Author:

Abstract:

My PhD is a follow-up on a large research project that took place ten years ago. It also part of two longer running studies that started in 1969 and 1974. The PhD is in collaboration with the Flemish Policy Research Centre Sport (2012-2015) and an FWO project. In my PhD I will tackle some questions related to physical activity and health. I will concentrate on non-communicable diseases. More specifically, the association between physical (in-)activity and the Metabolic Syndrome in the Flemish population. Another link that will be investigated is the association between physical (in-)activity and bone density in Flemish men. More precisely, I will focus on the key concepts below. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of the relationship between physical (in-)activity and physical fitness. Compare the importance and infuence of physical (in-)activity, sedentary behavior and physical fitness, as independent predictors of the Metabolic Syndrome. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses in adults of the relationship between the Metabolic Syndrome and physical (in-)activity, sedentary behavior, and physical fitness. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses in adult men of the relationship between Bone Mineral Density and physical (in-)activity, sedentary behavior and physical fitness. Firstly, we hypothesize that physical (in-)activity and physical fitness are separate concepts, and that these concepts independently influence the MetS. Secondly, we expect that physical activity and physical fitness have a positive influence on the metabolic risk factors and bone mineral density. Conversely, we reason that physical inactivity will have a negative influence on these health parameters. A total sample of 652 people was tested between 1/1/2012 and 11/1/2014. All measurements were executed using exactly the same methods as the first cross-sectional phase (2002-2004). New in this phase was the objective monitoring of physical activity and sedentary behavior wearing a SenseWear Pro 3 Armband for seven consecutive days. The data at hand and longitudinal aspect of the study make this project an exceptional opportunity to research changes with age in the Flemish adult population. The availability of objective measurements of physical (in-)activity and sedentary behavior are another benefit of this dataset. The available data will be used to research the relationship between the Metabolic Syndrome and physical activity, sedentary behavior and physical fitness, using a continuous Metabolic Syndrome risk score. The same will be done for osteoporosis in men. Furthermore, the independent importance of physical activity, sedentary behavior and physical fitness as independent predictors on the Metabolic Syndrome will be researched. Results of thisproject can be used for interventional studies in the future.