Aerobic Fitness and the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescents

Abstract

In order to determine whether aerobic fitness is associated with individual features of metabolic syndrome (MS) and metabolic risk score (MRS), a sample of 206 adolescents (Girls=105; Boys=101) was assessed. Participants were divided into two (fit: n=114; unfit: n=92) groups based on their estimated aerobic fitness levels. Prevalence of MS in the total sample was 5.3% with majority of cases from the unfit group (3.4%). 47.6% of the participants had one or more metabolic risks, again majority from the unfit group (30.6%). When adolescents with one or more metabolic risks were compared with their non-risk peers, those without risk demonstrated significantly (p<0.05) more favorable profile in all features of MS, MRS and peak V  O 2 . Aerobic fitness was significantly (p<0.05) correlated with all features of MS and MRS except for triglycerides. Fitness moderately predicted MRS (R 2 =19.7%), after controlling for percent fat (% fat). Unfit adolescents were 7.1 (95% CI=3.80-13.20) times likely to develop risk of MS compared to their fit peers. Low aerobic fitness was independently associated with MRS or any component of MS in Nigerian youth. These results further reinforce the need to include aerobic fitness among public health strategies aimed at preventing the risk of MS in youth.

Anthropometric, cardio-respiratory and body composition parameter of secretarial staff in Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba

“…The participant's physical and anthropometric characteristics were assessed using standardized procedures [13] .…”

“…The participants' Cardio-Respiratory Fitness (CRF) was evaluated using the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (Pacer) protocol. The PACER test is a wellestablished and reliable assessment of aerobic fitness, commonly used with individuals of different age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults [13] . The maximum speed at which each participant completed the test was recorded and utilized to estimate their peak VO2 (oxygen consumption) in millilitres per kilogram per minute (ml/kg/min).…”

“…Resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse rate were measured on the participants' right arm using cuffs of appropriate sizes. The accuracy of this instrument has been validated [18,13] . Each measurement was taken twice with a 2-minute interval between readings, and the average value of the two readings was recorded.…”