Practice Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Protocol for a prospective cohort study on the feasibility of application of nutritional ultrasound in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with nutritional risk at hospital discharge: study on body composition and function (DRECO)

IntroductionNutritional ultrasound (US) is an emerging technique in clinical nutrition for the morphological and structural study of muscle mass. Currently, all definitions of malnutrition include the measurement of muscle mass;...

The relationship between physical activity and cognitive functioning in older adults: a cross‐sectional study from the ELSI‐Brazil data

AbstractBackgroundPopulation aging is rapidly taking place in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) and is contributing to an increased prevalence of chronic conditions, such as dementia. Physical activity (PA) is a well‐known protective factor for cardiovascular conditions and is related to biological processes linked to cognition. Most studies linking PA with cognition come from high income countries. This study explores the relationship between PA and cognitive function in a representative sample of Brazilians aged 50 and above.MethodThis is a secondary analysis of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSI‐Brazil) baseline data. We stratified the level of PA as low, moderate, or high according to the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) spent on different PA over a week. We also considered the level of PA recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The domains considered for cognitive function were memory (short‐term memory, episodic and total), and verbal fluency. Logistic regression models were conducted to estimate the relationship between PA and each of the cognitive domains.Result7,994 individuals with complete data were considered for the final sample. They were primarily female (52%), with a mean age of 62.9 years (SD = 9.7), did not live alone (91.5%), and had 5.6 years of schooling (SD = 4.4). Higher levels of PA were related to better cognitive performance in respect of short‐term memory (β = 0.17, CI 95% 0.08‐0.25), total memory (β = 0.14, CI 95% 0.05‐0.22) and global cognition (β = 0.10, CI 95% 0.03‐0.16). The results were in the same direction for the WHO PA recommendations variable.ConclusionThis study shows that different levels of PA, measured in different ways, may have benefits on cognition for older people. These findings can be used to support public health interventions promoting the practice of PA. Longitudinal studies are needed to further clarify this relationship.

Physical Activity Promotion in North Carolina: A Reassessment of Public Park and Recreation Directors

Regular physical activity is widely considered by public health and parks and recreation professionals as a key determinant of individual and community health and well-being. Prior research has shown that building sustainable health partnerships with community organizations can help parks and recreation departments meet many US health challenges. This study examined the perceptions of North Carolina public parks and recreation directors regarding physical activity and health partnership practices in their communities. Directors from two-hundred and seventy five North Carolina city and county parks and recreation departments were surveyed in the Spring of 2022 to determine 1) directors’ effort allocation in promoting physical activity toward vulnerable populations, 2) challenges associated with promoting community physical activity, and 3) differences in effort allocation, future priorities, and partnership among varying director and departmental demographics. Results were compared to findings from a 2007 study of NC perceptions of health partnerships, upon which the present study was based. One hundred and twenty three completed questionnaires were returned, resulting in a response rate of 45%. Directors in 2022 allocated similarly higher levels of effort toward older adults, families, and people with low income as did directors in 2007, while youth and adults with disabilities and people with chronic health conditions received lower allocations of effort from directors in 2022. Barriers such as lack of staff knowledge on how to promote physical activity, lack of citizen and political support, and lack of knowledge of under-represented groups’ physical activity preferences were less pronounced in 2022 compared to 2007. Several distinct differences were revealed between female and male directors’ rankings of effort and future priorities, as well as their perceptions of physical activity opportunities for women and people with disabilities. Partnerships with county health departments are being utilized more in counties with the highest health disparities compared to more healthy counties, indicating that partnerships are being targeted and implemented in areas where resources are most needed. This study represents a meaningful extension of research conducted prior to the 2008 Great Recession and COVID-19 pandemic and provides recommendations for public parks and recreation departments to consider promoting physical activity and building community resilience in the face of future economic and health challenges.

