Work

Effect of a Physical Activity Intervention on the Metabolic Syndrome in Pakistani Immigrant Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Year: 2012

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is thought to prevent the metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is prevalent among south Asian immigrants in Western countries. The purpose of this study was to explore whether increasing PA improves the MetS and associated components in a group of Pakistani immigrant men living in Norway. One- hundred and fifty physically inactive Pakistani immigrant men were randomized to either a control group (CG) or an intervention group (IG). The 5 months intervention focused on increasing PA level, which was assessed using accelerometer recordings. Total PA level (counts min(-1)) increased significantly more in the IG than in the CG. The mean difference between the two groups was 49 counts min(-1), which translates into a 15% (95% CI = 8.7% to 21.2%; P = 0.01) greater increase in total PA level in the IG than in the CG. Serum insulin concentration and waist circumference decreased more in the IG compared with the CG. Other MetS related factors and the prevalence of the MetS did not differ between the groups after the intervention. A five- month intervention program can increase PA level and cardiorespiratory fitness, and reduce insulin concentration and waist circumference. However this intervention program may not lower the prevalence of the complete MetS in Pakistani immigrant men.

Source: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health

DOI: 10.1007/s10903-012-9586-6

Authors: Eivind Andersen, Arne T. Høstmark, Sigmund A. Anderssen

Institution: Norwegian School of Sport Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Physical Activity and Health

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,990