Ethnic‐specific suggestions for physical activity based on existing recreational physical activity preferences of New Zealand women

Abstract

Objectives: Recreational physical activities of New Zealand women were examined to develop ethnic‐specific suggestions encouraging physical activity (PA) participation as a targeted approach to reduce obesity rates among different groups. Methods: Healthy Māori, Pacific and European women (n=331; 16–45 years of age) completed an online Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess recreational PA and adherence to PA guidelines. Existing PA preferences were tailored to make ethnic‐specific suggestions aimed at increasing PA participation. Results: Achievement of PA guidelines was: Māori 74%; Pacific 60%; European 70%. Highest participation across all women was for walking (Māori 72%, Pacific 60%, European 83%), followed by floor exercise (Māori 54%, Pacific 37%, European 56%). Gym‐type activities (e.g. weights, aerobics) and jogging were also common across ethnic groups. Group/team activities (dance, netball, touch football) were among the top 10 activities for Māori and Pacific, but not European women. Conclusion: Obesity rates among specific ethnic groups of New Zealand women might be reduced by promoting activities that are: family/whānau‐oriented (netball, touch), community‐linked (hula, dance) and outdoor‐based. Implications for public health: Tailoring existing PA preferences to develop ethnic‐specific sets of activity suggestions could be important avenues to increase PA participation, improving the PA habits and subsequent health of New Zealand women and their communities.

Objectively Measured Physical Activity Is Associated With Body Composition and Metabolic Profiles of Pacific and New Zealand European Women With Different Metabolic Disease Risks

“…Pacific women in this study spent less time in PA when compared to NZE women, which is consistent with previous research ( O’Brien, 2018 ; O’Brien et al, 2019 ). O’Brien (2018) also investigated Pacific and NZE women’s objectively measured PA patterns and found participants engaged in similar amounts of MVPA to the current study (Pacific; 22 and NZE; 35 min/day) ( O’Brien, 2018 ).…”

Effects of the e-Motivate4Change Program on Metabolic Syndrome in Young Adults Using Health Apps and Wearable Devices: Quasi-Experimental Study

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the incidence rate of chronic disease is not only related to social and economic factors but also to individuals’ eating habits and physical activities such as drinking and smoking [ 9 ]. Sedentary lifestyle, high-calorie diet, sweetened drinks, low economic status, and saturated fats are key risk factors that increase the risk of obesity; however, regular physical activity is known to lower individuals’ risk [ 10 , 11 ]. People who are habitually active, less sedentary, and have better cardio-pulmonary functions are less obese and thus have lower incidence rates of MetS [ 12 ].…”

Effects of the e-Motivate4Change Program on Metabolic Syndrome in Young Adults Using Health Apps and Wearable Devices: Quasi-Experimental Study (Preprint)

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the incidence rate of chronic disease is not only related to social and economic factors but also to individuals' eating habits and physical activities such as drinking and smoking [9]. Sedentary lifestyle, high-calorie diet, sweetened drinks, low economic status, and saturated fats are key risk factors that increase the risk of obesity; however, regular physical activity is known to lower individuals' risk [10,11]. People who are habitually active, less sedentary, and have better cardio-pulmonary functions are less obese and thus have lower incidence rates of MetS [12].…”