Prevalence Of Inactivity Research Articles

A Church-based Physical Activity Intervention for African American Women

This trial evaluated a 6-month, church-based aerobic exercise intervention to increase physical activity among African American women relative to a health lecture and stretching condition. Participants were 196 women from 11 churches. Churches were randomized to an Aerobic Exercise or Health N Stretch intervention. Results indicated that physical activity was not different in Aerobic Exercise and Stretch N Health, although attendance in both interventions was low. Both groups reduced physical inactivity prevalence from baseline (26% and 18% decline, respectively). Higher baseline social support predicted change in physical activity, regardless of treatment assignment. Researchers must continue to work to identify successful intervention strategies to increase physical activity in African American women who are at disproportionate risk of chronic diseases associated with physical inactivity.

The obesity‐driven rising costs of type 2 diabetes in Australia: projections from the Fremantle Diabetes Study

The cost of diabetes is high for both the individual and society. Future health-care planning requires patient-level diabetes-attributable health-care cost data that have not previously been available for Australia. To determine Australian national direct diabetes-attributable health-care costs for known type 2 diabetes in 2000 and project these to 2051. A total of 1294 patients with type 2 diabetes was recruited to the Fremantle Diabetes Study between 1993 and 1996. A bottom-up, prevalence-based approach using diabetes-attributable costs provided average annual per patient health-care costs (in year 2000 A$). Costs were extrapolated to 2051 using Australian type 2 diabetes prevalence figures and Australian Bureau of Statistics population projections, assuming that prevalence rates (i) remain at current levels and (ii) rise steadily. Total annual direct diabetes-attributable health-care costs in 2000 in Australia for people > or =25 years with known type 2 diabetes were estimated at A$636 million. As a result of ageing, the number of people with type 2 diabetes will double between 2000 and 2051 with a 2.5-fold increase in diabetes-attributable health-care costs. If obesity and inactivity prevalence rates continue to rise, prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes will further increase. The number of people with type 2 diabetes in 2051 may be 3.5 times higher than in 2000 with a 3.7-fold cost increase. The financial burden of treating type 2 diabetes could quadruple by 2051 unless more is done to prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications. A smaller proportion of the population will have the capacity to fund these rising health-care costs.

Webwatch: Ageing and sport

http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness AARP is a US non-profit membership organisation that addresses the needs and interests of individuals aged 50 years and older. This section of the organisation's site offers a range of resources for the general public on walking, various sports, office exercises, choosing a personal trainer, and more. Links from the lower left of the main page include an online fitness course and activities workbook. http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/activity.htm This report from the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality provides extensive data on the importance of physical activity in older adults, the prevalence and costs of inactivity, and the health benefits of regular activity. It also recommends specific levels of physical activity to attain benefits. http://www.icaa.cc The ICAA offers educational materials and other resources to professionals in the retirement, assisted living, recreation, fitness, rehabilitation, medical, and wellness fields whose aim it is to change society's perceptions of ageing and improving the quality of life for ageing boomers and older adults. Headline news, sample newsletters, links to various fitness and wellness-related studies, and some full-text reports are available online to non-members. http://www.nsga.com This is the home site for senior competitive sports and olympics. Highlights include a hall of fame, online newsletters, and links to games held at the (US) state level. http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/growing_stronger/index.htm This site provides a comprehensive strength training programme, and a downloadable (pdf format) guide and weblinks, to encourage older adults to “feel stronger, healthier, and more vital.” http://nihseniorhealth.gov/exercise/toc.html Here is an informative and motivational multimedia presentation on exercise for older adults. The section includes suggested exercises, streaming video, quizzes, and safety advice.

