Young Canadian adults: They may be fit, but are they healthy?

Authors

  • David S Thompson Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON
  • Joey Farrell Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON
  • Tracey M Larocque Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON
  • Ian J Newhouse Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v5i4.130

Keywords:

Health-related fitness, CVD risk, young adults, blood lipids, Hs-CRP

Abstract

Background: Established relationships exist between health-related fitness and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in older adults, but this relationship in young adults (18-30 years) is less clear. Current medical practices do not actively use blood lipid testing to screen for CVD in young adults however, non-optimal lipids in young adults have been associated with coronary atherosclerosis later in life.

Purpose: The goal was to explore the relationship between health-related fitness and biological CVD risk factors in young male and female Canadian adults.

Method: Sixty-seven individuals participated in the study. Fasting levels of HDL-C, LDL-C, TC, Triglycerides, and Hs-CRP were obtained and compared to the following health-related fitness measures; body mass index, waist circumference, Rockport Walk Test, YMCA Modified Sit and Reach Test, right angle push-ups, partial curl-ups, and wall-sit. The Healthy Physical Activity Participation Questionnaire, Par-Q, and Fantastic Lifestyle Checklist questionnaires were used to measure lifestyle behaviours.

Results: In men, relationships were found between triglycerides and body mass index (r(27)=.408, p<0.05), waist circumference (r(27)=.541, p<0.01), and the Rockport Walk Test (r(27)= -.500, p<0.01).

Author Biographies

Joey Farrell, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON

Director, School of Kinesiology

Tracey M Larocque, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON

PhD Candidate, Faculty of Education

Ian J Newhouse, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON

Professor, School of Kinesiology

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Published

2012-12-30

How to Cite

Thompson, D. S., Farrell, J., Larocque, T. M., & Newhouse, I. J. (2012). Young Canadian adults: They may be fit, but are they healthy?. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 5(4), 3–14. https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v5i4.130

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 4 (2012)

Section

ARTICLES

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