Physical activities and energy expenditures of institutionalized Japanese elderly women

The daily energy expenditure and physical activity index of institutionaliz ed Japanese elderly women were measured. One hundred and thirteen Japanese elderly women (aged 79.5+/-7.0 y) who live in institutions for the elderly and receive meal services participated voluntarily. A dietary survey, energ y metabolic study, and time study were carried out over three consecutive d ays, and the basal metabolic rate (BMR) and energy expenditure by physical activity were measured. The intensity of daily physical activity was based on the physical activity index (PAI: total/basal energy expenditure). The m ean BMR was 881+/-145 kcal/d (20.9+/-3.8 kcal/kg BW). The PAI in individual s ranged from 1.01 to 1.57, the mean value was 1.26+/-0.14, and 64% of the subjects examined showed a lower value than 1.3 of PAI. From these values, the mean total energy expenditure was calculated as 1.112+/-231 kcal/d (26. 2+/-5.2 kcal/kg BW).