Abstract
ObjectiveMuscle-strengthening exercise (use of weight machines, free weights, push-ups, sit-ups), has multiple independent health benefits, and is a component of the Global physical activity guidelines. However, there is currently a lack of multi-country muscle-strengthening exercise prevalence studies. This study describes the prevalence and correlates of muscle-strengthening exercise across multiple European countries.MethodsData were drawn from the European Health Interview Survey Wave 2 (2013–14), which included nationally representative samples (n = 3,774–24,016) from 28 European countries. Muscle-strengthening exercise was assessed using the European Health Interview Survey Physical Activity Questionnaire. Population-weighted proportions were calculated for (1) “insufficient” (0–1 days/week) or (2) “sufficient” muscle-strengthening exercise (≥2 days/week). Prevalence ratios were calculated using multivariate Poisson regression for those reporting sufficient muscle-strengthening by country and by sociodemographic/lifestyle characteristics (sex, age, education, income, self-rated health etc.).ResultsData were available for 280,605 European adults aged ≥18 years. Overall, 17.3% (95% CI = 17.1%-17.5%) reported sufficient muscle-strengthening exercise (≥2 days/week). Muscle-strengthening exercise was geographically patterned with the lowest prevalence reported in South-eastern European countries (Romania, Malta and Cyprus: range: 0.7%-7.4%), and the highest prevalence in the Nordic countries (Iceland, Sweden, and Denmark: range: 34.1%-51.6%). Older age, insufficient aerobic activity, poorer self-rated health, lower income/education, being female, and being overweight/obese were significantly associated with lower likelihood of reporting sufficient muscle-strengthening exercise, independently of other characteristics.ConclusionsMost European adults do not report sufficient muscle-strengthening exercise, and prevalence estimates varied considerably across countries. Low participation in muscle-strengthening exercise is widespread across Europe, and warrants public health attention.
Highlights
Chronic disease prevention is a key global health challenge [1]
17.3% reported sufficient muscle-strengthening exercise ( 2 days/week)
Low participation in muscle-strengthening exercise is widespread across Europe, and warrants public health attention
Summary
Chronic disease prevention is a key global health challenge [1]. Among European countries, chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and mental disorders contribute to 86% of the deaths and 77% of the disease burden [2]. The evidence supporting physical activity for chronic disease prevention is predominately based on studies examining the health benefits of regular moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity (MVPA; e.g. walking, running or cycling) [6]. Epidemiological and clinical evidence has shown that engagement in muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE; resistance training using free or machine weights, elastic bands, or own body weight), has multiple, independent and unique health benefits [7,8,9]. Recent evidence from prospective cohort studies has shown that MSE decreases the risk of all-cause mortality [8, 10, 11], incidence of diabetes [12, 13], colon/kidney cancer [14], cardiovascular disease [15] and gains in waist circumference [16]. Meta-analyses of short-duration (6–12 weeks) clinical exercise interventions indicate that MSE increases skeletal muscle mass/strength [17,18,19], bone mineral density [20, 21], the ability to perform activities of daily living [22], improves cardiometabolic health [7, 9] and reduces symptoms of anxiety/ depression [23, 24]
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