%0 Journal Article
%T Activity Levels in Healthy Older Adults: Implications for Joint Arthroplasty
%A Laura E. Thorp
%A Diego Orozco
%A Joel A. Block
%A Dale R. Sumner
%A Markus A. Wimmer
%J ISRN Orthopedics
%D 2012
%R 10.5402/2012/727950
%X This work evaluated activity levels in a group of healthy older adults to establish a target activity level for adults of similar age after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). With the decreasing age of TJA patients, it is essential to have a reference for activity level in younger patients as activity level affects quality of life and implant design. 54 asymptomatic, healthy older adults with no clinical evidence of lower extremity OA participated. The main outcome measure, average daily step count, was measured using an accelerometer-based activity monitor. On average the group took 8 8 1 3 ¡À 3 6 1 1 steps per day, approximately 4000 more steps per day than has been previously reported in patients following total joint arthroplasty. The present work provides a reference for activity after joint arthroplasty which is relevant given the projected number of people under the age of 65 who will undergo joint arthroplasty in the coming years. 1. Introduction It is well accepted that levels of physical activity in older adults relate to physical and cognitive performance measures. Physical activity is promoted as beneficial for a variety of diseases affecting middle-aged and older adults. Activity levels, specifically locomotor activities, are also relevant to total joint arthroplasty (TJA) surgery, both for the design of implants and for rehabilitation programs where postsurgical activity level is considered to be an important clinical outcome measure. In addition, differences in activity levels have been shown to affect the rate of polyethylene wear [1], a critical factor in implant longevity. Specifically, walking cycles have been reported to influence wear rates of polyethylene implants [2, 3]. Activity levels in patients after total hip and knee arthroplasty have been studied extensively, and have been reported to average approximately 5,000 steps per day in these patients [4¨C6], with one report suggesting that younger patients may attain an average of 6000 steps per day [7]. In contrast, the currently recommended goal for daily physical activity in adults is 10,000 steps per day, or 30 minutes of brisk walking [8]. A meta-analysis examining step counts assessed by pedometer in adults found that activity levels are related to age with activity in adults 18¨C65 approaching the 10,000-step recommendation while in those over 65 the mean daily step count was approximately 6500 steps [9]. While much can be gained from this meta-analysis it does not provide information specifically concerning activity levels in healthy older adults who are free from clinical
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.orthopedics/2012/727950/