Objectively-measured physical activity patterns and longitudinal weight category status in a rural setting

BMC Res Notes. 2019 Sep 23;12(1):624. doi: 10.1186/s13104-019-4660-y.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between longitudinal weight-change and objectively-measured physical activity (PA) in a rural African setting in 143 adults (≥ 30 years), using data from two cross-sectional surveys, separated by approximately 10 years. Participants were categorised into three weight-change groups (Weight-loss: ≥ 25 kg m-2→ < 25 kg m-2; Weight-gain: < 25 kg m-2→ ≥ 25 kg m-2; Weight-stability: remained < 25 kg m-2 or ≥ 25 kg m-2). Daily ambulation and activity energy expenditure (AEE), measured in the 2005-2007 health survey, was examined across the weight-change groups. Using the daily AEE data, the proportion of those in the weight-change groups, meeting or not meeting two PA guidelines (150- and 420 min week-1), was examined.

Results: Weight-change was found in 18.2% of the sample. There was no significant overall body mass change (+ 1.2 kg, p = 0.1616). However, there was significant change in body mass in the weight-gain (+ 15.2 kg) and weight-loss (- 10.8 kg) groups (p ≤ 0.0011). Nearly 90% of those who gained weight met the 150 min week-1 guideline. A significantly greater proportion of the weight-stable group (< 25 kg m-2) met the 420 min week-1 guideline (p < 0.05). Ambulatory level was high irrespective of weight group, although the weight-stable group (< 25 kg m-2) approached 15,000 steps day-1. There was an inconsistent and weak association between PA and weight-change in this group.

Keywords: Anthropometry accelerometer; Body composition; Measurement; Movement monitor.

MeSH terms

  • Accelerometry
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anthropometry
  • Body Composition
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology*
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Health Policy / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Rural Population
  • South Africa
  • Weight Gain / physiology*
  • Weight Loss / physiology*