The association of levels of physical activity with metabolic syndrome in rural Australian adults.
BACKGROUND
Physical activity (PA) reduces risk factors related to metabolic syndrome. Rurality influences the way people incorporate physical activity into daily life. The aim of this study is to determine the association of PA level with metabolic syndrome in a rural Australian population. The influence of adiposity on these associations is also investigated.


METHODS
Three cross-sectional population health surveys were conducted in south-east Australia during 2004-2006 using a random population sample (n = 1563, participation rate 49%) aged 25-74 years. PA was assessed via a self-administered questionnaire, and components of the metabolic syndrome via anthropometric measurements taken by specially trained nurses and laboratory tests.


RESULTS
Approximately one-fifth of participants were inactive in leisure-time and over one-third had metabolic syndrome (men 39%, women 33%; p = 0.022). There was an inverse association between level of PA and metabolic syndrome (p < 0.001). Men who were inactive in leisure-time were more than twice as likely and women more than three times as likely to have metabolic syndrome compared with those having high PA. Body mass index (BMI) is a mediating factor in the association between level of PA and metabolic syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
Some PA is better than none if adults, particularly women, are to reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome and associated vascular diseases. Specialised interventions that take rurality into consideration are recommended for adults who are inactive.
Vaughan
Clare
C
Greater Green Triangle University Department of Rural Health, A partnership between Flinders and Deakin Universities, Warrnambool, 3280 Victoria, Australia. clare.vaughan@greaterhealth.org
Schoo
Adrian
A
Janus
Edward D
ED
Philpot
Benjamin
B
Davis-Lameloise
Nathalie
N
Lo
Sing Kai
SK
Laatikainen
Tiina
T
Vartiainen
Erkki
E
Dunbar
James A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population