Physical Inactivity Among Adults With Chronic Diseases That Are Leading Causes Of Mortality In United States 1998-2002

Heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease (e.g., emphysema, asthma), and diabetes mellitus are 5 of the 6 the leading causes of mortality in the United States. Although physical activity helps to prevent these problems and provides benefits to people with these diseases, little is known about the prevalence of inactivity among people with chronic disease. PURPOSE To examine the prevalence of physical inactivity in adults with heart disease, cancer, stroke, emphysema, asthma, and diabetes. METHODS Five years of aggregated data (1998–2002) from the National Health Interview Survey were analyzed (N=159,985 adults, 43.4% males, mean age 46.4±17.8 years). Physical inactivity was defined as no reported moderate-intensity or vigorous-intensity physical activity in the past month. Prevalence of physical inactivity was calculated overall and by sex and age for persons who reported ever being diagnosed by a health professional with any of six chronic diseases (heart disease, any cancer, stroke, emphysema, asthma, or diabetes (either type I or type II). Heart disease included persons with angina pectoris or myocardial infarction and people who reported cancer could have had any cancer. RESULTS One quarter (24.7%; 95% CI = [24.4–24.9]) of adults has one or more of the six chronic diseases that result in one of the leading causes of mortality. The prevalence of physical inactivity among adults was 38.7% (95% CI = [38.3–39.1]). Persons who reported having any of the six chronic diseases under study had a prevalence of inactivity of 40.1% (95% CI= [39.4 - 40.8]). The prevalence of physical inactivity for the specific conditions was: heart disease (48.5%, 95% CI = [45.7 - 51.3]); cancer (38.4%; 95% CI=[36.7 - 40.1]), stroke (53.5%; 95% CI=[48.9 - 58.0]), emphysema (58.7%; 95% CI=[53.7 - 63.6]), asthma (38.7%; 95% CI=[37.8 - 39.7]), and diabetes (48.0 %; 95% CI=[46.1 - 49.8]). Men with many of these chronic conditions were generally less inactive than women. For example, among men with a history of stroke, the prevalence of inactivity was 46.2% (95% CI= [41.4 - 51.1]), which was significantly lower than for women (60.0%; 95% CI = [54.0–65.6%] (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the prevalence of inactivity among US adults with chronic disease is slightly higher than the overall prevalence especially among those with stroke, emphysema, coronary heart disease and diabetes. Further, since one out of four adults has at least one chronic disease, research into targeted physical activity intervention strategies appropriate for these groups is warranted.

Race/ethnicity And Leisure Time Physical Inactivity

Social class and occupational physical activity (PA) are hypothesized to confound the relationship between race/ethnicity and leisure time physical inactivity, yet these variables are rarely measured and analyzed in the health disparity literature. PURPOSE (a) describe the prevalence of leisure time physical inactivity in a nationally representative sample of non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic/Latino men and women, (b) describe the prevalence of inactivity between these racial/ethnic groups across different indicators of social class, and (c) describe the relationship between occupational PA and leisure time inactivity in different racial/ethnic groups, independent of other social class indicators. METHODS The National Physical Activity and Weight Loss Survey (NPAWLS) was a nationwide random-digit-dialed telephone survey conducted between Sept. and Dec. 2002 of non-institutionalized U.S. adults (4,695 men, 6,516 women). Self-reported PA was assessed using the same questions as the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Respondents who reported no moderate- or vigorous-intensity PA during leisure time in a usual week were classified as inactive. Occupational PA was assessed using questions about the time spent sitting and standing, walking, and performing heavy labor at work. Indicators of social class were education level, family income, and employment status. RESULTS Based on responses from 9,806 adults, the age-adjusted prevalence (per 100) of physical inactivity was 10 (SE = 0.6) and 12 (SE = 0.6) among white men and women, respectively; 19 (SE = 2.5) and 25 (SE = 2.1) among non-Hispanic black men and women, and 21 (SE = 2.1) and 27 (SE = 2.5) among Hispanic/Latino men and women. Within each racial/ethnic group, the prevalence of inactivity was highest among participants with lower social class. Differences in inactivity between racial/ethnic groups became less evident after accounting for social class. The odds of being inactive during leisure time did not differ significantly across quartiles of occupational physical activity. This finding was consistent for each racial/ethnic group, and after adjusting for age, sex, and social class. CONCLUSIONS Non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanic/Latinos are more inactive during leisure time than their Non-Hispanic white counterparts. Social class, but not occupational PA, appears to moderate the relationship between race/ethnicity and leisure time inactivity. Supported by a CDC Cooperative Agreement (SIP 20_01), U48/CCU409664.

Do Psychosocial Occupational Characteristics Contribute To Racial And Ethnic Differences In Leisure Physical Activity?

