Physical activity behaviour in patients with metabolic syndrome

M Murer,Di Keller,E Battegay,C Schmied

doi:10.4414/smw.2012.13691

M Murer, Di Keller + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.4414/smw.2012.13691

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Journal: Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift	Publication Date: Oct 25, 2012
Citations: 4	License type: cc-by

Abstract

Physical activity improves the clinical course of the metabolic syndrome and its risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the physical activity behaviour in patients with metabolic syndrome in regard to the recommendation of the Federal Offices of Public Health (BAG) and Sports (BASPO): "to exercise half an hour a day at a medium intensity." 47 patients with metabolic syndrome were recruited from the Outpatient Department of the Division of Internal Medicine of the University Hospital Zurich. 24 patients were included and physical activity behaviour was assessed by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaires. All of the patients knew about the positive effect of physical activity on the course of the metabolic syndrome although 62% of the patients (n = 15) had no knowledge of the BAG/BASPO recommendations. 54% of the patients (n = 13) performed physical activity in accordance to the recommendation with or without knowing the recommendations. Most of the patients (n = 21, 87%) were motivated to improve their physical activity, but missing opportunities and instructions were important reasons for not being physically active. Patients with metabolic syndrome usually know about the positive effect of physical activity on the course of their disorder and are motivated to improve physical activity behaviour. However, the BAG/BASPO recommendations are not widely known and should therefore become more popular and better communicated particularly to patients with metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, patients have to be supported and instructed practically how to get physically active in accordance with their co-morbidities.

Highlights

The metabolic syndrome is defined so to identify patients who are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases or dia- Figure 1The distribution of the study population by age and gender
47 patients with metabolic syndrome were recruited from the Outpatient Department of the Division of Internal Medicine of the University Hospital Zurich. 24 patients were included and physical activity behaviour was assessed by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaires
All of the patients knew about the positive effect of physical activity on the course of the metabolic syndrome 62% of the patients (n = 15) had no knowledge of the BAG/BASPO recommendations. 54% of the patients (n = 13) performed physical activity in accordance to the recommendation with or without knowing the recommendations

Summary

Introduction

The metabolic syndrome is defined so to identify patients who are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases or dia- Figure 1The distribution of the study population by age and gender. On the other hand adipose tissue itself releases immune and several inflammatory mediators Based on this inflammatory milieu the metabolic syndrome may aggravate existing rheumatoid arthritis, which itself predisposes acceleration of atherosclerosis [8]. Insufficient physical activity worsens risk factors of metabolic syndrome. Insufficient physical activity causes at least 2000 deaths and 1.4 millions diseases every year in Switzerland accounting for direct treatment costs of 1.6 million Swiss Francs [10]. The aim of this study was to investigate the physical activity behaviour in patients with metabolic syndrome, to compare it with the recommendation of the BAG/BASPO for healthy people and to evaluate the motivation to start or improve physical activity

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