Vol 16, Issue 7

Energy Costs of Chair Sitting and Standing Video Exercises in Chinese Older Adults, Ages 60 to 89 years

December 1, 2023 - By 

Authors

Zhenghua Cai, Shanghai University of Sport
Minghui Quan, Shanghai University of Sport
Muyang Huan, Shanghai University of Sport
Guangli Sun, Shanghai University of Sport
Stephen D. Herrmann, University of Kansas Medical Center
Barbara E. Ainsworth, Shanghai University of Sport
Peijie Chen, Shanghai University of Sport
International Journal of Exercise Science 16(7): 814-827, 2023.
DOI: 10.70252/YTJZ3278

Abstract

Home-based video exercise interventions improve older adults’ physiological performance and functional capacity. Little is known about the energy costs of video exercises in older adults. The Compendium of Physical Activities (PAs) has few items with PA metabolic equivalents (METs) in older adults. This study measured the energy costs of four chair and two standing exercises (sitting Tai Chi, Yoga, mobility ball, aerobics: standing, slow aerobics, and fast aerobics). Fifteen females and 14 males, 62-87 years (M ± SD, 73 ± 7.7 years), were categorized into three age groups (60-69, 70-79, 80-89). Oxygen uptake (VO2, ml.min-1.kg-1) and heart rate (HR, b.min-1) were measured by indirect calorimetry and heart rate monitor. MET values were calculated as standard- (activity VO2/3.5), rounded- (significant digit rounded to 0, 3, 5, 8), and corrected METs (individual resting metabolism). Results showed chair Yoga, Tai Chi, and mobility ball ranged from 2.0 to 2.8 rounded METs (light intensity). Chair- and standing aerobics ranged from 3.0 to 4.3 rounded METs (moderate intensity). Averaged HR ranged from 91.9 ± 12.7 b.min-1 to 115.4 ± 19.1 b.min-1 for all PAs. Corrected METs were higher than standard METs (P < .05). Standard METs were similar between age groups (P > .05). In conclusion, this study is unique as it measures the energy costs of sitting and standing video exercises that can be performed by older adults at home or in an exercise facility. Knowing the energy costs of PAs for older adults can provide exercises interventions to prevent sedentary lifestyles.

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