The burden of excess chronic disease incidence and mortality associated with physical inactivity may disproportionately affect many American racial and ethnic minority groups. Numerous U.S. studies have shown a higher prevalence of inactivity (primarily during leisure time) among Blacks than Whites, even after adjusting for social class. There is mounting qualitative evidence that identifies the stress and fatigue imparted by psychosocial occupational characteristics as a barrier to leisure physical activity (PA). It has been suggested that racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to occupy positions characterized by adverse psychosocial occupational characteristics. PURPOSE To examine whether an association exists between job strain and leisure PA and to investigate whether it differs by race/ethnicity. METHODS Mixed model analyses of data collected in small manufacturing businesses in eastern Massachusetts as part of the Harvard Cancer Prevention Program Project. Leisure PA and psychosocial work characteristic information collected via self-report. Adjusted mean hours of leisure PA per week are reported. Tukey-Kramer adjusted p-values are used to account for the multiple comparisons made when comparing adjusted means. RESULTS Reports of high job strain were significantly associated with higher levels leisure time PA in age and gender adjusted analyses. Among participants not experiencing job strain, Hispanics (5.97 hours of leisure PA per week) and Whites (5.94 hours of leisure PA per week) had the highest levels of leisure PA. Among participants experiencing job strain, Hispanics had the highest levels of leisure PA. Asians reported the lowest levels of leisure PA in both the job strain (3.92 hours) and no job strain (3.67 hours) strata. Whites experiencing no job strain reported one hour more of leisure PA per week than Whites experiencing job strain (0.99, p= 0.05), adjusted for age, gender, education and managerial status. However, Asians (0.25, p > 0.05), Blacks (1.45, p > 0.05) and Hispanics (0.55, p > 0.05) experiencing no job strain reported less leisure PA per week than those experiencing job strain. The interaction of job strain and race/ethnicity was significant (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS Job strain was associated with higher leisure PA levels in a lower income, multiethnic population of healthy adult men and women. Our findings highlight the importance of considering psychosocial occupational factors as correlates of racial and ethnic differences in leisure PA.

Physical Activity among Adults ???50 yr with and without Disabilities, BRFSS 2001

Before 2001, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a national survey of health behaviors, assessed only leisure-time physical activity. In 2001, the BRFSS used newly developed physical activity items to evaluate combined leisure-time, household, and transportation activities. Using BRFSS 2001 data, this cross-sectional study describes the prevalence of inactivity and insufficient and recommended physical activity for older adults (i.e., aged >or=50 yr). BRFSS 2001 data were analyzed using prevalence estimates and logistic regression to assess physical activity patterns among older adults (N=74,960) stratified by disability status, and select sociodemographic and health status characteristics. A total of 43.4, 39.1, and 17.5% of respondents without disabilities were active at a recommended level, insufficiently active, and inactive, respectively, taking into account nonoccupational physical activities. A total of 28.8% of older adults with disabilities were active at a recommended level, 35.7% insufficiently active, and 35.5% inactive. Among persons with and without disabilities, groups with the highest odds of inactivity and insufficient activity were women, persons aged >or=75 yr, blacks, persons with lower education levels and low incomes, and those who were obese. Not all persons with disabilities can be active at recommended levels, but it is possible for the vast majority to do some types of physical activity, even if at insufficient levels. Thus, it may be possible for the prevalence of inactivity among persons with and without disabilities to be similar. This was not found. At the start of the new millennium, almost 60% of older adults without disabilities and 70% with disabilities were not obtaining a recommended amount of combined leisure-time, transportation, and household physical activity.

Changes in the Prevalence of US Adults With Arthritis Who Meet Physical Activity Recommendations, 2001–2003

