Abstract
China has experienced a rapid increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially in rural China. In addition to a dramatic increase in energy intake, the decrease in physical activity (PA) may be a reason. The study described the patterns and factors of physical activity and sedentary behaviors of 70,038 adults in rural China, based on data from the Chinese Nutrition and Health Survey (CNNHS) in 2010–2012. The mean working time of the employed subjects was 6.04 ± 1.3 day/week, 8.38 ± 2.2 h/day, of which 3.37 ± 2.8 h was sitting time. The occupational PA intensity was significantly relevant with occupation. The average transportation time of the rural Chinese adults was 57.9 ± 45.4 min, and 60.0% took the active transportation mode. The leisure-time PA (LTPA) participation rate was 3.8%, the LTPA time of those who had LTPA was 234.9 ± 231.3 min/week, lower participation was found in farmers and those in younger age groups, and those with lower educational and economic levels. The average domestic PA time, sedentary leisure-time, and sleeping time was 93.0 ± 72.7 min, 2.5 ± 1.4 h, and 7.9 ± 1.1 h, respectively. PA programs should be implemented in rural China, and the PA guidelines for farmers should be developed separately for the farming and non-farming seasons.
Highlights
Regular moderate intensity physical activity (PA) has significant benefits for health
This study found that the leisure-time PA (LTPA) participation rate of rural Chinese adults from 2010 to 2012 was only 3.8%, which was much lower than the objective of the National Fitness Program (30% prevalence of regular LTPA), which was consistent with findings from previous studies [12,19]
Subjects were more likely to participate in LTPA if they were in older age groups, in a higher educational level, in a higher economic level, or not farmers, which was similar to results from previous studies [22]
Summary
Regular moderate intensity physical activity (PA) has significant benefits for health. It reduces the risk of a large number of diseases and conditions, prevents excessive weight gain, reduces the risk of falls and many cancers, and for the individuals who have chronic disease, it can reduce the risk of progression of their condition. Insufficient PA can cause a 20% to 30% increased risk of death, and adds to the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) [2]. According to a study using data from 142 countries, physical inactivity cost health-care systems international $ (INT$) 53.8 billion, while related deaths contributed to $13.7 billion in productivity losses, and were responsible for 13.4 million Disability. The low-income and middle-income countries in the study had a larger proportion of the disease burden [3]. Insufficient physical activity is on the rise in many countries [4,5,6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
