Association between Physical Activity and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults and Older Adults: Using Accelerometer Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2014-2017

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between objectively measured physical activity and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults and older adults.METHODS: A total of 2,191 adults and older adults from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2014 to 2017 were analyzed. Participants were categorized into three groups (‘Inactive’, ‘Active’, ‘Highly active’) according to physical activity guidelines. A chi-square test was performed to confirm whether the physical activity guidelines were met according to metabolic syndrome and the difference between metabolic syndrome according to age group. Logistic regression was used to predict the relationship between physical activity and metabolic syndrome.RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome differed according to whether physical activity guidelines were met in older adults, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors varied according to age group. Compared to the Inactive group, the odds ratios (OR) for metabolic syndrome were 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56-0.95) and 0.65 (95% CI: 0.47-0.88) in adults in the Active and Highly active groups, respectively; and 0.46 (95% CI: 0.28-0.78) and 0.39 (95% CI: 0.22-0.69) in older adults in the Active and Highly active groups, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: As the level of physical activity increased, the OR of having metabolic syndrome and its risk factors decreased: this relationship was stronger in older adults than in adults. Therefore, physical activity guidelines should be met to prevent and manage metabolic syndrome.