Brisk Walking Pace Is Associated with Better Cardiometabolic Health in Adults: Findings from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017

BACKGROUND

Although the importance of walking for promoting a better cardiometabolic health is widely known (this includes both cardiovascular and metabolic/endocrine systems), there is little knowledge regarding its appropriate pace to provide adults with more cardiometabolic benefits.

AIM

To analyze the associations between different walking pace categories and cardiometabolic health markers in the adult Chilean population.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study. A total of 5520 participants aged 15 to 90 years old from the Chilean National Health Survey (CNHS) 2016-2017 were included. Walking pace categories (slow, average, and brisk) were collected through self-reported methods. Glycaemia, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), vitamin D2, vitamin D3, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and lipid profile (Total, HDL, LDL, VLDL, No HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) were determined using blood sample tests and measured with the standardized methods described in the CNHS 2016-2017.

RESULTS

People who had a brisk walking pace were associated with lower levels of glycaemia, HbA1c, GGT, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and higher vitamin D3 levels compared with those with a slow walking pace. Moreover, people with a brisk walking pace had lower levels of VLDL cholesterol compared with those with a slow walking pace. However, after adjusting the model to include sociodemographic background, nutritional status, and lifestyle variables, the differences remained only for glycaemia, HbA1c and systolic blood pressure levels.

CONCLUSIONS

A brisk walking pace was associated with better cardiometabolic health markers and lipid profile compared with a slow walking pace.

Effects of a Six-Week International Tour on the Physical Performance and Body Composition of Young Chilean Tennis Players

In tennis, it is common for young male tennis players to spend several weeks away from their local training camps during the competition season, which could affect their performance. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effects of a six-week international tour on physical performance and body composition in young Chilean tennis players. Twenty-four men between the ages of 14 and 16 participated in this research. In body composition and anthropometric measurement, body weight, height, skinfolds, and perimeters were measured. Body fat percentage (BFP) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) were calculated. For physical performance, 5-m and 10-m sprints, modified agility test (MAT test), countermovement jump (CMJ), and medicine ball throw (MBT) were evaluated. Results show that, in body composition, BFP and SMM significantly decreased post-tour (p < 0.05; effect sizes ranging from 0.23 to 0.33, respectively). In physical performance, agility and 5-m and 10-m sprints significantly decreased (p < 0.05, effect sizes ranging from −0.63 to 1.10). We conclude that after a six-week international tour, BFP, SMM, agility, and speed (linear sprint) tend to decrease significantly, with a greater effect in the sprint tests.

Asociación entre velocidad de marcha y deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017

Antecedentes: La velocidad de la marcha podría considerarse un marcador temprano de riesgo de deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre velocidad de la marcha y sospecha de deterioro cognitivo en población mayor chilena. Métodos:Se incluyeron 1.788 personas mayores de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (ENS) 2016-2017 que tenían información sobre velocidad de marcha y sospecha de deterioro cognitivo. La velocidad de la marcha fue auto-reportada y categorizada como marca lenta, normal y rápida. Sospecha de deterioro cognitivo fue evaluado a través del cuestionario Mini-Mental abreviado. La asociación entre marcha y deterioro cognitivo fue investigada mediante análisis de regresión logística. Resultados: En comparación a las personas mayores que reportaron una velocidad de marcha rápida, aquellas que reportaron una marcha lenta presentaron 2,67 veces mayor probabilidad de tener deterioro cognitivo (OR: 2,67 [95% IC:1,62; 4,42], p<0,001). Al ajustar los modelos por variables de confusión socio-demográficas, estilos de vida y salud, la asociación disminuyó, pero permaneció significativa (OR: 1,78 [95% IC:1,00; 3,17], p=0,047). Mientras que las personas mayores que reportaron tener una velocidad de marcha normal no presentaron asociación con deterioro cognitivo. Conclusión: Personas mayores que reportan una velocidad de marcha lenta presentaron una mayor probabilidad de sospecha de deterioro cognitivo. Considerando que el deterioro cognitivo es un síndrome geriátrico con alta prevalencia en población mayor, existe la necesidad de enfatizar en estrategias para un diagnóstico temprano, por lo cual, la velocidad de marcha podría ser un instrumento útil

Estimated Oxygen Consumption with the Abbreviated Method and Its Association with Vaccination and PCR Tests for COVID-19 from Socio-Demographic, Anthropometric, Lifestyle, and Morbidity Outcomes in Chilean Adults

COVID-19 causes cardiovascular and lung problems that can be aggravated by confinement, but the practice of physical activity (PA) could lessen these effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of maximum oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) with vaccination and PCR tests in apparently healthy Chilean adults. An observational and cross-sectional study was performed, in which 557 people from south-central Chile participated, who answered an online questionnaire on the control of COVID-19, demographic data, lifestyles, and diagnosis of non-communicable diseases. V˙O2max was estimated with an abbreviated method. With respect to the unvaccinated, those who received the first (OR:0.52 [CI:0.29;0.95], p = 0.019) and second vaccine (OR:0.33 [CI:0.18;0.59], p = 0.0001) were less likely to have an increased V˙O2max. The first vaccine was inversely associated with V˙O2max (mL/kg/min) (β:−1.68 [CI:−3.06; −0.3], p = 0.017), adjusted for BMI (β:−1.37 [CI:−2.71; −0.03], p = 0.044) and by demographic variables (β:−1.82 [CI:−3.18; −0.46], p = 0.009); similarly occur for the second vaccine (β: between −2.54 and −3.44, p < 0.001) on models with and without adjustment. Having taken a PCR test was not significantly associated with V˙O2max (mL/kg/min). It is concluded that vaccination significantly decreased V˙O2max, although it did not indicate cause and effect. There is little evidence of this interaction, although the results suggest an association, since V˙ O2max could prevent and attenuate the contagion symptoms and effects.

