Assessment Of Cardiometabolic Health And Fitness Related Indices In Filipino Adults

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine VO2max, muscular strength, substrate metabolism, and body composition in a group of Filipino adults to better understand their cardiometabolic health and overall health risk. METHODS: Three men and 8 women who were healthy (age and mass = 27.64 ± 8.82 yr and 75.35 ± 24.51 kg) completed 2 test sessions. Filipino was classified as at least 1 parent having this ethnic designation. Session 1 included testing of body fat using DEXA followed by progressive cycling to assess VO2max and substrate metabolism. Power output began at 30 - 40 W for 5 min followed by 15 - 20 W/min increments in work rate every 4 min until fatigue. They returned 4 - 7 d later at the same time of day, and muscular strength was assessed via isokinetic dynamometry at the knee joint using 1 set of 5 repetitions at 30 deg/s. RESULTS: Mean VO2max and peak power output were equal to 30.56 ± 3.87 mL/kg/min and 186 ± 22 W, respectively. Mean %BF and BMI were equal to 33.2 ± 6.6 %, and 28.7 ± 7.0 kg/m2. Maximal fat oxidation was equal to 0.17 ± .10 g/min and occurred at 45 - 60 W in most participants. Knee extension and flexion torque was equal to 157.84 ± 55.86 SD ft/lb and 87.26 ± 37.33 ft/lb, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These data albeit acquired in a small convenience sample document low VO2max, high BMI and %BF, and low-fat oxidation in Filipino adults. Additional studies are needed to implement structured exercise training in this population to improve their health and fitness and reduce potential risk of chronic disease.