Compliance of physical activity among adults with metabolic syndrome with the WHO recommendations

Abstract Introduction Low physical activity is a leading factor in 6% of deaths worldwide. In Bulgaria, it contributes to the deterioration of the health status of the population and determines 4.3% of the global burden of diseases. Over 70% of Bulgarian adults have insufficient physical activity during their free time. The aim of the study is to measure and assess the level of physical activity among adults with metabolic syndrome with the World Health Organization (WHO) Global recommendations. Methods A comparative study of the physical activity of a representative sample of 200 individuals with metabolic syndrome aged 54.7±10.5 from Pleven region was made with the WHO Global recommendations on physical activity for people living with chronic conditions. Modified Physical activity Questionnaire (PAQ) for adults was used for assessment of the physical activity. Data were processed with IBM SPSS v. 25. Results The weekly frequency of the vigorous-intensity physical activity (VIPA) was 1,61 days with a weekly duration of 215 minutes, which met the WHO recommendations on physical activity for people living with chronic conditions, but 64% of the respondents had none and only 26% had VIPA on 2 and more days a week. More than half of the respondents (55%) had none moderate-intensity aerobic PA. From the remaining, 34% had this type of PA on 3 and more days a week with duration of 225 minutes, which met the WHO recommendations. Walking more than 10 minutes a day on 5 and more days a week had 69% of the respondents (40 minutes/day). Only 12% had none walking. Only 2% stated that the physical inactivity is the most important cause for the rise of many non-communicable diseases. Conclusions More than half of the respondents had none vigorous- and moderate-intensity PA but the PA of the remaining met the WHO recommendations. Although physical inactivity is among the risk factors for the rise of many non-communicable diseases, contributing to death, it was not recognised by the respondents. Key messages • Walking is the most important physical activity for the adults with metabolic syndrome. • Increasing the duration of walking should be encouraged and supported to manage the metabolic syndrome.