Development of Gesture Detection Application for the Exercise System and Accumulation of Reward Points

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the daily lives of global citizens. Currently, it was reported that COVID-19 would last longer. Therefore, living with the COVID-19 outbreak will be the new normal. The restriction of physical contact leads to less exercise, especially outdoor activity, but more activities online. Although it will reduce the spread of the disease, but it has a negative effect on people's physical and mental health, so our team has come up with an exercise system to collect points and redeem rewards by detecting gestures by using applications to increase the practice of physical activity and enhance the health of personnel in various organizations, even people in residence can have physical activity. There were two types of exercise postures to choose from: squat and bicep curl (arm muscle exercises), which can be divided into two levels: easy and difficult. We concluded that the application could calculate points correctly and was very accurate in counting reps, especially with the bicep curl, but there was still a slight discrepancy in the count of squat reps, which can be further developed to increase accuracy.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activity among Daegu Citizens

Objectives: Daegu Metropolitan City was a region that experienced the pandemic in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the rate of physical activity practice decreased significantly compared to other regions in 2020. Three years later, in 2022, when social distancing was lifted, although the rate of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in other cities recovered to the pre-COVID-19 levels, Daegu’s recovery was the lowest among special and metropolitan cities.Methods: We investigated to the characteristics of the group whose practice rate of moderate to high physical activity has not recovered to its pre-COVID level by changes in the practice rate of MVPA from 2019 to 2022 according to sociodemographic characteristics, by using data from the Daegu City Community Health Survey.Results: In difference (%p) between years, the rate of practicing MVPA in those who had a high rate of that before COVID-19 decreased significantly. In 2019, before the outbreak of COVID-19, the groups with the lowest rates of MVPA were women, over 70 years old, low-income, other occupations (students, housewives, unemployed), hypertension, and diabetes. In increase/decrease rate, the groups that decreased the most in 2020 were women, over 70 years old, low-income, agriculture · forestry · fisheries, hypertension, and diabetes. The groups with the lowest recovery in 2022 were women, 60s, low-income, agriculture · forestry · fisheries, hypertension, and diabetes.Conclusions: The group whose MVPA was most vulnerable in 2019 decreased the most in 2020, and the group that decreased the most significantly was found to be the group with the lowest recovery in 2022. The gap between the vulnerable and privileged groups has widened as the former has become more vulnerable due to the pandemic. Therefore, it is crucial for the local government to intervene for vulnerable groups because the groups that in socioeconomic may be more affected by reduced physical activity.

Effect of physical activity on seminal quality – a short comentary

A number of studies that analyze the effect of physical activity on male reproductive health had been published over the last years. Findings indicate that significant changes in semen quality can occur due to the practice of physical activity, which can alter its quality according to the type of physical activity, intensity and duration. Intense physical activity may cause strong hormonal changes and impair seminal quality. On the other hand, moderate physical activity appears to have a neutral or beneficial effect on semen quality. In addition, the effect of physical activity on semen quality may differ depending on the type of physical activity. This short commentary deals with the effect of physical activity on seminal quality, addressing the main issues of this hot topic.

Impact of socioeconomic level on the physical condition of schools: A motor gap

The objective of this study was to analyse the physical condition of students in the third cycle of Primary Education from various educational centres in the Province of Alicante, in relation to their socioeconomic level. The study sample was made up of a total of 240 students from the third cycle of Primary Education, specifically 136 boys and 104 girls, from various schools located in three different geographical environments in the province of Alicante (urban, rural, coastal). A correlational and descriptive study was carried out. To measure the socioeconomic level of the students, families completed the Social Class Questionnaire; Regarding the anthropometric and motor condition of the students, body composition, musculoskeletal capacity, aerobic capacity and motor capacity were evaluated, for which the ALPHA-Fitness battery was used. In addition, to measure the students' adherence to the Mediterranean diet and extracurricular sports activity, the students filled out the KIDMED and PAQ-C questionnaires (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children) respectively. The results showed that the students in the study with a higher socioeconomic level have a better physical condition in terms of body composition, musculoskeletal capacity, aerobic capacity and motor capacity. Therefore, it is necessary to implement programs and activities that encourage the practice of physical activity and the acquisition of healthy habits, especially in the most disadvantaged areas.

