Physical activity in an indigenous Ecuadorian forager-horticulturalist population as measured using accelerometry

Felicia C Madimenos; J Josh Snodgrass; Aaron D Blackwell; Melissa A Liebert; Lawrence S Sugiyama

doi:10.1002/ajhb.21163

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Physical activity in an indigenous Ecuadorian forager-horticulturalist population as measured using accelerometry

Journal article

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Physical activity in an indigenous Ecuadorian forager-horticulturalist population as measured using accelerometry

Felicia C Madimenos, J Josh Snodgrass, Aaron D Blackwell, Melissa A Liebert and Lawrence S Sugiyama

American journal of human biology, Vol.23(4), pp.488-497

07/2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.21163

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https://hdl.handle.net/2376/105428

PMCID: PMC3110644

PMID: 21538650

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Abstract

Ecuador

Confidence Intervals

Life Style

Humans

Middle Aged

Male

Motor Activity

Population Groups - statistics & numerical data

Young Adult

Anthropology, Cultural

Agriculture - statistics & numerical data

Energy Metabolism

Adolescent

Sex Factors

Adult

Basal Metabolism

Female

Aged

Acceleration

Minimal information on physical activity is available for non-Western populations undergoing the transition to a market economy. This is unfortunate given the importance of these data for understanding health issues such as the global obesity epidemic. We consider the utility of using accelerometry technology to examine activity patterns and energy use regulation among indigenous Shuar, an Ecuadorian forager-horticulturalist population undergoing economic and lifestyle change. We investigate sex differences in Shuar activity patterns and the effects of reproductive status on activity. Finally, we discuss the potential of accelerometry use in human biology research. Physical activity levels were measured using Actical accelerometers in 49 indigenous Shuar adults (23 males, 26 females) from a rural Ecuadorian community. Female participants were in various reproductive states including pregnant, lactating, and nonpregnant/nonlactating. Activity counts (AC), activity energy expenditure (AEE), and physical activity levels (PAL) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in males than females. Significant differences in energy expenditure were found among pregnant or lactating females and males with pregnant or lactating partners (P < 0.001). Males with pregnant or lactating partners also had significantly higher activity levels than did other men (P < 0.01). Shuar activity levels are relatively low compared to other non-Western populations. Despite increasing market integration, pregnant and lactating females seem to be adopting a strategy noted in other subsistence populations where male participation in subsistence activities increases to compensate for their partners' elevated reproductive costs. Despite certain limitations, use of accelerometry in human biology research shows promise.

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Title: Physical activity in an indigenous Ecuadorian forager-horticulturalist population as measured using accelerometry
Creators: Felicia C Madimenos - Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, 97403, USA. fmadimen@uoregon.edu
J Josh Snodgrass
Aaron D Blackwell
Melissa A Liebert
Lawrence S Sugiyama
Publication Details: American journal of human biology, Vol.23(4), pp.488-497
Academic Unit: Anthropology, Department of
Publisher: United States
Grant note: 5DP1OD000516-5 / NIH HHS DP1 OD000516 / NIH HHS DP1 OD000516-05 / NIH HHS
Identifiers: 99900546818301842
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article