Cross-validation of pedometer-determined cut-points for healthy weight in British children from White and South Asian backgrounds. (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duncan, Michael J.; Eyre, Emma L. J.; Bryant, Elizabeth; Birch, Samantha L.
• Is Part Of: Annals of human biology. Volume 41:Number 5(2014:Sep./Oct.)
• Page Start: 389
• Page End: 394
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: Human biology -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.3109/03014460.2014.881919
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4460

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Background</italic>: Evidence-based pedometer cut-points for health have not been sufficiently examined in the context of ethnicity.</p> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: To (1) evaluate previously described steps/day cut-points in a sample of White and South Asian British primary school children and (2) use ROC analysis to generate alternative, ethnic specific, steps/day cut-offs for children.</p> <p> <italic>Methods and procedures</italic>: Height, body mass and pedometer determined physical activity were assessed in 763 British children (357 boys and 406 girls) from White (<italic>n</italic> = 593) and South Asian (<italic>n</italic> = 170) ethnic groups, aged 8–11 years.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: The Vincent and Pangrazi cut-points significantly predicted BMI in white (<italic>p</italic> = 0.006, Adjusted <italic>R</italic><sup>2 </sup>= 0.08) and South Asian children (<italic>p</italic> = 0.039, Adjusted <italic>R</italic><sup>2 </sup>= 0.078). The Tudor-Locke et al. cut-points significantly predicted BMI in White children (<italic>p</italic> = 0.0001, Adjusted <italic>R</italic><sup>2 </sup>= 0.079) but not South Asian children (<italic>p</italic> < 0.05). ROC analysis indicated significant alternative cut-points in White and South Asian boys and girls (all <italic>p</italic> = 0.04 or better, Adjusted <italic>R</italic><sup>2 </sup>= 0.091 for White and 0.09 for South Asian children). Subsequent cut-points associated with healthy weight, when translated to steps/day were 13 625 for White boys, 13 135 for White girls, 10 897 for South Asian boys and 10 161 for South Asian girls.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusions</italic>: Previously published steps/day cut-points for healthy weight may not account for known ethnic variation in physical activity between White and South Asian children in the UK. Alternative, ethnic-specific, cut-points may be better placed to distinguish British children based on pedometer-determined physical activity.</p> </abstract>