Longitudinal trajectories of physical activity in women using latent class growth analysis: The WIN Study

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed (1) to examine the longitudinal trajectories in objectively measured physical activity (PA); (2) to identify unknown (i.e., latent) subgroups with distinct trajectories; and (3) to examine the correlates of latent subgroups among community dwelling women. Methods The study sample included a total of 669 women from the Women's Injury Study, a 5-year prospective cohort study conducted from 2007 in the Southwest Central region of the US. Pedometer-based step-count data across 18 consecutive months were fitted to a latent growth model (LGM) and a latent class growth model (LCGM). Baseline characteristics were regressed on latent class membership. Results The longitudinal change in PA was best fit to a piecewise LGM with seasonal transitions. Significantly increased and decreased levels of PA were observed during the spring, fall, and winter, respectively (p < 0.001). Three latent subgroups with distinct PA trajectories were identified (low-active (46.8%), somewhat-active (41.3%), and active (11.9%)). Age and body fat percentage at the baseline significantly explained the likelihoods of being in low-active subgroup. Conclusion Seasonal variations in PA among women were observed but may not be practically significant. A relatively large portion of the sample showed low levels of PA for long periods. Intervention strategies should be considered for women who are overweight or obese, and aged >40 years old to promote PA during the life course.

Description

© 2016 cc-by-nc-nd

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Keywords

Female, Pedometer, Prospective cohort, Season, Step-count

Citation

Kim, Y., Kang, M., Tacon, A.M., & Morrow, J.R.. 2016. Longitudinal trajectories of physical activity in women using latent class growth analysis: The WIN Study. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2015.04.007

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