Increased physical activity is recommended for adults with arthritis. The objective of this study was to update and compare recent physical activity prevalence estimates of US adults with self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis. The authors studied the 2001 and 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS), an annual random-digit telephone survey conducted by state health departments. The authors conducted a population-based sample from 50 states and the District of Columbia. The study included a total of 52,311 adults, 18 years or older, reporting doctor-diagnosed arthritis in 2001, and 82,839 reporting doctor-diagnosed arthritis in 2003. Reported level of physical activity was classified into 3 categories: physically inactive, insufficiently active, and meeting public health recommendations. Between 2001 and 2003, the prevalence of physical inactivity decreased by 1.1% (23.8% versus 22.7%), the prevalence of insufficient levels of physical activity increased by 0.2% (38% versus 38.2%), and the prevalence of meeting physical activity recommendations increased by 0.9% (38.3% versus 39.2%). Compared with 2001 estimates, the prevalence of meeting physical activity recommendations increased by 6.2% (54.8% versus 61%) among those aged 18 to 24 years, 3.5% (36.4% versus 39.9%) among never smokers, 3% (49.4% versus 52.4%) among those aged 25 to 34 years, 2.4% (29.9% versus 32.3%) among obese adults, and among those aged 55 to 64 years (36.9% versus 39.3). Prevalence of inactivity increased by 3.2% among Hispanics (30.4% versus 33.6%) and 2.9% among those with 8 or fewer years of education (47.6% versus 50.5%). Prevalence estimates of the 3 levels of physical activity among adults with arthritis changed very little. Given the established benefits of physical activity for arthritis, public health efforts to promote increased activity should continue to be developed and refined.

Nonoccupational Physical Activity by Degree of Urbanization and U.S. Geographic Region

To estimate levels of nonoccupational leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) by degree of urbanization and geographic region of the United States. Participants were respondents to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 2001 (N = 137,359). Moderate- and vigorous-intensity LTPA was categorized as meeting recommended levels, insufficient, or inactive. The U.S. Department of Agriculture rural-urban continuum codes were used to describe degrees of urbanization (metro, large urban, small urban, and rural). Geographic regions were defined by the U.S. Bureau of the Census (Northeast, Midwest, South, and West). Prevalence estimates were calculated using sample weights to account for the design of the BRFSS. Multivariate logistic regression analyses examined regional differences in the odds of physical inactivity (physically inactive vs insufficient or meets) by degree of urbanization after adjustment for sex, age, race, BMI, education, and occupational physical activity. Large urban areas (49.0%) and the western United States (49.0%) had the highest prevalence of recommended levels of LTPA. Rural areas (24.1%) and the southern United States (17.4%) had the highest prevalence of inactivity. Adults living in the four urbanization categories of the midwestern (metro (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.31, 1.65), large urban (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.51, 2.23), small urban (OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.65, 2.40), and rural (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.35, 4.97)); and southern (metro (OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.53, 1.88), large urban (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.72, 2.41), small urban (OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 2.02, 2.67), and rural (OR = 5.49, 95% CI = 2.82, 10.68)) U.S. regions were more likely to be inactive than adults living in similar areas of the western United States. Adults in northeast metro and large urban areas (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.45, 1.81; and OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.74, respectively) were more likely to be inactive than those residing in western metro and large urban areas. The prevalence of physical inactivity varies by degree of urbanization and geographic region of the United States.

The effects of oral amino acid intake on ambulatory capacity in elderly subjects

The combination of high prevalence of inactivity in the older population, and high risk of ill-health and disability associated with inactivity, suggests that interventions that are successful in increasing levels of activity may have a great impact on population health in later life. With advancing age, the risk of developing serious nutritional deficiencies also increases. This study was designed to assess the effects of dietary amino acid supplementation on effort tolerance in healthy elderly subjects with reduced physical activity. Forty-four subjects (age > 65 years) with sedentary life-style and lower health-related quality of life were studied. Subjects, in an open-label fashion, received an oral amino acid mixture (AAM, 12 g/day) containing essential and non-essential amino acids for a 3-month period. Ambulatory dysfunction resulting in sedentary life-style was assessed by a 6-min walk test. A walking impairment questionnaire (WIQ) was used to evaluate self-perceived ambulatory dysfunction. Maximal isometric muscular strength of the right hand was measured during isometric exercise by a handgrip dynamometer. The 6-min walk distance increased from 214.5 +/- 32 to 262.8 +/- 34.8 m (p < 0.001) after AAM treatment. The baseline scores on the three subscales of WIQ changed significantly during treatment: WIQ distance increased from 56.2 +/- 12.9 to 66.3 +/- 12.8% (p < 0.001); WIQ speed from 52 +/- 12.6 to 69.2 +/- 14.8% (p < 0.001) and WIQ stairs from 74.4 +/- 22.6 to 94.2 +/- 25% (p < 0.001), as did maximal isometric muscular strength (16.6 +/- 2.4 vs 19.2 +/- 2.2 kg, p < 0.001). Changes in plasma glucose (+11 +/- 11 mg/dL), total cholesterol (0 +/- 39 mg/dL), HDL cholesterol (0 +/- 17 mg/dL), and triglycerides (-11 +/- 58 mg/dL) were not significant between baseline and AAM. An oral amino acid supplement, as used in this pilot study, improves ambulatory capacity and maximal isometric muscle strength in elderly subjects without affecting the main metabolic parameters. Amino acid supplementation may thus represent useful non-pharmacological intervention to maintain physical fitness in these subjects.

