Exercise patterns and behaviour in Asian Indians: Data from the baseline survey of the Diabetes Community Lifestyle Improvement Program (D-CLIP). Issue 1 (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anjana, R.M.; Ranjani, H.; Unnikrishnan, R.; Weber, M.B.; Mohan, V.; Venkat Narayan, K.M.
• Is Part Of: Diabetes research and clinical practice. Volume 107:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Diabetes -- Periodicals; Diabetes Mellitus -- Periodicals; 616.462
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2014.09.053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-8227

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="author" id="abs0005"> <title id="sect0005">Abstract</title> <sec> <title id="sect0010">Aims</title> <p id="spar0005">This paper attempts to describe the patterns of exercise and the perceived benefits and barriers to exercise in an urban south Indian population.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sect0015">Methods</title> <p id="spar0010">Study participants were recruited from the baseline survey of the D-CLIP (Diabetes Community Lifestyle Improvement Program). Frequency, duration, type and location of exercise were assessed using a questionnaire, while a Likert type scale was used to assess perceived benefits of and barriers to exercise. Quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sect0020">Results</title> <p id="spar0015">Out of 1281 participants (63.7% males), 24.1% reported doing ≥150 min of exercise/week ("exercisers") compared to 75.9% "non-exercisers". Exercisers were significantly older (47 vs. 43 years), better educated (68.8% vs. 60%), had a higher monthly income (41% vs. 29.2%), consumed more fruits (38.2% vs. 25.6%) and vegetables (84.1% vs. 77.7%) and had better perceived state of health (81.1% vs. 76.8%), compared to non-exercisers. Exercisers had significantly lower HOMA-IR, higher Matsuda index and lower prevalence of low HDL cholesterol compared to non-exercisers. However, there were no significant differences in cardio-metabolic risk factors like diabetes, hypertension and obesity between the two groups. Walking was the most common type of exercise. Both exercisers and non-exercisers perceived the benefits of exercising, but barriers weighed more heavily on exercise behaviour.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sect0025">Conclusions</title> <p id="spar0020">Urgent steps are needed to improve overall exercise levels in India by addressing barriers and improving the quality of exercise performed so as to enhance overall metabolic health.</p> </sec> </abstract>