Physical Activity Behaviors of a Middle-Age South African Cohort as Determined by Integrated Hip and Thigh Accelerometry

Purpose Descriptive studies of objectively measured physical activity behaviors in African populations are rare. We developed a method of combining hip and thigh accelerometery signals to quantify and describe physical behaviors in middle-age South African men and women. Methods We integrated signals from two triaxial accelerometers worn simultaneously during free-living, in a subsample of the Middle-age Soweto Cohort (n = 794; mean (SD) age, 53.7 (6.3) yr). Acceleration time series from the accelerometers were combined and movement-related acceleration was derived using Euclidean Norm Minus One (in milligrams), to determine total movement volume (mean Euclidean Norm Minus One) and nonmovement time (g), light-intensity physical activity (LPA; 28-85 mg), and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA; >85 mg); thigh pitch angle and a sleep diary were used to divide nonmovement time (in minutes per day) into sleep, awake sitting/lying, and standing. Sociodemographic factors were self-reported, and weight and height were measured. Results Mean (SD) wear time was 128 (48) h. Movement volume was 15.0 (6.5) mg for men and 12.2 (3.4) mg for women. Men spent more time in MVPA and sitting/lying, whereas women spent more time standing. Age was inversely associated with movement volume, MVPA, and LPA. When compared with their normal-weight counterparts, men who were overweight or obese spent less time in MVPA, whereas women who were overweight or obese spent less time in LPA and more time sitting/lying. Socioeconomic status was inversely associated with total movement volume, MVPA, and time spent sleeping, and positively associated with time spent sitting/lying, in both men and women. Conclusions Integrating signals from hip and thigh accelerometers enables characterization of physical behaviors that can be applied in an African population.

Automated summary

This study described the physical activity behaviors of middle-age South African men and women and developed a method of combining hip and thigh accelerometery signals to quantify and describe these behaviors. The study found that men spent more time in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity and sitting/lying, while women spent more time standing. Age, weight, and socioeconomic status were associated with physical activity behaviors.