Abstract
BackgroundAccelerometer measured physical activity (PA) studies particularly in non-western populations are lacking. Therefore, this study investigated stepping activity in a multi-ethnic urban Asian population.MethodsAdult participants from the Singapore Health Study 2 consented to accelerometer activity monitoring for 7-consecutive days. Mean daily step count, peak stepping intensity (i.e. cadence) over 1-min, 30-min and 60-min and time spent in each cadence band: 0 (non-movement), 1–19, 20–39, 40–59, 60–79, 80–99 and ≥ 100 steps/minute (moderate to vigorous PA) were calculated.ResultsA total of 713 participants (42% male, mean age 47.8 years) were included. Overall, the mean daily step count was 7549. Mean daily step count was significantly lower in Indians (7083 adjusted p = 0.02) but not Malays 7140 (adjusted p = 0.052) compared to Chinese (7745 steps). The proportion of Malays, Indians, and Chinese achieving < 5000 daily steps was 26%, 23% and 14%, respectively (p < 0.01). Regardless of ethnicity, approximately half of the recorded time was spent undertaking 0-steps/minute (7.9 h).ConclusionsGreater promotion of brisk walking is required in light of the low step volume and pace observed in this multi-ethnic Asian population. Ethnic differences in stepping activity were also identified which indicates a need for targeted ethnic specific health promotion interventions.
Highlights
Accelerometer measured physical activity (PA) studies in non-western populations are lacking
Regular physical activity (PA) has repeatedly been shown to be associated with good overall health. International guidelines, such as those formulated by the World Health Organisation (WHO), recommend that adults undertake at least 150-min of moderate intensity aerobic PA/week, which can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, falling and mental health issues [1]
As per the inclusion criteria, 29 participants from other ethnic groups were removed leaving a total of 713 participants in the analyses
Summary
Accelerometer measured physical activity (PA) studies in non-western populations are lacking. Regular physical activity (PA) has repeatedly been shown to be associated with good overall health International guidelines, such as those formulated by the World Health Organisation (WHO), recommend that adults undertake at least 150-min of moderate intensity aerobic PA/week, which can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, falling and mental health issues [1]. A PA survey of 15 European countries reported approximately 37% of the studied population walked 30 min a day, five times/week [4]. Walking goals, such as 10,000 steps, are frequently publicised in health promotion strategies [5, 6] and in pedometer-measured. Comparisons between Western and urban Asian countries have observed lower levels of physical activity in urban Asians [2]
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