Relation between usual daily walking time and metabolic syndrome

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Metabolic Health
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Physical inactivity is linked to metabolic syndrome (MS) development.
• Physical activity benefits MS components, but optimal levels are undefined.
• The study investigated the association between daily walking time and MS prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between regular physical activity, measured by daily walking time, and metabolic syndrome.
• To determine if increased walking time is associated with a lower prevalence of MS.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study within the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP).
• Utilized logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, SES, lifestyle, and dietary factors.
• Defined a reference group of individuals without any MS components.

Main Results:

• Lower physical activity correlated with higher MS prevalence (P < 0.001).
• A negative association was found between daily walking time and MS.
• Increased walking time showed a protective effect against MS (OR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.52-0.94), even after adjustments.

Conclusions:

• Total daily walking time is inversely associated with metabolic syndrome.
• Promoting increased daily walking is an effective preventive measure for metabolic syndrome.