(P01-25-26) Strawberry Consumption May Influence Physical Activity Levels of Older Adults: An Exploratory Secondary Analysis

Objectives: Unhealthy dietary patterns have been linked to sedentary behaviors; however, cause and effect has not been established. We assessed the impacts of 2 cups per day of strawberries provided as freeze-dried strawberry powder on subjective assessments of physical activity.

Methods: Thirty-three men and women aged at least 65 years were recruited to complete a randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants consumed either 26 g freeze-dried strawberry powder or an isocaloric placebo powder daily for 8 weeks.
Trials were separated by a 4-week washout period. Physical activity was assessed using the Block 2014 Food Frequency Questionnaire with Activity Screener before and at the end of the 8-week period.

Results: When consuming the strawberry powder, estimated energy expenditure for all activities increased (Interaction: p = 0.003; η 2 = 0.240) as did metabolic equivalent of task- minute (MET-min) for all tasks (Interaction: p = 0.008; η 2 = 0.197). No changes within or between trials (p > 0.05) were detected for energy expenditure of various classifications of physical activity (light activity minutes, moderate activity minutes, vigorous activity minutes, recreational activity minutes, and recreational MET-minute).

Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that consumption of a healthful food (i.e., strawberries) may promote physical activity levels of older adults. Since physical activity is critical for health and quality of life, further research using objectively measured physical activity within larger sample sizes and among individuals of various ages and health statuses is needed. Furthermore, research elucidating underlying mechanisms that may be responsible is imperative.

Funding Sources: California Strawberry Commission