Association of Low Protein Intake and Lower Physical Activity in Korean Older Adults

초록

PURPOSE: To examine the food consumed by older adults and their physical activity to determine which dietary components (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) are associated with physical activity and establish a respective baseline. METHOD: A total of 1,353 older adults (755 males, 598 females) were recruited from the 9th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants' physical activity and food intake were assessed. RESULTS: According to the amount of protein consumed by males and females, significant differences in moderate physical activity (p = 0.047 and p = 0.007, respectively) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p = 0.026 and p = 0.027, respectively) were identified. In the unadjusted model, participants who met the recommended protein intake (odds ratio [OR] = 6.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.52, 31.35]) were more likely to have higher levels of physical activity than those who did not meet the recommended protein intake. Associations with meeting the recommended protein intake (OR = 9.73, 95% CI [1.21, 78.05]) were attenuated after adjusting (sex, age, skeletal muscle index) for covariates. Protein intake and amount of physical activity were positively correlated across all participants (r = 0.184, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Older adults should consume the recommended amount of protein to increase physical activity, which improves their health. Protein intake has a positive effect on physical performance by influencing muscle mass and function of older adults.

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