What Is the Optimal Blood Pressure and Drug Therapy for Patients With Coronary Artery Disease?

THE NUMBER OF PERSONS WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISease (CAD) is increasing dramatically, with more patients surviving myocardial infarction (MI), the aging of the population, and the increasing prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and inactivity. As a result, deaths from cardiovascular disease have increased about 2.5% per year over the past decade. Yet there is a paucity of prospective randomized trial data on the relative impact of various drugs and blood pressure levels on adverse outcomes in patients with CAD. This information is critical to current management of these patients for many reasons. Past experiences have demonstrated that patients with myocardial ischemia may react differently to many drugs that otherwise appear safe (eg, nifedipine, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, antiarrhythmic agents, rofecoxib) and reducing blood pressure in patients with CAD is very complex. To this end, 2 large randomized clinical trials examining blood pressure treatment in patients with CAD provide important new information on this issue. In the first of these reports, the recently published International Verapamil-trandolapril Study (INVEST), a calcium antagonist strategy (verapamil SR-trandolapril) and a -blocker strategy (atenolol-hydrochlorothiazide) were equivalent in preventing death, MI, or stroke in hypertensive patients with CAD. Both multidrug strategies provided excellent blood pressure control (eg, 70% of patients with blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg) and were effective in decreasing angina (from 67% at study entry to 28% at 2 years) with infrequent need for revascularization (eg, 2%). But the calcium antagonist strategy was somewhat more effective in reducing angina frequency and was associated with significantly less new-onset diabetes. Furthermore, the nadir in the systolic blood pressure–adverse outcomes relationship was approximately 120 mm Hg. In this issue of JAMA, Nissen and colleagues report the results of the Comparison of Amlodipine vs Enalapril to Limit Occurrences of Thrombosis (CAMELOT) study. Patients with CAD and on-treatment blood pressure within the socalled normal range ( 140 mm Hg) were randomly assigned to receive placebo, a calcium antagonist (amlodipine), or an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (enalapril) to evaluate the effects of further blood pressure lowering. In a substudy, the authors used a novel design feature (that is likely a prototype for future studies) to directly examine blood pressure and drug effects on coronary atherosclerosis progression using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) as pioneered by this group for lipid treatment studies. Overall the patients were very well managed, with high use of aspirin (95%) and statins (83%). Compared with placebo, amlodipine and enalapril reduced blood pressure similarly (approximately 5 mm Hg systolic) when added to -blockers (approximately three fourths of the patients) with or without diuretics (approximately one third of the patients). Results suggested that patients assigned to amlodipine fared better in terms of fewer ischemia-related events (eg, hospital admissions for angina, coronary revascularizations) with a trend for reduced death, MI, and stroke. This clinical benefit of amlodipine persisted in the subgroup with diabetes. Of more interest, progression of coronary atherosclerosis was documented in placebo-assigned patients undergoing serial IVUS evaluation. But no progression was observed with either amlodipine or enalapril, suggesting that perhaps the lower blood pressure may be more important than the class of agent used. With both active treatments combined there appeared to be no atherosclerosis progres-

America’s obesity epidemic: Measuring physical activity to promote an active lifestyle

The incidence of overweight and obesity in the United States and worldwide has reached epidemic proportions. To effectively intervene, dietetics professionals and other health care practitioners need to address both sides of the energy balance equation when counseling clients and patients. Often, the focus on energy intake supersedes the promotion of a physically active lifestyle. Incorporating appropriate and sufficient physical activity into one’s life is an essential component of achieving and maintaining a healthful body weight. This review summarizes background knowledge on the benefits of physical activity for health and provides an overview of available tools for measuring physical activity and energy expenditure. The physical and mental health benefits of an active lifestyle, current physical activity recommendations for the US public, the prevalence of inactivity in the United States, and components of energy expenditure are reviewed. Additionally, tools for estimating total energy expenditure, resting metabolic rate, and physical activity are evaluated and suitable approaches for applying these tools are provided.

