Habitual walking and its correlation to better physical function: implications for prevention of physical disability in older persons.

Background: Our objective was to determine the association between participation in habitual physical activity (including walking, shopping, and indoor and outdoor activities) and leisure-time or sports activities on physical performance and fitness in older persons.

Methods: In an observational study, 123 predominantly ethnic Chinese participants aged 50 years and older were recruited from a health promotion program. Main outcome measures were bioelectric impedance for body fat composition, peak oxygen consumption (VO(2)max), gait speed, handgrip strength, and chair rise time.