Are Japanese Women Less Physically Active Than Men? Findings From the DOSANCO Health Study.

Shiho Amagasa,Takashi Kimura,Shigeru Inoue,Ding Ding,Takafumi Nakagawa,Shigekazu Ukawa,Koshi Nakamura,Sachiko Sasaki,Akihiro Imae,Aya Yoshimura,Aya Tanaka,Hiroyuki Kikuchi,Akiko Tamakoshi

doi:10.2188/jea.je20200185

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious research has established that women accumulate less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than men. To date, however, little is known about the gender differences in device-based activity patterns of sedentary behavior (SB) and light-intensity physical activity (LPA). We aimed to compare time spent in SB and different intensities of physical activity taking into account of co-dependence of time use domains.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Suttu town, Hokkaido, Japan. Data were analyzed from 634 Japanese adults (278 men, aged 19–92 years) who provided valid accelerometer (HJA-750C) data. Gender differences in activity behavior patterns were tested using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) based on isometric log-ratio transformations of time use, adjusting for age. We also developed bootstrap percentile confidence intervals (CI) to support the interpretation of which behavior differed between genders.ResultsOverall, participants had percent time spent in SB, LPA, MVPA during wearing time (mean, 14.8 hours) corresponding to 53.9%, 41.7%, and 4.4% of wearing time, respectively. Activity behavior patterns differed significantly between genders after controlling for time spent in all activities. Women spent relatively 13.3% (95% CI, 9.9–15.9%) less time in SB and 19.8% (95% CI, 14.9–24.6%) more time in LPA compared to men. The difference of time spent in MVPA was not statistically significant.ConclusionsIn contrast with previous studies, our findings suggest that Japanese women are more physically active than men when all intensities of activities are considered. Given the health benefits of LPA, evaluating only MVPA may disproportionately underestimate the level of physical activity of women.

Highlights

Evidence from global surveillance of physical activity repeatedly identified women to be less physically active than men in almost every country, when physical activity was measured by adherence to guidelines.[1,2,3] Based on the most recent statistics, the global prevalence of insufficient physical activity was estimated to be 23.4% in men and 31.7% in women.[3]
There were no significant gender differences in the proportion of those adhering to global physical activity guidelines and daily step counts
Bootstrap estimated women spent relatively 13.3% less time in sedentary behavior (SB) and 19.8% more time in light-intensity physical activity (LPA) compared to men (Figure 1)

Summary

Introduction

Evidence from global surveillance of physical activity repeatedly identified women to be less physically active than men in almost every country, when physical activity was measured by adherence to guidelines.[1,2,3] Based on the most recent statistics, the global prevalence of insufficient physical activity was estimated to be 23.4% in men and 31.7% in women.[3]. A majority of physical activity research have relied on self-report, so we could not look closely into bouts.[8] A recent systematic review found that physical activity of any bout duration was associated with improved health outcomes.[9] For example, a study found that the overall time spent in MVPA, rather than how MVPA was accumulated, was associated with risk reduction of all-cause mortality.[7] Further, recent evidence suggests the detrimental effects of sedentary behavior (SB)[10,11,12,13] and beneficial effects of light-intensity physical activity (LPA) on health.[5,6,14] For example, a metaanalysis of device-based measurement studies found that. We aimed to compare time spent in SB and different intensities of physical activity taking into account of co-dependence of time use domains

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Results

Conclusion