Analysis of the physical activity patterns of a rural Afrikaner population in the south-western Cape.
To determine whether low levels of energy expenditure at work or in leisure-time might contribute to the high prevalence of coronary heart disease among white rural Afrikaners, 7188 whites of both sexes in three rural communities were questioned about their physical activities. From these data, the percentage of the population at different ages participating in sedentary, moderate or vigorous activity at work or light, moderate or vigorous leisure-time activity was calculated. Total energy expenditure at work or in leisure-time was also calculated. At all ages, less than 1% of both men and women performed workday activities requiring high energy output. Beginning after the age of 24 years, there was a dramatic fall in the percentage of both men and women participating in either moderate or vigorous leisure-time physical activity. After the age of 44 years, less than 26% of men and 16% of women exceeded the coronary 'protective threshold' of 8400 kJ leisure-time energy expenditure per week. Thus the population studied is characterized by very low levels of energy expenditure particularly at work, but also during leisure-time.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012424:Rural Population; D013019:South Africa; D044465:White People; D014937:Work