819Muscle strengthening activities among Australian adults

Abstract

Abstract Focus of Presentation Australian studies examining muscle-strengthening activity (MSA) are limited and most are focused on resistance/weight training. This study uses the nationally representative Sport Australia AusPlay survey of physical activity participation and classifies activities that use major muscle groups as MSAs, adapting the methodology used in UK health studies. Using this classification, estimates are then made on how many Australian adults are doing MSAs on at least two days a week as per the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines. Findings There is some uncertainty about which activities can be considered MSAs. However, evidence suggests that many activities, besides resistance/weight training, can strengthen muscles. Three definitions were used to classify physical activities reported by AusPlay respondents as either Resistance Training Only, Definitely MSAs, or Definitely and/or Potentially MSAs. These were applied to AusPlay 2017–18 data to estimate the proportion of adults who met the MSA guideline. For the primary measure of Definitely MSAs, estimates were higher than those from previous Australian studies. Consistent with previous Australian studies, a higher proportion of men than women, and younger adults than older adults, met the MSA guideline across all activity classifications. Conclusions/Implications Survey estimates of MSA participation depend on which activities are included as MSAs. More rigorous studies are needed to clearly categorise which activities can be considered as MSAs. Key messages A clearer understanding of what constitutes MSAs will improve estimates of how many Australian adults are meeting the MSA guidelines.