Preprints.org · Jul 13, 2026

Physical Activity Volume, Functional Balance, Mobility, and Self-Reported Income in Community-Dwelling Older Men: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study

By Monteiro ER, Felix BP, Marques-Neto SR et al.

Physical activity is a key non-pharmacological strategy for healthy aging, but the relationship between total self-reported activity volume, functional balance, mobility, and socioeconomic indicators remains insufficiently characterized in community-dwelling older adults. This exploratory cross-sectional study examined 16 community-dwelling older men. Weekly physical activity volume was assessed using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Functional balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, and functional mobility was assessed using an extended Timed Up and Go test. Self-reported monthly household income was collected by interview; income analyses were conducted with available cases (n = 15). Correlations were examined using Pearson or Spearman coefficients according to variable characteristics. Weekly physical activity volume showed an unexpected significant inverse correlation with Berg Balance Scale scores (rho = -0.694, p = 0.002), explaining approximately 47% of score variance. Physical activity volume was not significantly correlated with Timed Up and Go performance (r = -0.152, p = 0.294), and Berg Balance Scale scores were not significantly correlated with Timed Up and Go performance (rho = 0.381, p = 0.080). Self-reported income showed a weak, non-significant positive association with physical activity volume (rho = 0.33, p = 0.236). In this small exploratory sample, total self-reported physical activity volume was not consistently associated with better functional performance. The inverse association with balance scores suggests that activity quality, specificity, and socioeconomic context may be more informative than total weekly volume alone. Larger longitudinal studies using objective activity measures are needed.

doi.org/10.20944/preprints202607.0805.v1Open accessPopulations