Objective: To examine the combined effects of sedentary (SED), light (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on biological markers among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.
Methods: Data from the 2003-2006 NHANES study was used, with 5580 adults (≥20years) included in the study. Participants wore an ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer with accelerometry data used to create four movement pattern groups: ≥150min/week of MVPA and LPA≥SED; ≥150min/week of MVPA and LPA<SED; <150min/week of MVPA but LPA≥SED; and <150min/week of MVPA and LPA<SED. Blood samples were taken to assess various biological parameters (e.g., cholesterol).
Results: 47.2% (SE: 1.2) of Americans engaged in <150min/week of MVPA and had a negative LPA-SED balance. In general, participants who engaged in ≥150min/week of MVPA, regardless of LPA-SED balance, had more favorable biological levels; however, there was evidence showing that even if individuals engaged in <150min/week of MVPA, but if their LPA exceeded SED, they had more favorable levels of triglycerides and insulin.
Conclusions: Programs are needed to increase American's engagement in MVPA, and also ensure that LPA exceeds SED behavior.
Keywords: Accelerometry; Epidemiology; Light-intensity; Sedentary.
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