PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, STRESS AND THE METABOLIC SYNDROME IN 8-18 YEAR OLD BOYS

Megan E. Holmes 1, Joey C. Eisenmann 2, Panteleimon Ekkekakis, FACSM 2, Douglas Gentile 2.

1Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. 2Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

The origins of obesity and metabolic syndrome occur early in childhood; therefore understanding the impact of lifestyle factors on obesity and related metabolic diseases is an important child health issue.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effects physical activity may have on the relationship between measures of stress and the components of the metabolic syndrome in 8-18 year old males.

METHODS: Participants were 37 males ages 8 to 18 yrs. Anthropometric variables were determined by standard procedures. Physical activity was assessed using the Actigraph accelerometer. Television viewing (TV) and video game playing times were assessed via questionnaire. Waking salivary cortisol was assayed using a commercially available ELISA kit. Self-report measures of stress were assessed using the Physical Appearance Related Teasing Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Children’s Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, and Self-Esteem Questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured according to American Heart Association procedures. Blood cholesterol and HbA1c were collected by finger prick and assessed using a desktop analyzer. A composite score for the metabolic syndrome was generated by summing the age-standardized z-score for HbA1c, MAP, HDL-C, and WC.

RESULTS: Correlations between physical activity and metabolic syndrome were low, but in the expected direction after adjustment for age and maturity (r<-0.13). TV and video games playing time were significantly associated with the metabolic syndrome score (r= 0.39 and 0.43, respectively). There were significant correlations between school-related self-esteem (r=-0.46) and general appearance related teasing (r=-0.36) and the metabolic syndrome score. The correlation between anxiety and the metabolic syndrome score was significant in the low physical activity group (r=0.53) and null in the high physical activity group (r=0.07).

CONCLUSIONS: The results show preliminary but suggestive evidence that physical activity buffers the relationship between aspects of stress and the metabolic syndrome.