Despite lower physical activity, TEE was similar in functionally limited older adults compared with functionally independent older adults, suggesting that maintenance of TEE may be associated with preserved body composition and a higher metabolic cost per movement.
Key Findings
Results
Total energy expenditure did not differ significantly between functionally independent and functionally limited older adults in either sex.
Men: 2053 ± 410 vs. 1782 ± 321 kcal/day (independent vs. limited), p = 0.097
Women: 1714 ± 242 vs. 1622 ± 169 kcal/day (independent vs. limited), p = 0.172
TEE was measured using the doubly labeled water method
Study included 69 community-dwelling Japanese older adults (50 functionally independent and 19 functionally limited)
Results
Step counts were markedly lower in the functionally limited group compared with the functionally independent group in both sexes.
Men: 5998 ± 2738 vs. 1805 ± 909 steps/day (independent vs. limited), p < 0.001
Women: 5755 ± 2221 vs. 2592 ± 1395 steps/day (independent vs. limited), p < 0.001
Physical activity indices including step counts were assessed using a triaxial accelerometer (Actimarker EW4800P, Panasonic)
Results
Body composition did not differ significantly between functionally independent and limited participants in either sex.
No statistically significant differences in body composition were found between the independent and limited groups for men or women
The authors suggest preserved body composition may help explain why TEE was maintained despite lower physical activity levels in the functionally limited group
Results
Among women in the functionally limited group, higher TEE adjusted for fat-free mass was associated with poorer timed up and go (TUG) performance.
This association was specific to women in the functionally limited group, not observed in other subgroups
The authors interpret this as suggesting a higher metabolic cost per movement in functionally limited women with slower mobility
TUG was used as a measure of mobility performance
Methods
The study population consisted of community-dwelling Japanese older adults certified as requiring support under Japan's national Long-Term Care Insurance system for the functionally limited group.
Cross-sectional study design with 69 total participants: 50 functionally independent and 19 functionally limited
Physical activity level (PAL) was calculated as TEE divided by estimated basal metabolic rate
Tomiga-Takae R, Sonoda Y, Yasukata J, Kose Y, Tomiga Y, Yamamoto T, et al.. (2026). Total energy expenditure and physical activity levels in functionally independent and limited older adults: A cross-sectional comparative study.. Clinical nutrition ESPEN. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2025.11.145