Physical Activity Levels are not Related to Increased Symptoms in Adults with Restless Legs Syndrome

2100 Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a poorly understood neuromuscular condition characterized by unusual sensations in the extremities and poor sleep quality. RLS occurs in approximately 10% of the general population, and is more prevalent in overweight, sedentary older adults. Individuals with RLS frequently abstain from exercise as it is thought that physical activity can provoke RLS symptoms. PURPOSE: To identify the relationship between symptom severity and physical activity levels in adults with RLS. METHODS: Habitual physical activity was assessed using the CHAMPS Activities Questionnaire for Older Adults and RLS symptoms were measured using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Questionnaire. Bivariate relationships were analyzed using Spearman Rank Order Correlation Analyses. RESULTS: Forty-three individuals (M 12, F 31) with an average age of 54(± 9) years participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants reported an average of 5 (± 5) exercise sessions a week, and an average of 2,998 (± 2475) calories expended in moderate intensity activities per week. There was no significant relationship between exercise frequency or caloric expenditure and RLS symptom severity. Twenty-four percent and 27% of the participants reported no involvement in exercise or moderate intensity activity, respectively. Additionally, 72% of the participants were classified as either overweight or obese by World Health Organization body mass index guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity was not related to RLS symptom severity in this study. Greater participation in exercise and physical activity may not be related to exacerbations of RLS symptoms. This finding may be important to consider when treating adults with RLS. Given the high prevalence of inactivity and overweight/ obesity in this group, it may be important for physicians to recommend participation in moderate intensity physical activity to reduce risk of comorbidity. Sponsored by a grant from the East Tennessee State University Research Development Committee.

Do Volunteer and Staff Fire Fighters Meet Minimum Rates of Physical Activity Despite Demands of the Job?

1706 Firefighting is a job with unique physical demands that puts firefighters (FF) at increased risk for cardiovascular events and musculoskeletal injuries. Firefighters are sometimes resistant to physical fitness programs on and off the job and view these programs as punitive. Purpose: The purpose of this preliminary investigation was to collect baseline information and determine the prevalence of inactivity and increased risk for cardiovascular disease in a small fire department for later use in implementing a physical activity program. Methods: Thirty-two subjects consisting of 16 regular staff (S) and 16 volunteer (V) FF (28 male, 4 female; Age = 37.1 ± 9.8 yrs; BMI = 29.4 ± 5.4 kg/m2) from Highlands Fire Department in northern Arizona participated in the testing. Staff were required to complete physical exams and physical fitness testing, while V completed only health and physical activity forms, height, weight, and pulmonary function. Means and standard deviations for cardiovascular risk factors, physical fitness, and physical activity were compared to ACSM® Guidelines criteria for fitness (based on 50th percentile, average rank) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) rates of physical activity. Independent t-tests were used to compare differences for age and BMI between S and V. Results: Rates of inactivity, based on self-report, were high for both S and V, with 50 and 69 percent, respectively, not meeting CDC minimum guidelines. Although classified as overweight, no significant differences in BMI were noted between groups (S = 30.0 ± 5; V = 28.8 ± 5.8 kg/m2). No other significant risk factors other than smoking (n = 4) were noted for the group. The Table below summarizes fitness comparisons for staff (all male) FF based on a mean age of 41.9 yrs.Table: Staff FF Fitness Levels Compared to Average Fitness ClassificationConclusion: Baseline data for this group of FF, indicates the need for a regular health and fitness program to improve rates of physical activity and decrease body composition and risk for low back injury in this group of firefighters.

