Using A New Accelerometry Method to Assess Lifestyle Movement Patterns of Americans: Influence of Demographic and Chronic Disease Characteristics

The objective of this study was to examine factors (e.g., medical conditions) that influence the balance of lifestyle movement patterns of Americans. 6,093 U.S. adults from the 2003-2006 NHANES were evaluated. Four mutually exclusive lifestyle behavior groups included: 1) meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines and having a positive light-intensity PA-sedentary (LIPA-SED) balance (i.e., LIPA ≥ SED); 2) meeting PA guidelines, but having a negative LIPA-SED balance (i.e., LIPA < SED); 3) not meeting PA guidelines, but having a positive LIPA-SED balance; and 4) not meeting PA guidelines and having a negative LIPA-SED balance. The majority of individuals with chronic disease (e.g., stroke, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, diabetes, emphysema, and arthritis) and other impairments (e.g., vision and hearing impairment) were classified in the least desirable lifestyle group. Results showed that, for example, those with chronic kidney disease, compared to those without chronic kidney disease, were 2.6 times more likely to be in the least desirable movement group compared to the most desirable lifestyle movement group. Initially, efforts should focus on creating a positive LIPA-SED balance and doing so among those with chronic disease.