Physical activity in an Old Order Amish community

Area of Science:

• Lifestyle and Physical Activity Research
• Obesity and Public Health Studies
• Anthropology and Sociology of Health

Background:

• Modern technology has significantly altered lifestyles and physical activity (PA) patterns.
• The Old Order Amish community preserves traditional, labor-intensive practices, avoiding modern conveniences.
• This unique lifestyle provides a valuable model for understanding the impact of technology on PA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify physical activity (PA) levels in an Old Order Amish farming community.
• To assess adiposity measures, including Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat percentage (% BF), in this population.
• To explore the relationship between traditional lifestyles and health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-eight Amish adults (18-75 years) in southern Ontario participated.
• Objective PA was measured using electronic pedometers for 7 days, recording steps per day.
• Subjective PA and lifestyle factors were assessed via log sheets and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
• Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, BMI, and % BF.

Main Results:

• Men averaged 18,425 steps/day, significantly more than women (14,196 steps/day).
• Men exhibited higher energy expenditure and reported more vigorous and moderate PA than women.
• Overweight prevalence was 25% for men and 27% for women; obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was 0% for men and 9% for women.

Conclusions:

• The studied Old Order Amish exhibit exceptionally high levels of physical activity.
• These high PA levels are associated with a low prevalence of obesity within the community.
• This population serves as an important reference for high
• lifestyle PA
• in contemporary North America.