Low Amount and Intensity of Leisure-time Physical Activity in Asian Indian Adults

Abstract

Purpose: We sought to describe leisure-time, aerobic, and muscle strengthening physical activity (PA) patterns in U.S. Asian Indians, in comparison to other races/ethnicities.

Design, setting, and sample: We utilized the 2011-2018 National Health Interview Surveys, a set of cross-sectional, nationally representative surveys of the U.S. noninstitutionalized population. Our study population included 257 652 adults who answered PA questions.

Measures: PA was classified per 2008 U.S. guidelines and continuously per estimated metabolic equivalents (METs). Race was classified into White, Black, Asian Indian, Other Asian, and American Indian/Alaskan Native/Multiracial.

Analysis: We used survey design-adjusted, multivariable logistic regression to determine odds of sufficient and highly active physical activity levels, adjusting for predisposing, enabling, need, and health care service factors as guided by the Anderson Model. We also used linear regression to determine racial differences in average MET-minutes/week. Analysis was additionally stratified by comorbidity status.

Results: While Asian Indians (N = 3049) demonstrated similar odds of sufficient aerobic PA as Whites (aOR [95% CI]: .97 [.88,1.07]), Asian Indians had 22% lower odds of meeting highly active aerobic PA levels (.78 [.71,0.87]) and 18% lower odds of meeting sufficient muscle strengthening PA levels (.82 [.73,0.91]). This translated to an average 172 (95% CI: 45 300) fewer MET-minutes. Furthermore, this decrease in MET-minutes/week was especially apparent in those without hypertension (β[95% CI]: -164 [-314,-15]) without diabetes (-185 [-319,-52]), and low/normal BMI (-422 [-623,-222]).

Conclusion: Asian Indians, especially those without comorbidities, are less likely to engage in high-intensity physical activity than Whites.

Keywords: chronic disease; lifestyle modification; preventive medicine; purpose; racial disparities.