Abstract
This study aimed at estimating the prevalence in adults of complying with the aerobic physical activity (PA) recommendation through transportation-related walking and cycling. Furthermore, potential determinants of transportation-related PA recommendation compliance were investigated. 10,872 men and 13,144 women aged 18 years or older participated in the cross-sectional ‘German Health Update 2014/15 – EHIS’ in Germany. Transportation-related walking and cycling were assessed using the European Health Interview Survey-Physical Activity Questionnaire. Three outcome indicators were constructed: walking, cycling, and total active transportation (≥600 metabolic equivalent, MET-min/week). Associations were analyzed using multilevel regression analysis. Forty-two percent of men and 39% of women achieved ≥600 MET-min/week with total active transportation. The corresponding percentages for walking were 27% and 28% and for cycling 17% and 13%, respectively. Higher population density, older age, lower income, higher work-related and leisure-time PA, not being obese, and better self-perceived health were positively associated with transportation-related walking and cycling and total active transportation among both men and women. The promotion of walking and cycling among inactive people has great potential to increase PA in the general adult population and to comply with PA recommendations. Several correlates of active transportation were identified which should be considered when planning public health policies and interventions.
Highlights
This study aimed at estimating the prevalence in adults of complying with the aerobic physical activity (PA) recommendation through transportation-related walking and cycling
Amongst the 32.3% of men who reported engaging in transportation-related cycling on at least one day per week, 52.9% spent ≥600 metabolic equivalent (MET)-min per week in that activity
Amongst the 79.9% of men who indicated that they engaged in transportation-related walking, transportation-related cycling or a combination of transportation-related walking and cycling on at least one day per week, 52.1% spent ≥600 MET-min per week on transportation-related PA
Summary
This study aimed at estimating the prevalence in adults of complying with the aerobic physical activity (PA) recommendation through transportation-related walking and cycling. A study among Dutch adults showed that 43% engaged in active transportation and reported an average of 24 and 28 minutes of daily PA through walking and cycling, respectively, which is more than the www.nature.com/scientificreports recommended minimum level of PA7. This finding suggests that there is considerable potential for reaching the aerobic PA recommendations with active transportation. Correlates of transportation-related PA recommendation compliance among adults were investigated
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