Exercise patterns and behaviour in Asian Indians: Data from the baseline survey of the Diabetes Community Lifestyle Improvement Program (D-CLIP)

Abstract

Aims: This paper attempts to describe the patterns of exercise and the perceived benefits and barriers to exercise in an urban south Indian population. Methods: Study participants were recruited from the baseline survey of the D-CLIP (Diabetes Community Lifestyle Improvement Program). Frequency, duration, type and location of exercise were assessed using a questionnaire, while a Likert type scale was used to assess perceived benefits of and barriers to exercise. Quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D. Results: Out of 1281 participants (63.7% males), 24.1% reported doing 150 min of exercise/ week (‘‘exercisers’’) compared to 75.9% ‘‘non-exercisers’’. Exercisers were significantly older (47 vs. 43 years), better educated (68.8% vs. 60%), had a higher monthly income (41% vs. 29.2%), consumed more fruits (38.2% vs. 25.6%) and vegetables (84.1% vs. 77.7%) and had better perceived state of health (81.1% vs. 76.8%), compared to non-exercisers. Exercisers had significantly lower HOMA-IR, higher Matsuda index and lower prevalence of low HDL cholesterol compared to non-exercisers. However, there were no significant differences in cardio-metabolic risk factors like diabetes, hypertension and obesity between the two groups. Walking was the most common type of exercise. Both exercisers and non-exer- cisers perceived the benefits of exercising, but barriers weighed more heavily on exercise behaviour. Conclusions: Urgent steps are needed to improve overall exercise levels in India by addressing barriers and improving the quality of exercise performed so as to enhance overall metabolic health.