion and a good atmosphere where it is easy to try and continue but hard to drop out.

Background and aim of the study

Frailty is a multidimensional syndrome associated with an increased risk of falls, chronic diseases, and reduced quality of life, representing a critical public health challenge in Slovenia. Currently, standardized patient pathways for early identification and management of frailty are lacking. This study aims to establish a structured approach to the care of frail individuals in Slovenia and evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a newly designed patient pathway.

Methods
The study is designed as a randomised controlled trial conducted across eight pilot sites in Slovenia. Following frailty screening using the FIND questionnaire, approximately 300 adults aged 50 years and older will be enrolled and randomised into either a control or an intervention group. Comprehensive assessments of physical performance and nutritional status will be performed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at the six-month follow-up. The intervention group will undergo a structured three-month program delivered by an interdisciplinary team in Health Promotion Centres. The program will address key components of physical frailty management, including physical activity, nutrition, health education, and psychosocial support.

Results
The findings will indicate the feasibility and effectiveness of the new pathway in reversing or delaying frailty progression, improving physical function, and enhancing nutritional status compared with standard care.

Conclusions
This study will provide evidence to support the integration of structured frailty pathways in primary care and guide the nationwide implementation of evidence-based frailty management strategies.

Funding
Co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus and the Republic of Slovenia.

Background: Physical activity (PA) is known to be important for all ages. When supporting older adults being physically active, it is important to know what environmental factors promote their PA. Therefore, this study aims to examine the association between outdoor temperature and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) among older adults in the northern climate. Methods: The study is part of the population-based cohort study, AGNES, including 484 community-dwelling older adults (75-85 years, 40.5% men) who wore an accelerometer for one week. The temperature was retrieved from the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s open records. A six-minute walking test was performed in the laboratory. Based on mean temperature, the days of MVPA assessment were grouped into three categories (≤+4.9°C (1855 days), +5̶ +14.9°C (1003 days), & ≥+15°C (351 days)). Linear mixed models were used taking in account the repeated measures for each participant, and the final model was adjusted for age, sex, educational attainment, depressive symptoms, cognitive functioning, total number of diseases, and six-minute walking test. Results: In the unadjusted model participants accumulated more MVPA minutes a day in ≥+15°C temperature than in the ≤+4.9°C (β=4.42, SE=2.13, p<0.05), but no difference between the mid-range and extreme categories. The difference increased in the adjusted model (β=5.80, SE=2.15, p<0.01). Conclusions: This study found that older adults had more MVPA during warmer than colder days. This is worth considering when planning interventions supporting physical activity among older adults.

Support/Funding Source:

Samfundet Folkhälsan r.f., Research Council of Finland