Abstract
Objective: To examine the utility of field-based techniques to assess functional exercise capacity and sedentary time in Indigenous and non-Indigenous regional Australian adults. Study design: Observational, analytic cohort study. Methods: Ninety six adults residing in regional and remote Australian communities participated in this study (Indigenous n = 61 and non-Indigenous Australians n = 35). Participants undertook a field-based test of functional exercise capacity (6 min walk test; 6 MWT) and wore an accelerometer during waking hours for seven days, provided self-report data on physical activity and sedentary time and rated experiences in regard to the ease of complying with study protocols. Results: There were high levels of compliance in this study (Indigenous: 91% and non-Indigenous: 97%). Functional exercise capacity was lower in Indigenous Australians (P < 0.001), and independently associated with advancing age, higher BMI, and indigeneity, with 45% of variability in the 6 MWT distance explained by these factors. The relationship between accelerometer and self-report measures of sedentary behaviour was significant (P < 0.001) but only explained 17% of the total variation. Conclusions: This study demonstrated very good compliance for the methods utilised and is the first to report reduced functional exercise capacity in Indigenous people. Implications: The field-based techniques from this study demonstrate good utility for larger scale implementation in regional Indigenous populations.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1656-1661 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Public Health |
Volume | 129 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Field-based assessment
- Indigenous health
- Physical activity