[Association of adiposity and diabetes mellitus type 2 by education level in the Chilean population]

BACKGROUND

Adiposity and education are two independent risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, there is limited evidence whether both education and adiposity are associated with T2D in an additive manner in the Chilean population.

AIM

To investigate the joint association between adiposity and education with T2D in the Chilean adult population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Analysis of data of the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017, which included 5,033 participants with a mean age of 43 years, (51% women). Poisson regression analyses with robust standard error were used to investigate the joint association of the education level and general and central adiposity with T2D. The results were reported as Prevalence Ratio and their 95% confidence intervals (PR, 95% CI).

RESULTS

Obesity was associated with a higher probability of having T2D in men than in women, however central adiposity was associated with a higher probability of having T2D in women than in men. Compared with men who had higher education (> 12 years) and had normal body weight, those with the same educational level and who were obese had 2.3-times higher probability of having T2D (PR: 2.35 [95% CI: 1.02; 5.39]). For women, having a low education and being obese was associated with 4.4-times higher probability of having T2D compared to those with higher education and normal body mass index (BMI) (PR: 4.47 [95% IC: 2.12; 9.24]). Similar results were observed when waist circumference was used as a marker of obesity rather than BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Women and men with higher BMI and low education had a higher risk of T2D. However, this risk was higher in women than in men.

[Sociodemographic Patterning of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Derived by Equation in the Chilean Population: Findings from the Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017]

BACKGROUND

Cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong predictor of mortality and chronic diseases. However, its estimation is costly and time consuming which may limit it broad use in population-based studies.

AIM

To estimate the cardiorespiratory fitness of the Chilean population by using equations and to characterize fitness levels of the Chilean population by sociodemographic factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 5,958 adults from the Chilean Health Survey conducted between 2016 and 2017. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated from sex-specific equations for men and women and expressed as METs (Energy Metabolic Equivalent). Fitness levels were characterized by sociodemographics factors (age, sex, education, income and area of residency).

RESULTS

Fitness levels were higher in men (9.01 METs) than in women (6.76 METs) and in average decrease by 0.59 and 0.34 METs per each year increment in age for men and women, respectively. Fitness levels were 12.7 METs and 7.8 METs for 20-year-old men and women, respectively. However, fitness levels decreased to 7.8 METs and 4.3 METs in 90-year-old men and women, respectively. Fitness levels were also higher in individuals living in urban setting, those with higher education or income levels and lean individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports fitness levels in a nationally representative sample of Chile. Fitness levels were higher in men than women however, its decline with age was more pronounce in men than women.

[Prevalence of low hand grip strength in Chilean older adults. Findings from the national health survey 2016-2017]

BACKGROUND

Handgrip strength is an indicator of frailty in older people.

AIM

To determine the prevalence of low handgrip strength in older Chilean adults.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of 244 individuals aged 60 years or more, participating in the 2016-2017 Chilean National Health Survey, was carried out. Handgrip strength was evaluated by a hand dynamometer and low grip strength was determined as a grip strength ≤ 15 kg and ≤ 27 kg for women and men, respectively.

RESULTS

Twenty nine percent of participants had low grip strength. The average grip strength among 60-year-old men and women was 34.7 and 22.1 kg, respectively. These figures decreased to 28.8 kg and 17.2 kg among 90-year-old men and women, respectively. The prevalence of low grip strength in men and women aged 60 years was 18%. In 90-year-old men and women, these figures increased to 79% and 56.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of low grip strength increased substantially with age.

[Association of physical inactivity with low levels of education]

BACKGROUND

A higher educational level is associated with healthier lifestyles.

AIM

To assess the association between the level of compliance with physical activity recommendations and years of formal education in Chilean adults.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Analysis include 6,174 participants from the National Health Survey 2016-2017. Physical activity levels were assessed through the Global Physical Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). Physical inactivity was defined as < 600 MET/minute/week.

RESULTS

Among subjects without education, 44% and 27% of women and men respectively, were physically inactive. Among women and men with the highest number of years of education (> 16) the figures for physical inactivity were 27% and 15% respectively. The odds for not meeting the physical activity recommendations was 2.3 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.57; 3.38] and 3.9 [95% CI: 2.27; 6.95] in women and men without any formal education respectively, as compared with those who reported 12 years of education. Women and men who reported a high level of education ≥ (16 years) did not show significant differences compared to the reference group.

