%0 Journal Article
%T The Impact of Ethnicity on Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Children
%A Emma Lisa Jane Eyre
%A Michael J. Duncan
%J ISRN Obesity
%D 2013
%R 10.1155/2013/757431
%X Obesity and obesity-related diseases (cardiovascular disease/metabolic risk factors) are experienced differently in individuals from different ethnic backgrounds, which originate in childhood. Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for obesity and related diseases. Both physical activity and metabolic risk factors track to adulthood, and thus understanding the physical activity patterns in children from different ethnic backgrounds is important. Given the limitations of self-report measures in children, this study provides a review of studies which have objectively measured physical activity patterns in children from different ethnic backgrounds. From a total of 16 studies, it can be concluded that physical activity does seem to vary amongst the ethnic groups especially South Asian and Black compared to White EU (European Union). The findings are less consistent for Hispanic/Mexican American children. However, there are several methodological limitations which need to be considered in future studies. Firstly, there is a need for consistency in the measurement of physical activity. Secondly, there are a range of complex factors such as socioeconomic status and body composition which affect both physical activity and ethnicity. Studies have failed to account for these differences limiting the ability to generalise that ethnicity is an independent risk factor for physical activity. 1. Background Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality [1]. It is well understood that engaging in regular physical activity (PA) has beneficial physiological and psychological effects on health and well being in adults and children [2¨C5]. Specifically, the protective mechanism of PA for the primary and secondary prevention of obesity-related diseases including cardiovascular disease [6, 7] and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [2, 8] is well established. This is because PA results in numerous physiological responses which improve cardiovascular fitness and health in adults [1, 7] and children [9, 10], healthy and those with cardiovascular disease [11]. Large observational studies show that physical inactivity is related to the progression to T2DM from normal glucose tolerance [12¨C14]. Engaging in regular PA may be able to delay the progression from impaired glucose tolerance to T2DM [15]. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials concluded that exercise (150£żmins/week) improved diabetes control with a reduction in HBA1c concentrations in adults with T2DM [16]. Daily walking alone has been associated with
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.obesity/2013/757431/