The Relationship Between Health Literacy and Physical Activity Level Among Malaysians: Using the Malaysian Healthy Lifestyle Index (MHLI) – 2022

The role of health literacy (HL) in health promotion is globally recognised, especially when addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCD). Physical activity (PA) is a renowned factor that improves health and helps to control NCD. However, the association between HL and PA level among Malaysians remains scarce. Thus, this study sought to determine the relationship between HL and PA level among Malaysians. We analysed cross-sectional data of the Malaysian Healthy Lifestyle Index Survey-2022. HL level was obtained from the 18 HL questions on the ability to evaluate and act upon the decision on practising healthy lifestyle and categorised as limited, sufficient and excellent. The PA level was measured from the adapted International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and categorized as active Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA), minimal active and non-active. The cultivating PA culture in daily life was assessed using 6 questions related to practicing PA. Chi-square analysis was used to explore the association between HL and PA level among Malaysians. 9,264 Malaysians aged 18 years and above participated in the MHLI survey with 53.5% female and 46.5% male. Chi-square analysis using Cramer’s V revealed that there was a significantly small to medium relationship between HL and PA level, V=0.101, p=0.001. It was found that 30.1% participants with excellent HL level and active HEPA, while 27.3% with limited HL and non-active. There was a significant correlation between HL and cultivating PA practices in daily living among Malaysians, despite the degree of correlation is weak (r=0.241). Previous studies from other countries suggested a higher level of HL is generally associated with higher PA level. However, in this study, it was found that there is a lack of translation of health information obtained into practices among Malaysians. Therefore, integrating HL in interventions to promote PA could be a useful approach.

Regular Practice of Physical Activity Improves Cholesterol Transfers to High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Other HDL Metabolic Parameters in Older Adults

The effects of regular physical activity on two important anti-atherosclerosis functions of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), namely its capacity to receive both forms of cholesterol and its anti-oxidant function, were investigated in this study comparing older adults with young individuals. One-hundred and eight healthy adult individuals were enrolled and separated into the following groups: active older (60–80 yrs, n = 24); inactive older (60–79 yrs, n = 21); active young (20–34 yrs, n = 39); and inactive young (20–35 yrs, n = 24). All performed cardiopulmonary tests. Blood samples were collected in order to assess the following measures: lipid profile, HDL anti-oxidant capacity, paraoxonase-1 activity, HDL subfractions, and lipid transfer to HDL. Comparing active older and active young groups with inactive older and inactive young groups, respectively, the active groups presented higher HDL-C levels (p < 0.01 for both comparisons), unesterified cholesterol transfer (p < 0.01, p < 0.05), and intermediate and larger HDL subfractions (p < 0.001, p < 0.01) than the respective inactive groups. In addition, the active young group showed higher esterified cholesterol transfer than the inactive young group (p < 0.05). As expected, the two active groups had higher VO2peak than the inactive groups; VO2peak was higher in the two younger than in the two older groups (p < 0.05). No differences in unesterified and esterified cholesterol transfers and HDL subfractions were found between active young and active older groups. HDL anti-oxidant capacity and paraoxonase-1 activity were equal in all four study groups. Our data highlight and strengthen the benefits of regular practice of physical activity on an important HDL function, the capacity of HDL to receive cholesterol, despite the age-dependent decrease in VO2peak.

Association between physical activity status and musculoskeletal pain in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2: Sulcovid-19 survey.

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the association of physical activity (PA) before SARS-Cov-2 infection with Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain after infection. Methods: We used data from the Sulcovid-19, a longitudinal study. This study was carried out in the city of Rio Grande, in the extreme south of Brazil with individuals who were infected by SARS-Cov-2 between December/2020 and March/2021. Participants were asked on MSK pain in the cervical, thoracic, low back, upper and lower limbs. Three PA variables were built, as follows: 1) any PA (yes or no), 2) sufficient PA (based on WHO recommendations), and 3) PA status before and after COVID-19 (i.e., remained inactive, became inactive, and remained active). Results: Participants reporting sufficient PA levels were less likely to experience pain in the cervical (PR 0.70, 0.53–0.92 95% CI) after COVID-19. Those who remained active were less likely to experience pain in the cervical spine and in at least one body site. Becoming inactive increased the likelihood of experiencing pain in the lower limbs after infection by 30%. Conclusions: Continuous PA practice regardless SARS-Cov-2 infection showed important protection effect for MSK as a consequence of infection.

