Age-related differences in the associations of physical environmental factors and psychosocial factors with accelerometer-assessed physical activity

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to examine age-related differences in the associations of physical environmental and psychosocial factors with accelerometer-assessed MVPA across three age groups (adolescents, adults, and older adults). Therefore, data from three studies with a comparable study protocol were combined. Results showed that both physical environmental factors and psychosocial factors were most strongly associated with MVPA in older adults. Consequently, health behavior interventions for older adults should focus on physical environmental factors as well as psychosocial factors. While adolescents and adults may benefit less from such interventions.

Keywords: Actigraph; Adolescents; Adults; Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; Older adults.