Wendy O'Brien

Citation

Thesis Title
Exploring physical activity profiles of Māori, Pacific and European women from Aotearoa New Zealand: implications for body composition and metabolic health

Read article at Massey Research Online:

The health benefits of a physically active lifestyle are widely known and have been extensively examined. However, no such investigations have focussed on New Zealand women from different ethnicities, nor on their physical activity in relation to health. Ms O’Brien examined the physical activity profiles of Māori, Pacific and European women to understand ethnic differences in physical activity and its implications on body composition and metabolic health. Ethnicity was a major factor in the types and amounts of physical activity performed and in the implications of physical activity on metabolic health markers. Tailoring physical activity recommendations for specific ethnic groups could have major positive health consequences for New Zealand women. Ms O’Brien developed suggestions for the activities most appropriate to each ethnic group to promote physical activity in everyday life and potentially improve the health of a large portion of the New Zealand population.

Supervisors
Professor Rozanne Kruger
Professor Bernhard Breier
Dr Sarah Shultz