Abstract
BackgroundUrban environments can increase risk for development of obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by limiting physical activity. This study examined, in a cohort of urban Hispanic youth, the relationship between daily physical activity (PA) measured by GPS, insulin resistance and cardiovascular fitness.MethodsHispanic middle school children (n = 141) were assessed for body mass index (BMI), IR (homeostasis model [HOMA-IR]), cardiovascular fitness (progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run [PACER]). PA was measured (GPS-PA) and energy expenditure estimated (GPS-EE) utilizing a global positioning mapping device worn for up to 7 days.ResultsStudents (mean age 12.7 ± 1.2 years, 52% female) spent 98% of waking time in sedentary activities, 1.7% in moderate intensity PA, and 0.3% in vigorous intensity. GPS analysis revealed extremely low amounts of physical movement during waking hours. The degree of low PA confounded correlation analysis with PACER or HOMA-IR.ConclusionsLevels of moderate and vigorous intensity PA, measured by GPS, were extremely low in these urban Hispanic youth, possibly contributing to high rates of obesity and IR. Physical movement patterns suggest barriers to PA in play options near home, transportation to school, and in school recess time. GPS technology can objectively and accurately evaluate initiatives designed to reduce obesity and its morbidities by increasing PA.
Highlights
Urban environments can increase risk for development of obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by limiting physical activity
Students underwent assessment of cardiovascular fitness measured by the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER), calculation of body mass index (BMI), and a subset (n = 55) underwent fasting blood work performed for insulin and glucose (HOMA-IR) after a 12 hour fast
High levels of time were spent in motorized transport and low amounts of physical activity (PA) occurred both at the school and home environment
Summary
Urban environments can increase risk for development of obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by limiting physical activity. This study examined, in a cohort of urban Hispanic youth, the relationship between daily physical activity (PA) measured by GPS, insulin resistance and cardiovascular fitness. Certain ethnic minority populations, including Hispanic children, are at greater risk for obesity and its related morbidities [3,4,5]. Increasing numbers of children fail to meet minimum recommendations for physical activity [6]. Both poor physical fitness and obesity are risk factors for T2DM and cardiovascular disease [7,8,9,10,11,12]. Cardiovascular fitness (CVF) is a stronger predictor of
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