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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STEP COUNTS AND BODY COMPOSITION IN MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS

Abstract

Andre Canino, Brian Kliszczewicz, FACSM, Robert Buresh, FACSM. Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, GA.

Background: A previously published study reported a regression model for predicting body composition expressed as body fat percentage (BF%) from relative step counts (REL Steps = steps· kg fat mass-1· day-1) in young adults (19-40 years). The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of the relationship between step counts (measured by pedometer) and (BF%) in middle-aged adults (40-60 years). Methods: Thirteen healthy middle-aged adult females (age= 50.23± 7.88 years, height = 164.12 ± 8.85 cm, weight = 75.40 ± 13.97 kg, BF% = 35.49 ± 8.66 %) volunteered for this study. Participants visited the lab on two separate occasions approximately three-weeks apart. For each visit the participants arrived in a fasted condition and a 4-compartment body composition model was constructed by measuring height and weight via stadiometer, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and DEXA scan. During visit one participants were provided a pedometer, instructed on its use and advised to wear the device for all waking hours (except when bathing, swimming, showering) for the next three weeks. During visit two, step count data from pedometers were recorded. Energy balance was confirmed by assessing change in body weight and composition across the three weeks of carrying the pedometer. Daily step counts and BF% were used to determine REL Steps. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression analysis were performed using SPSS Version 28.0. Results: Average daily step count was 6,176.46 ± 3241.78 steps·day-1, and REL Steps was 297.44 ± 246.40. The coefficient of determination (R2) in the regression analysis indicates a strong relationship between REL Steps and BF% among middle-aged females (Adjusted R2 = 0.77, p < 0.001). The resulting regression model was: BF% =REL Steps · (-0.31) + 44.78 (SEE = 4.14). Conclusion: The primary finding of this pilot study suggests step counts expressed relative to fat mass are strongly predictive of body composition in middle-aged females.

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