Physical activity, health-related physical fitness and markers of metabolic syndrome in adolescents: The PAHL-study

Background: Globally, declining physical activity (PA) and health-related physical fitness (HRPF) levels among adolescents, if not intervened, may increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (Mets). Aim: We aimed to determine the relationship between PA, HRPF, and MetS markers in adolescents enrolled in the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal (PAHL)-study. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 215 adolescents from the 2011 data point of the PAHL-study in South Africa. We measured PA with the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, HRPF with the EUROFIT fitness tests, and blood lipid profiles. Participants were classified as having MetS markers to according to the International Diabetes Federation and the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel. Multiple regression analysis was performed to report the associations between PA, HRPF and MetS markers Results: Multivariable regression analysis for the total group showed that waist circumference had significant (p<0.001) negative associations with standing broad jump (β=-0.29), bent arm hang (β=-0.45), sit-ups (β=-0.14), and predicted V̇O2max (β=-0.36). Conclusion: High abdominal fatness was evident in the South African adolescent and associated with poor HRPF. Based on these findings, HRPF interventions should be explored as a cost-effective strategy to mitigate MetS risk in adolescents.