SAFETYLIT WEEKLY UPDATE

We compile citations and summaries of about 400 new articles every week.
RSS Feed

HELP: Tutorials | FAQ
CONTACT US: Contact info

Search Results

Journal Article

Citation

Bassett DR, Schneider PL, Huntington GE. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 2004; 36(1): 79-85.

Affiliation

Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA. dbassett@utk.edu

Comment In:

Med Sci Sports Exerc 1448;.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1249/01.MSS.0000106184.71258.32

PMID

14707772

Abstract

UNLABELLED: One method to assess the impact of modern technology on physical activity is to examine a group whose lifestyle has not changed markedly in the last 150 yr. The Old Order Amish refrain from driving automobiles, using electrical appliances, and employing other modern conveniences. Labor-intensive farming is still the preferred occupation. PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to characterize the physical activity (PA) levels in an Old Order Amish farming community and to examine measures of adiposity in this group. METHODS: Ninety-eight Amish adults (18-75 yr of age) in southern Ontario were studied. Anthropometric variables included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and percent body fat (% BF). Participants were asked to wear an electronic pedometer for 7 d and to fill out a log sheet on which they recorded steps per day and physical activities. After 1 wk, they returned the pedometers and log sheets and filled out the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: The average number of steps per day was 18,425 for men versus 14,196 for women (P < 0.05). Men reported 10.0 h.wk-1 of vigorous PA, 42.8 h.wk-1 of moderate PA, and 12.0 h.wk-1 of walking. Women reported 3.4 h.wk-1 of vigorous PA, 39.2 h.wk-1 of moderate PA, and 5.7 h.wk-1 of walking. Men had higher levels of energy expenditure than women (P < 0.001). A total of 25% of the men and 27% of the women were overweight (BMI > or = 25), and 0% of the men and 9% of the women were obese (BMI > or = 30). CONCLUSIONS: The Amish we studied had very high levels of physical activity, which may contribute to their low prevalence of obesity. This group probably represents an upper extreme for "lifestyle PA" in North America today.


Language: en

NEW SEARCH


All SafetyLit records are available for automatic download to Zotero & Mendeley
Print