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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Judy Kruger, PhD, Susan Carlson, MS, and David Buchner, MD. DNPA, CDC, 4770 Buford Hwy, M/S K-46, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-488-5922, jkruger@cdc.gov

Background: Physical activity is an integral part of disease prevention and risk reduction from chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer and diabetes. Since the 1996 Surgeon Generals' report, trend data suggest that adults have decreased physical inactivity levels, however, estimates of physical activity are still lower than Healthy People 2010 goals. Objective: To estimate the level of participation in aerobic, muscle-strengthening and flexibility activities among U.S. adults. Methods: Using population-based data from the 2001 National Health Interview Survey, we classified respondents according to the amount of aerobic activity (i.e., inactive, insufficiently active, regularly active), amount of muscle-strengthening activity, and amount of flexibility activity. Data were weighted to account for use of the complex sampling design (N=30,723). Results: Among adults, 38% reported no leisure-time physical activity. Thirty-two percent were regularly active (participated in moderate-intensity activity >=5 days/week for >=30 minutes, or vigorous-intensity activity >=3 days/week for >=20 minutes); 23% participated in vigorous-intensity activity (>=3 days/week for >= 20 minutes); 20% participated in strengthening activities >= 2 days/week, and 31% participated in flexibility activities >= 1 day/week. Overall, 14% were regularly active and engaged in >= 2 days/week of strengthening activities. Seventeen percent were regularly active and engaged in >= 1 day/week of flexibility activities. Conclusion: Despite the benefits of physical activity, less than 60% of adults are regularly active. These data can be used to guide prevention and research activities to encourage public health professionals to promote physical activity.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Demonstrate awareness of different Healthy People 2010 goals
• Describe the prevalence of various domains of physical activity among adults >=18 years of age
• Describe the prevalence of combining aerobic activity with strengthening and flexibility behaviors.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation