Abstract
BackgroundThis study examined the association between objectively measured physical activity patterns and risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Saudi men.MethodsThe study was cross-sectional, and 84 healthy men from the Saudi population (age 37.6 ± 8.8 years, body mass index [BMI] 28.4 ± 5.4 kg/m2) were recruited. Measurements of physical activity were made using triaxial accelerometers over 7 consecutive days of leisure time physical activity. Waist circumference and blood pressure were measured, and fasting blood samples taken to measure glucose, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides (TG).ResultsA total 21.4 % of participants had three or more risk factors for MetS, with low HDL levels the most frequent factor. Light physical activity (LPA) and BMI explained 13 % of the variation in TG. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with a minimum 10-min per session (10-min MVPA), LPA, and BMI explained 16 % of the variation in HDL. Sedentary behavior was not significantly associated with risk factors of MetS, although odds ratios indicated that decreased sedentarism does have a protective effect against MetS.ConclusionsLPA and 10-min MVPA were associated with elevated HDL levels among Saudi men. Future studies should confirm whether time spent physically active independent of intensity is an important factor in improving HDL levels.
Highlights
This study examined the association between objectively measured physical activity patterns and risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Saudi men
A total 21.4 % of participants had three risk factors for MetS according to ATP III criteria, and the most frequent risk factor was low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL)
Analysis of Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for a minimum session of 10 min (10-min MVPA) showed that the average length of MVPA sessions was 11.4 ± 14.5 min; this was 20.8 ± 13.7 min when excluding participants who engaged in MVPA for less than 10 min
Summary
This study examined the association between objectively measured physical activity patterns and risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Saudi men. Sedentary behavior is a recognized independent risk factor of diabetes, metabolic syndrome (MetS), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and mortality, independently of physical activity (PA) levels [1]. Exercise intensity is an important factor for reversing the risk factors of MetS and improving aerobic capacity via different physiological mechanisms, including insulin action, endothelial function, and lipogenesis [7]. Both moderate and vigorous exercise intensities are associated with reduced risk of being classified as having MetS among middle-aged populations [8]. In locations with hot and humid weather, such as Saudi Arabia, some people may prefer to engage in low intensity levels of PA because of negative effects of the climatic conditions on exercise performance and physical capacity, when intensity increases [9]
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