Exploring Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity among Older Adults Living in Low-Population Density Regions: Gender Differences and Associations with Activity Dimensions.

Older people in low-population density regions tend to have fewer resources to engage in regular physical activity (PA) compared to their counterparts in urban areas. Moreover, PA assumes different dimensions, and the amount of PA related to each dimension may differ between women and men, predisposing them to different PA practices. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aims to describe the prevalence of barriers to PA, gender differences, and their associations with different PA dimensions. A total of 259 older adults (153 women and 106 men; age, 75.17 ± 8.05 years old) living in the community in the region of Guarda (Portugal) were interviewed face to face to record their sociodemographic characteristics, general health status (comorbidity index and self-reported health), PA behaviour, and barriers to PA. Women were more likely to report "low" income and living alone (p ≤ 0.05), while men reported a higher negative health status than women (p < 0.05). Two intrinsic ("Fear of injury" (40.1%) and "Need for rest" (26.3%)) and two extrinsic barriers ("Lack of nearby facilities" (30.5%) and "I don't have transport" (25.6%)) were the most prevalent. For women, age, self-reported health, comorbidity index, and intrinsic and extrinsic barriers were similarly associated with the different PA dimensions. However, only self-reported health and extrinsic barriers were the variables associated with the different PA dimensions in men. Therefore, strategies to promote active ageing in low-population density regions should be focused on reducing intrinsic and extrinsic barriers based on gender and the PA dimension to be achieved.

A non-competitive sporting challenge: experience shared by a group of women

ABSTRACT Given that scientific evidence shows that regular physical activity (PA) has physical, psychological, and social benefits, multiple initiatives have been implemented to promote its practice among women. One such initiative is Le Défi des Roses, a non-competitive sporting challenge in Quebec, Canada. A mixed method study consisting of a questionnaire (n = 141) and individual interviews (n = 38) was used among women enrolled in the challenge to: 1) assess participants’ physical, psychological, and social profile at the beginning of their training and 2) describe the physical, psychological, and social impacts of the challenge on participants. Le Défi des Roses had positive impacts physically (e.g. increase in the diversity of PA practice), psychologically (e.g. improvement in body image) and socially (e.g. increased influence over family members). These results could inspire other active leisure organizations designed to promote women’s regular PA, and ultimately, their physical, psychological, and social well-being.

Are C-reactive protein concentrations affected by smoking status and physical activity levels? A longitudinal study.

To compare high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels according to smoking status and physical activity (PA) changes in adults. The sample consisted of 6028 participants (4833 men) who underwent a voluntary routine health evaluation at the Preventive Medicine Center at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, Brazil, from January 2007 to December 2013. Data were collected at baseline and follow-up (2.7±1.6 years). Plasma hsCRP (in mg/L) was analyzed in both moments. Smoking status was obtained through a self-reported questionnaire, being participants classified as non-smokers, once smokers (report smoking at baseline or follow-up), and persistently smokers (reported smoking at both baseline and follow-up). PA was assessed by questionnaire in both moments, being participants classified as persistently inactive, became inactive, became active, and persistently active. The Rank Analysis of Covariance was used to compare hsCRP follow-up values according to smoking and physical activity status. Persistently smokers showed significantly higher median values of hsCRP at follow-up (1.3 mg/L, IQR:0.6-2.8) than once smokers (1.1 mg/L, IQR: 0.6-2.4) and non-smokers (1.0 mg/L, IQR: 0.5-2.2), even considering covariates (p<0.001). Persistently actives had lower levels of hsCRP at follow-up when compared to persistently inactive in the three smoking status groups (non-smokers p<0.001, once smokers p = 0.001, and persistently smokers p = 0.037). Persistently active participants had lower hsCRP values at follow-up than those persistently inactive in all the smoking status groups. Regular practice of PA is an important strategy for facing low-grade inflammation, even among smokers.

