Publications by authors named "Mercia Van Der Walt"
Background: Little is known about the effects that climatic conditions, especially extreme heat, have on physical activity (PA) levels. The aim of this 2-year cohort analysis undertaken in the Arabian Gulf region was to assess changes in objectively-assessed PA as a result of changes in climatic conditions.
Methods: A total of 2088 adults (1390 men and 698 women) from many regions of the world were enrolled in a community health program in Qatar, were included in this study.
Background: Physical inactivity is a growing health concern and has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. The Arab region includes countries with some of the world's highest physical inactivity levels, such as Qatar, more specifically the Qatari female population.
Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the physical activity levels of Qatari national female adults during a 1-year pedometer-based program.