Physical Activity Levels are not Related to Increased Symptoms in Adults with Restless Legs Syndrome

2100 Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a poorly understood neuromuscular condition characterized by unusual sensations in the extremities and poor sleep quality. RLS occurs in approximately 10% of the general population, and is more prevalent in overweight, sedentary older adults. Individuals with RLS frequently abstain from exercise as it is thought that physical activity can provoke RLS symptoms. PURPOSE: To identify the relationship between symptom severity and physical activity levels in adults with RLS. METHODS: Habitual physical activity was assessed using the CHAMPS Activities Questionnaire for Older Adults and RLS symptoms were measured using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Questionnaire. Bivariate relationships were analyzed using Spearman Rank Order Correlation Analyses. RESULTS: Forty-three individuals (M 12, F 31) with an average age of 54(± 9) years participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants reported an average of 5 (± 5) exercise sessions a week, and an average of 2,998 (± 2475) calories expended in moderate intensity activities per week. There was no significant relationship between exercise frequency or caloric expenditure and RLS symptom severity. Twenty-four percent and 27% of the participants reported no involvement in exercise or moderate intensity activity, respectively. Additionally, 72% of the participants were classified as either overweight or obese by World Health Organization body mass index guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity was not related to RLS symptom severity in this study. Greater participation in exercise and physical activity may not be related to exacerbations of RLS symptoms. This finding may be important to consider when treating adults with RLS. Given the high prevalence of inactivity and overweight/ obesity in this group, it may be important for physicians to recommend participation in moderate intensity physical activity to reduce risk of comorbidity. Sponsored by a grant from the East Tennessee State University Research Development Committee.

Leisure-time physical activity in university students from 23 countries: associations with health beliefs, risk awareness, and national economic development

Background. Physical inactivity has been linked with chronic disease and obesity in most western populations. However, prevalence of inactivity, health beliefs, and knowledge of the risks of inactivity have rarely been assessed across a wide range of developed and developing countries. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 19,298 university students from 23 countries varying in culture and level of economic development. Data concerning leisure-time physical activity, health beliefs, and health knowledge were collected. Results. The prevalence of inactivity in leisure time varied with cultural and economic developmental factors, averaging 23% (North-Western Europe and the United States), 30% (Central and Eastern Europe), 39% (Mediterranean), 42% (Pacific Asian), and 44% (developing countries). The likelihood of leisure-time physical activity was positively associated with the strength of beliefs in the health benefits of activity and with national economic development (per capita gross domestic product). Knowledge about activity and health was disappointing, with only 40–60% being aware that physical activity was relevant to risk of heart disease. Conclusions. Leisure-time physical activity is below recommended levels in a substantial proportion of students, and is related to cultural factors and stage of national economic development. The relationship between health beliefs and behavior is robust across cultures, but health knowledge remains deficient.

Are US adults with arthritis meeting public health recommendations for physical activity?

To estimate the prevalence of US adults with self-reported, doctor-diagnosed arthritis (without specifying the type of rheumatic disease) who are meeting the US Surgeon General's recommendations for physical activity. Using population-based survey data from the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, we classified respondents according to their arthritis status and their level of physical activity (i.e., physically inactive, insufficiently active, or meeting recommendations). Prevalence data were weighted to take account of the complex sampling design, and were broken down by a variety of demographic characteristics such as race, education, and body weight. Nearly one-quarter (23%) of US adults reported having doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Among adults with arthritis, 23.8% were physically inactive, 38% reported insufficient levels of physical activity, and 38.3% reported meeting the recommendations for physical activity. The highest prevalence of inactivity in adults with arthritis was found among those subjects with fewer than 8 years of formal education (47.6%), those with 9-11 years of education (35.5%), those who were African American (35.4%), those whose age was > or =65 years (31.1%), and those who were Hispanic (30.4%). Despite the benefits of physical activity, more than 60% of adults with arthritis do not meet the physical activity recommendations. Efforts should be made to ensure that adults with arthritis are made aware of the benefits of physical activity, and that interventions are prescribed to assist these individuals in becoming more physically active.

