biostudies-literatureUnknownLindeman Kthe Finnish Ministry of Education and Culturethe JYU.Well – Community of wellbeing researchers at the University of JyväskyläResearch Council of FinlandEuropean Research CouncilJuho Vainion Säätiö<b>Objectives:</b> To examine the reciprocal associations between walking performance, physical activity (PA), and perceived autonomy in outdoor mobility in 322 older adults. <b>Methods:</b> At baseline and four years later, a 6-min walk test assessed walking performance. A thigh-mounted accelerometer monitored relative PA (acceleration exceeding the individual's preferred walking intensity on the walk test) and absolute MVPA (acceleration exceeding 3 METs) in free-living. Autonomy in outdoor mobility was self-reported using the IPA subscale. Cross-lagged panel model was used for analyses. <b>Results:</b> Higher relative PA at baseline predicted better walking performance four years later and vice versa (<i>p</i> < .05). Baseline MVPA did not predict subsequent walking performance, but better initial walking performance predicted higher subsequent MVPA (<i>p</i> < .001). In both models, only walking performance predicted perceived autonomy at follow-up (<i>p</i> < .05). <b>Discussion:</b> Accumulating enough PA of a sufficient relative intensity can maintain good walking performance, which in turn helps to maintain perceived autonomy in mobility.Journal of aging and health8982643241282918https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12405652biostudies-literatureReciprocal Associations Between Relative or Absolute Physical Activity, Walking Performance, and Autonomy in Outdoor Mobility Among Older Adults: A 4-Year Follow-Up.PMC12405652339391 and 346462 to L.K.OKM/25/626/2021OKM/73/626/2022 to T.R330185 to M.R.to K.K.OKM/88/626/2021310526 to T.R.321336, 328818, and 352653 to Ti.R.ERC AdvG 693045 to T.R.Rantakokko MKoivunen KRantanen TRantalainen TLindeman KPortegijs EKaravirta LfalseReciprocal Associations Between Relative or Absolute Physical Activity, Walking Performance, and Autonomy in Outdoor Mobility Among Older Adults: A 4-Year Follow-Up.<b>Objectives:</b> To examine the reciprocal associations between walking performance, physical activity (PA), and perceived autonomy in outdoor mobility in 322 older adults. <b>Methods:</b> At baseline and four years later, a 6-min walk test assessed walking performance. A thigh-mounted accelerometer monitored relative PA (acceleration exceeding the individual's preferred walking intensity on the walk test) and absolute MVPA (acceleration exceeding 3 METs) in free-living. Autonomy in outdoor mobility was self-reported using the IPA subscale. Cross-lagged panel model was used for analyses. <b>Results:</b> Higher relative PA at baseline predicted better walking performance four years later and vice versa (<i>p</i> < .05). Baseline MVPA did not predict subsequent walking performance, but better initial walking performance predicted higher subsequent MVPA (<i>p</i> < .001). In both models, only walking performance predicted perceived autonomy at follow-up (<i>p</i> < .05). <b>Discussion:</b> Accumulating enough PA of a sufficient relative intensity can maintain good walking performance, which in turn helps to maintain perceived autonomy in mobility.2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Sep2026-05-29T20:12:34.328Z2026-04-08T06:01:14.565ZS-EPMC124056523925987510.1177/08982643241282918