title: Association between sedentary and physical activity patterns and risk factors of metabolic syndrome in Saudi men: A cross-sectional study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study examined the association between objectively measured physical activity patterns and risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Saudi men.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was cross-sectional, and 84 healthy men from the Saudi population (age 37.6 ± 8.8 years, body mass index [BMI] 28.4 ± 5.4 kg/m(2)) were recruited. Measurements of physical activity were made using triaxial accelerometers over 7 consecutive days of leisure time physical activity. Waist circumference and blood pressure were measured, and fasting blood samples taken to measure glucose, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides (TG).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total 21.4 % of participants had three or more risk factors for MetS, with low HDL levels the most frequent factor. Light physical activity (LPA) and BMI explained 13 % of the variation in TG. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with a minimum 10-min per session (10-min MVPA), LPA, and BMI explained 16 % of the variation in HDL. Sedentary behavior was not significantly associated with risk factors of MetS, although odds ratios indicated that decreased sedentarism does have a protective effect against MetS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LPA and 10-min MVPA were associated with elevated HDL levels among Saudi men. Future studies should confirm whether time spent physically active independent of intensity is an important factor in improving HDL levels.
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise Physiology, College of Sport Sciences and Physical Activity, King Saud University, PO Box 1949, Riyadh, 11441, Saudi Arabia. shalkahtani@ksu.edu.sa.
authors.forename: Shaea
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alkahtani
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical & Health Education, College of Preparatory Year & Supporting Studies, University of Dammam, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. amelkilany@uod.edu.sa.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Elkilany
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Dammam, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. mtalhariri@uod.edu.sa.
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alhariri
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005215:Fasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood*; D055105:Waist Circumference
chemical_list: D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D014280:Triglycerides