Individual And Environmental Factors Associated With Physical Activity Practices Among Adolescents Of Devchuli Municipality

Background: Regular physical activity helps children and adolescents to remain healthy and fit, improve muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness, have psycho-social benefits The Global School Based Student Health Survey of Nepal 2015 shows that only 15.1% of adolescents of age 13-17 years were physically active daily. The risk factor of chronic diseases are traced back up to childhood hence promoting physical activity should start from childhood. Identification of these factors that affects level of physical activity among adolescents of Nepal and its better understanding will aid in promoting physically active lifestyle and designing effective interventions.

Pratique D’activites Physiques et Qualite De Vie Des Personnes Agees Dans La Commune De Yopougon

This article aims to show the effects of practicing physical activities on the quality of life of seniors in the municipality of Yopougon. The approach is a qualitative approach. The sampling method is non-probabilistic and involves a convenience sample. In total, 30 seniors were interviewed. Computer analysis was the main technique used. First, the interviews recorded with a dictaphone were then transcribed, then coded with the Dedoose software. This technique allowed us to highlight the different trends at the level of each unit of analysis. Speaking of the results obtained, we can remember that the practice of physical activities is perceived by older people as a means of combating cardiovascular diseases and a remedy for aging well. Concerning the social logics which limit the regular practice of physical activities of seniors, they are due to several factors such as: muscular fatigue, advancing age, lack of awareness of the benefits of physical activities, the high cost of life which causes daily stress and the absence of a policy for the supervision of seniors, who remain left to their own devices. As for the effects of practicing physical activities on the quality of life of older people, it appears that its practice contributes to aging well and is an excellent remedy against cardiovascular diseases. However, according to seniors, there is a need for physical activities adapted to their needs.

Interdental cleaning and periodontal status among older Koreans: Findings from KNHANES VII.

To assess the association between the usage of interdental cleaning and periodontal status among older people in Korea. In order to maintain oral health in older people, it is very important to use interdental cleaning devices. However, there is a lack of research on periodontal status and interdental cleaning device use in older people. This study used data collected from the 7th National Health Nutrition Survey (KNHANES VII: 2016-2018). A total of 3426 older people adults aged 65 years or older were selected from 16 489 participants. Data on sociodemographic status (sex, age, level of education, income, residential area), personal health practice (subjective health status, smoking, physical activity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus), oral health practice (subjective oral health status, tooth brushing frequency, dental visits, and chewing problem), the number of teeth and periodontitis were collected. Periodontitis was defined as having a World Health Organisation community periodontal index (CPI) code greater than or equal to three, and severe periodontitis was defined as a CPI code 4. Participants having a CPI code of 3 or 4 were considered to have periodontal disease in this study. Logistic regression analysis investigated the association between interdental cleaning devices usage and periodontitis controlling the confounding factors. Those who do not use dental floss had a higher rate of periodontal disease (AOR = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05 to 2.1). However, there were no significant differences by interdental brush use. In those with 20 or more teeth, non-users of dental floss had a higher risk of periodontitis in all models. Conversely, in those with fewer than 20 teeth, no significant differences were observed. Older people with mostly intact dentitions have better periodontal health if they clean between their teeth.

Motivational regulations of users in unisex fitness centres

ABSTRACT Motivational regulation is a determining factor for adherence to physical activity. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of sociodemographic variables, such as sex, age and educational level, as well as the duration and frequency of weekly physical activity, on the motivational regulations of fitness centre users. A total of 500 users (58.70% women and 41.30% men) from public and private fitness centres participated in the study. Motivational regulations were measured using the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire. This instrument obtained an adequate model fit and reliability after the calculation of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient, respectively. The Kruskal–Wallis H test was calculated to determinate the differences between groups, using the Bonferroni correction. The highest scores were recorded for identified (M = 3.50; SD = 0.64), intrinsic (M = 3.33; SD = 0.83) and integrated (M = 2.95; SD = 1.06) regulations. There were no significant differences in motivational regulations according to sex. However, there were significant differences according to age, educational level, seniority in physical activity practice and weekly practice time. Therefore, users who had been in the fitness centres longer scored higher in intrinsic, integrated and identified regulations. Moreover, integrated and identified regulations were greater when the frequency of weekly fitness increased. Fitness centres and trainers should be aware of users’ physical activity motives and guide them toward more self-determined regulation that promotes sport adherence and health, especially for newer users.