CONCLUSIONS

People with low levels of education are were likely to be physically inactive.

[Physical activity and sedentary behaviors among people with cancer]

BACKGROUND

One of the side effects of cancer treatment is a low level of physical activity (PA) due to fatigue and pain.

AIM

To quantify PA levels in Chilean people with cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Analysis of the National Health Survey 2016-2017 including 6,233 participants, comparing those with and without a self-report of cancer was conducted. Levels of PA and sitting time were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.

RESULTS

3% of participants [confidence intervals (CI): 2.6; 3.9] reported having cancer and 34% [95% CI: 22.7; 46.7] of these reported being physically inactive, compared to 25% [95% CI: 22.5; 27,3] of those without cancer. Participants with cancer performed 56 and 77 minutes/day lower vigorous and total PA than participants without cancer. No differences between groups were observed for commuting PA, moderate PA and sedentary time. Lower level of PA was independent of the years elapsed since the diagnosis of cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

People with cancer are less physically active than their counterparts without the disease.

Association between Walking Pace and Diabetes: Findings from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017

BACKGROUND

Walking pace is a well-known indicator of physical capability, but it is also a strong predictor of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, there is a lack of evidence on the association between walking pace and T2D, specifically, within developing countries such as Chile.

AIM

To investigate the association between self-reported walking pace and T2D in the Chilean adult population.

METHODS

5520 Chilean participants (aged 15 to 90 years, 52.1% women) from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017 were included in this cross-sectional study. Both walking pace (slow, average, and brisk) and diabetes data were collected through self-reported methods. Fasting blood glucose (reported in mg/dl) and glycosylated haemoglobin A (HbA1c) scores were determined via blood exams.

RESULTS

In the unadjusted model, and compared to people who reported a slow walking pace, those with average and brisk walking pace had lower blood glucose levels (β = -7.74 mg/dL (95% CI: -11.08 to -4.40) and β = -11.05 mg/dL (95% CI: -14.36 to -7.75), respectively) and lower HbA1c (β = -0.34% (95% CI: -0.57 to -0.11) and β= -0.72% (95% CI: -0.94 to -0.49)), respectively. After adjusting for sociodemographic, Body Mass Index and lifestyle factors, the association between glycaemia and HbA1c remained only for brisk walkers. Both the average and brisk walker categories had lower odds of T2D (OR: 0.59 (95% CI: 0.41 to 0.84) and (OR 0.48 (95% CI: 0.30 to 0.79), respectively).

CONCLUSION

Brisk walkers were associated with lower blood glucose and HbA1c levels. Moreover, average to brisk walking pace also showed a lower risk for T2D.

Association between Different Modes of Travelling and Adiposity in Chilean Population: Findings from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017

BACKGROUND

Active travel has been suggested as a feasible way of increasing physical activity levels. Although international studies have demonstrated its effect over different health outcomes and adiposity, there is still limited evidence on this topic in developing countries, such as Chile.

AIM

To investigate the associations between different types of travelling and markers of obesity in the Chilean adult population.

METHODS

5411 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017 (CNHS) were included in this study. Active travel was assessed using a questionnaire. Car commuters, public transport (PT), walking and cycling were the four forms of travelling assessed. Bodyweight, body mass index and waist circumference were used as markers of adiposity.

RESULTS

Compared to car travellers, body weight, WC and BMI levels were lower for PT walking and cycling travellers. The odds for obesity (Odds ratio (OR): 0.41 (95% CI: 0.28; 0.61 p ≤ 0.001) were lower for walking and the odds (OR: 0.56 (95%CI: 0.35; 0.89 p = 0.014) for central obesity were significantly lower for cyclist in comparison to car travellers. Additionally, participation in any form of active travel (walking or cycling) was low, with only 20.9% of the population reporting being active travellers.

CONCLUSION

Active travel, such as walking and cycling, was associated with lower adiposity levels in the Chilean adult population. Promoting active travel could be a feasible strategy to tackle the high prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity in the Chilean population.

[Lifestyles of Chilean housewives. Analysis of the 2009-2010 Chilean Health Survey]

BACKGROUND

Housewives represent a important proportion of the Chilean population. However, there is limited evidence about their lifestyles.

AIM

To characterize lifestyles and determine the level of compliance with healthy lifestyles guidelines of housewives in Chile.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Housewives from the 2009-2010 National Health Survey were included. The variables studied included levels of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, diet, hours of sleep and smoking. Compliance with healthy lifestyle behaviors was evaluated through logistic regression, granting a value of 1 for compliance and 0 for non-compliance. A healthy lifestyle was defined as meeting at least four healthy behaviors.

RESULTS

Housewives aged > 55 years had a higher BMI and waist circumference compared to those aged < 40 years. Housewives were also more likely to report moderate alcohol consumption and were more likely to meet a healthier lifestyle score (Odds ratio = 1.52 [95% confidence intervals: 1.09 to 2.11], p = 0.013). No significant age trends were observed for other lifestyle behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Housewives had high levels of central obesity, excess body weight and high levels of salt intake but low alcohol intake. Their healthy lifestyles behaviors increased along with increasing age.