Abstract
BackgroundSouth Asians are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in western countries with a high incidence of chronic diseases like metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease occurring at younger ages and lower body weight compared with white Europeans. Physically active lifestyle and reduced sedentary time are modifiable risk factors that can decrease burden of chronic diseases. Population-level surveys based on self-report show South Asians engage in low levels of physical activity. Because of known limitations with self-report data, we aimed to synthesize available evidence to generate a physical activity /sedentary time profile of South Asians from studies using accelerometry.MethodsWe systematically searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and SportDiscus. We included studies applying accelerometry to measure physical activity /sedentary time under free-living. Studies with an exclusive focus on drugs or including participants with health conditions/physical disability, and special populations (athletes/pregnant women) were excluded. Two authors independently adjudicated inclusion of citations at title/abstract and full text. We applied a standardized data abstraction form to extract relevant data. We evaluated methodological quality using Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Due to variability and inconsistencies in measurement and reporting of physical activity /sedentary time, we only provide a narrative synthesis.FindingsWe identified only 14 studies(n = 1,338). Despite using similar accelerometry assumptions, we noted variability in reported outcomes for physical activity and sedentary time. Sedentary time ranged from 482(98) to 587 min/day. Mean light physical activity ranged from 211.69(67. 38) to 574(227) min/day. Moderate to vigorous physical activity among South Asian women ranged from 17–41 min/day and among men, 32–43 min/day.ConclusionSouth Asians exhibited higher levels of physical activity when compared to the Canadian population level survey but not when compared to the American population level survey. Overall, fewer studies, and small sample sizes led to considerable variability limiting any effective comparisons. Results highlight the importance of conducting methodologically robust studies based on random sampling to advance the field, and to capture true levels of sedentary time and physical activity in the South Asian population.
Highlights
South Asians, people belonging to or having ancestors from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka or Maldives, are identified as a high-risk group for developing early onset of metabolic syndrome—a condition characterized by a cluster of cardiovascular disease risk factors including central adiposity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and dyslipidemia [1–3]
South Asians exhibited higher levels of physical activity when compared to the Canadian population level survey but not when compared to the American population level survey
Results highlight the importance of conducting methodologically robust studies based on random sampling to advance the field, and to capture true levels of sedentary time and physical activity in the South Asian population
Summary
South Asians, people belonging to or having ancestors from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka or Maldives, are identified as a high-risk group for developing early onset of metabolic syndrome—a condition characterized by a cluster of cardiovascular disease risk factors including central adiposity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and dyslipidemia [1–3]. A complex interaction between unhealthy diet and physical inactivity coupled with genetic predisposition places South Asians at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease at lower body mass index (BMI) and a relatively younger age compared with other ethnic groups [8– 11]. Prolonged sedentary time, defined as any activity while sitting or in a reclined position that equates to less than or equal to 1.5 Metabolic Equivalents of Task (METS) [16], has been associated with a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome [17] Despite this evidence, physical activity levels among South Asians, when compared with general population, remain low as reflected in population-level studies conducted in western countries. South Asians are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in western countries with a high incidence of chronic diseases like metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease occurring at younger ages and lower body weight compared with white Europeans. Because of known limitations with self-report data, we aimed to synthesize available evidence to generate a physical activity /sedentary time profile of South Asians from studies using accelerometry
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