Association of Physical Activity in Midlife With Mobility Limitations and Falls in Old Age—A Longitudinal Twin Study

Bibliographic Data

ID12797824
AuthorsPia Pullinen (0009-0006-6555-1972, University of Jyväskylä, corresponding author), Jari Parkkari (0000-0001-5211-9845, University of Tampere), Jaakko Kaprio (0000-0002-3716-2455, University of Helsinki), Elina Sillanpää (0000-0001-6375-959X, University of Jyväskylä), Harri Sievänen (0000-0003-3172-248X, The UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research), Urho M Kujala (0000-0002-9262-1992, University of Jyväskylä), Katja Waller (0000-0002-0121-249X, University of Jyväskylä)
Year2025
Pages8982643251395871-8982643251395871
Publication date2025-11-12
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Aging and Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1552-6887 • E-ISSN: 0898-2643
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/08982643251395871
PMID41221793
OpenAlexW4416138613
LanguageEN
References cited50

ObjectiveTo study the associations between midlife physical activity and later-life mobility limitation and falls in monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs.MethodsMidlife physical activity data from 1975, 1981, and 1990 questionnaires were drawn from the Older Finnish Twin Cohort. In the third survey, the participants were aged 46-50 years. Mobility limitations (none, some or severe) and falls (no falls, single fall or recurrent falls) were self-reported 2014-2016. Data ( n = 641) were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression models.ResultsIn individual-level analysis a low level of physical activity in midlife was associated with severe mobility limitations. In within-twin pair analyses physical activity in midlife was associated with single falls among all pairs.DiscussionLower levels of self-reported physical activity during midlife were associated with severe mobility limitations over two decades later. However, this association was attenuated when controlled for genetic factors

Association (psychology · Injury prevention · Logistic regression · Multinomial logistic regression · Physical activity · Poison control · Suicide prevention · Twin study · Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Physical Activity and Health

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