Physical activity participation of female students: Prevalence and change during the first academic year

Objectives This study aimed to explore the prevalence, and change over time, of participation in vigorous exercise and moderate lifestyle physical activity (PA) in a female student population in Scotland. Methods A survey was carried out to assess Stages of Behaviour Change (SOBC) for exercise and moderate PA at the start of the first academic year (n=425, response rate: 67.6%). At the start of the second year a sample of the previously surveyed female students (n=16), stratified by SOBC, were interviewed to retrospectively explore change in their activity choices throughout the first academic year and summer vacation. Results Greater participation in moderate lifestyle PA than in exercise was noted, with a high prevalence of inactivity: 50.6 per cent in the survey. Qualitative data suggested a decrease in participation during semester one. Interview responses indicated that students were affected by transitions, including the move into higher education and intermittent vacations. Although some adjusted to the changes over time, others experienced sporadic activity patterns in response to frequent changes in circumstances. A response bias towards mature students from health-related courses was noted throughout the study. Conclusions The high prevalence of inactivity in this female student population raises concerns regarding their current and future health. Although higher education is thought to provide a useful forum for health promoting activities, the impact of regular transition periods must be addressed.

How active are we? Levels of routine physical activity in children and adults.

The accurate measurement of physical activity is fraught with problems in adults, but more especially in children because they have more complex and multi-dimensional activity patterns. In addition, the results of different studies are often difficult to interpret and compare, because of the diversity of methodological approaches, differences in data analysis and reporting, and the adoption of varying definitions of what constitutes an appropriate level of activity. Furthermore, inactivity is seldom quantified directly. Although there exists an extensive literature documenting the health benefits of regular physical activity in adults, activity-health relationships in children are not clear-cut. Current recommendations reinforce the concept of health-related activity, accumulating 30 min moderate-intensity exercise on at least 5 d/week (adults) and 1 h moderate-intensity exercise/d (children). Evidence suggests a high prevalence of inactivity in adults, but whether or not inactivity is increasing cannot be assessed currently. Similarly, no definite conclusions are justified about either the levels of physical activity of children, or whether these are sufficient to maintain and promote health. Data to support the belief that activity levels in childhood track into adulthood are weak. Inactivity is associated with an increased risk of weight gain and obesity, but causality remains to be established. In children there is strong evidence to demonstrate a dose response relationship between the prevalence and incidence of obesity and time spent viewing television. Future research should focus on refining methodology for physical activity assessment to make it more sensitive to the different dimensions and contexts of activity in different age-groups.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL USING THREE DIFFERENT CRITERIA OF COMMUNITY INVOLVED IN A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION PROGRAM

In Brazil, an intervention program launched in 1996 to promote physical activity (PA) in a state of 36 million inhabitants - Agita São Paulo Program - is using ACSM/CDC recommendation as main strategy to promote health. The 1990 prevalence data of São Paulo city indicated that 69.3% were physically inactive. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to estimate current PA prevalence of that population using three specific criteria: involvement in vigorous PA (VPA), moderate PA (MPA), and total PA (TPA) considering moderate + vigorous + walking. METHODS: A home-interview approach was applied to 3370 people (1632 males and 1738 females) living in Sao Paulo State, older than 15 years. Sample was randomized by sex, age, socio-economic and educational level. Subjects were asked about frequency and duration of vigorous and moderate physical activities and walking using the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) version 8. People who met the current CDC/ACSM physical activity guidelines were considered regularly active: vigorous physical activity: 3d.wk-1, 20 min per day; or moderate activity: 5d.wk-1 30 min per day; or walking 150 min.wk-1; or an accumulation of 150 min.wk-1, 5 times per week of VPA, MPA and/or walking. Subjects below that recommendation were considered insufficiently active and those who reported any PA at all were classified as inactive. RESULTS: Percentage of regularly active, insufficiently active, and inactive considering the three different criteria were as follows: a- VPA criteria: regulary active: 35.9%; insufficiently active: 19.5%, and inactive 44.6%. b- MPA criteria: regularly active: 58.9%; insufficiently active: 27.8%, and inactive: 13.3%. c- TPA criteria: regularly active: 76.8%; insufficiently active: 16.0% and inactive: 7.2%. CONCLUSION: When moderate and total PA were considered, prevalence of inactivity decreased while increased the regularly active people. Although prevalence data of 10 years ago were collected with another kind of criteria, current results suggested that prevalence of sedentarism is declining in that population after 4 years of intervention program.