Abstract
Background The basic clinical condition of metabolic syndrome (Met.S) is obesity. The quantified effect of daily physical activity without intervention is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between Met.S and daily physical activity as evaluated with an accelerometer.
Methods We quantified the amount of daily physical activity using motion-measuring equipment incorporating an accelerometer (Lifecorder® EX). We also asked subjects about their lifestyles through interviews, in order to evaluate the activity status of each of three groups. The subjects were 241 men whose ages ranged from 40 to 70. They were assigned to the control group (waist circumference (WC)<85 cm), the Met.S risk group (only WC≥85 cm or WC≥85 cm and 1 risk factor), and the Met.S group (WC≥85 cm and at least 2 risk factors), based on Japanese Met.S diagnostic criteria.
Results Compared to the other 2 groups, the Met.S group showed significant obesity (p<0.05). In the Met.S group, the amount of daily physical activity was lower in terms of exercise calorie rate (p=0.03), effective exercise time rate (p=0.22), and average steps (p<0.0001). The Met.S group was also characterized by a higher BP and lower concentrations of HDL cholesterol and adiponectin than the other groups.
Conclusion Japanese obese adult males tend to do engage in less daily physical activity. This may adversely affect BP, glucose tolerance, lipid profiles, and adiponectin concentrations, causing Met.S and other undesirable conditions. For this reason, it is useful to evaluate daily physical activity using an accelerometer. (Ningen Dock 2010; 24: 25-29)
