Relative Importance of Physical Activity and Body Composition on Insulin Resistance in Older Adult Population

This secondary data analysis project examined the relative importance of physical activity (PA) and body composition on homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in older adults and investigated possible racial and/or ethnic differences in these relationships. The analysis included 717 participants from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey study who were 55 years of age or older without diabetes. Results show that HOMA-IR increased with increasing levels of recreational PA, with 1 exception: HOMA-IR decreased with increasing levels of recreational PA in individuals with lower body mass index levels. Racial/ethnic differences in these relationships were identified.