Physical activity change across retirement by device measured work-related and commuting activity

BACKGROUND: Work-related and commuting physical activity before retirement may contribute to changes in physical activity and sedentary time after retirement, and the aim of this study was to examine these associations. METHODS: Study population consisted of participants of the Finnish Retirement and Aging study (n = 119). Activity behaviour was measured with GPS and accelerometer devices. The participants provided 637 measurement days before and 557 days after retirement. Work-related physical activity was defined as physical activity accumulated at workplace. Commuting activity was dichotomised based on the speed of trips between home and workplace to active (<20 km/h) and passive (≥20 km/h) commute. Participants were divided into four groups: non-active workers and commuters, non-active workers but active commuters, active workers but non-active commuters, and active workers and commuters. Linear regression analysis with generalized estimating equations were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The change in physical activity during retirement transition markedly varied by the activity group. Lower work-related activity was associated with an increase in light physical activity and a decrease in sedentary time. Conversely, higher work-related activity was associated with a decrease in light physical activity and an increase in sedentary time, except among those active workers who were active commuters. Particularly the active workers but non-active commuters increased their sedentary time (48 min, 95% Cl 20 to 76) and decreased their light physical activity (54 min, 95% Cl -80 to -29). No statistically significant changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that work-related physical activity is associated with changes in physical activity behavior when retiring. Special attention should be targeted to active workers who are non-active commuters to maintain physical activity and decrease sedentary time after retirement. KEY MESSAGES: Lower work-related physical activity before retirement was associated with an increase in light physical activity and a decrease in sedentary time after retirement. Active workers but non-active commuters showed an increase in sedentary time and a decline in light physical activity after retirement, and might be a suitable group for physical activity promotion.