Levels of physical activity in childhood. Analysis of Family influence, gender, type of school and place of residence

The practice of physical activity is linked to an improvement in the state of health and integral development in childhood. The aim of this research was to determine the levels of regular physical activity carried out by children in the school, out-of-school, family and socio-community environments. A descriptive and correlational study was carried out with a total sample of 320 subjects aged 3 to 6 years. The levels of physical activity were collected through an ad hoc questionnaire completed by the parents. The results show that only 30.3% of the children participate in some extracurricular sporting activity, while 6.9% attend federated competitions. There is a higher participation in schoolchildren in the last year of Infant Education and, especially, boys are those who do more physical activity than girls. The use of daily active transport is characterised by 30.6%. Most of the subjects do not comply with the recommendations provided by the World Health Organisation regarding the practice of 180 minutes of physical activity per day. The competent authorities in education, social and sports policy are invited to promote the practice of physical activity from early childhood.

Global prevalence and gender inequalities in at least 60 min of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity 1 or more days per week: An analysis with 707,616 adolescents

BackgroundGuidelines recommend that adolescents should accumulate an average of 60 min per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, using only this cut-off could hide important information. For instance, from a population-level point of view, increasing physical activity for those with no or low physical activity could provide more health benefits than increasing physical activity for those with intermediate levels. Also, including a more sensitive cut-point of ≥1 days per week could be an additional strategy for identifying those with low access/opportunities for physical activity practice. Thus, the current study aims to estimate the prevalence of ≥60 min of MVPA ≥1 days per week among adolescents globally, and to describe any relevant gender inequalities. MethodsWe used representative datasets from 146 countries/territories collected between 2003 and 2019. MVPA was self-reported. Participants were grouped into younger (≤14 years old) and older (>14 years old) adolescents. Crude Poisson regression models were used to identify the relative differences in ≥60 min of MVPA ≥1 days per week between boys and girls, and random-effects meta-analysis models were used to identify the pooled estimates. Analyses were stratified by country and region. ResultsApproximately 80% of both younger and older adolescents reported ≥60 min of MVPA ≥1 days per week. This prevalence was ≥94% in Europe and Central Asia and North America, while the estimates for the other regions were <77%. The prevalence of ≥60 min of MVPA ≥1 days per week was higher among boys than girls, with the largest differences occurring among the oldest adolescents (Prevalence ratio≤14y = 1.04 (95% confidence interval (95%CI)): 1.03‒1.04) vs. Prevalence ratio>14y = 1.09 (95%CI: 1.08‒1.10)). ConclusionApproximately 8 out of 10 adolescents reported accumulating ≥60 min of MVPA ≥1 days per week, with notable differences between regions. Gender differences were observed in several countries, especially among the oldest adolescents. Priorities for physical activity promotion among adolescents should include increasing access/opportunities for physical activity among those who do not achieve ≥60 min of MVPA ≥1 days per week and reducing gender inequalities.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated factors in military policemen

The metabolic syndrome is characterized by disturbances in the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates, abdominal obesity, and high blood pressure, which together increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This article aims to estimate the prevalence and investigate associated factors to metabolic syndrome in military police officers in Salvador (Bahia – BA). This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study, which included a random sample of 360 clinical records of police officers enrolled in the medical control program of the Military Police of Bahia in 2017. The International Diabetes Federation protocol was used to characterize the metabolic syndrome. A prevalence of 34.4% of metabolic syndrome was observed, being higher among men (35.9%) when compared with women (28.9%). Of the isolated components, the most prevalent were arterial hypertension (69%), abdominal obesity (57.8%), and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (39.4%). By the multivariate analysis, only two variables showed statistical significance in the association with the metabolic syndrome: age ≥ 38 years and the practice of physical activity, which was identified as a protective factor. The study shows a high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and of its isolated components in the studied group, indicating the need to create health and quality of life programs that seek to prevent its occurrence among the military police of Bahia, especially with the practice of physical activity.