Sensorimotor Peripheral Nerve Function and Physical Activity in Older Men

• Published in: Journal of aging and physical activity 2016-10, Vol.24 (4), p.559-566
• Main Authors: Lange-Maia, Brittney S, Cauley, Jane A, Newman, Anne B, Boudreau, Robert M, Jakicic, John M, Glynn, Nancy W, Zivkovic, Sasa, Dam, Thuy-Tien L, Caserotti, Paolo, Cawthon, Peggy M, Orwoll, Eric S, Strotmeyer, Elsa S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accelerometry; Aged; Disability; Energy Metabolism - physiology; Exercise; Exercise - physiology; Fractures; Geriatric Assessment; Humans; Latency; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Men; Neural Conduction - physiology; Older men; Older people; Peripheral Nerves - physiology; Peripheral neuropathy; Peroneal Nerve - physiology; Physical activity; Sural Nerve - physiology
• ISSN: 1063-8652; 1543-267X
• DOI: 10.1123/japa.2015-0207

We determined whether sensorimotor peripheral nerve (PN) function was associated with physical activity (PA) in older men. The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study Pittsburgh, PA, site (n = 328, age 78.8 ± 4.7 years) conducted PN testing, including: peroneal motor and sural sensory nerve conduction (latencies, amplitudes: CMAP and SNAP for motor and sensory amplitude, respectively), 1.4g/10g monofilament (dorsum of the great toe), and neuropathy symptoms. ANOVA and multivariate linear regression modeled PN associations with PA (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly [PASE] and SenseWear Armband). After multivariable adjustment, better motor latency was associated with higher PASE scores (160.5 ± 4.8 vs. 135.6 ± 6.7, p < .01). Those without versus with neuropathy symptoms had higher PASE scores (157.6 ± 5.3 vs. 132.9 ± 7.1, p < .01). Better versus worse SNAP was associated with slightly more daily vigorous activity (9.5 ± 0.8 vs. 7.3 ± 0.7, p = .05). Other PN measures were not associated with PA. Certain PN measures were associated with lower PA, suggesting a potential pathway for disability.