Association of independent transportation use with life-space and physical activity for community-dwelling older adults using a day-care rehabilitation facility

[Purpose] To examine the associations of independent access to transportation with life-space mobility and physical activity among users of day-care rehabilitation facilities. [Participants and Methods] We monitored the physical activity of 24 participants attending day-care rehabilitation facilities using an accelerometer. We categorized activity as sedentary behavior (1.0-1.5 metabolic equivalents [METs]), light-intensity physical activity (1.6-2.9 METs), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (≥3.0 METs) and calculated daily averages for each. Life-space was assessed using the Life-Space Assessment scores. Participants were divided into two groups: those with independently available transportation and those without. We compared the life-space and physical activity levels between the groups. [Results] Life-Space Assessment scores were significantly higher among participants with available transportation than among those without available transportation. However, no significant difference was found in overall physical activity. [Conclusion] Transportation availability was associated with a larger life-space but was not significantly associated with physical activity.