Sedentary Leisure Time Research Articles

The influence of self-reported leisure time physical activity and the body mass index on recovery from persistent back pain among men and women: a population-based cohort study

BackgroundThere is limited knowledge about leisure time physical activity and the body mass index (BMI) as prognostic factors for recovery from persistent back pain. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of leisure time physical activity and BMI on recovery from persistent back pain among men and women in a general population.MethodsThe study population (n=1836) in this longitudinal cohort study consisted of participants reporting persistent back pain in the baseline questionnaire in 2002-2003. Data on leisure time physical activity, BMI and potential confounders were also collected at baseline. Information on recovery from persistent back pain (no back pain periods ≥ 7 days during the last 5 years) was obtained from the follow-up questionnaire in 2007. Log-binomial models were applied to calculate Risk Ratios with 95 percent Confidence Intervals (CI) comparing physically active and normal weight groups versus sedentary and overweight groups.ResultsCompared to a sedentary leisure time, all measured levels of leisure time physical activity were associated with a greater chance of recovery from persistent back pain among women. The adjusted Risk Ratios was 1.46 (95% CI: 1.06, 2.01) for low leisure time physical activity, 1.51 (95% CI: 1.02, 2.23) for moderate leisure time physical activity, and 1.67 (95% CI: 1.08, 2.58) for high leisure time physical activity. There were no indications that leisure time physical activity influenced recovery among men, or that BMI was associated with recovery from persistent back pain either among men or among women.ConclusionsRegular leisure time physical activity seems to improve recovery from persistent back pain among women.

Non-Occupational Sedentary Behaviors

Evidence is accumulating that sedentary behaviors have detrimental health effects. Comprehensive data on population changes in various sedentary behaviors over time are scarce. This study aimed to determine changes in non-occupational sedentary behaviors in the Dutch adult population between 1975 and 2005. The National Time Use Survey of the Netherlands was used, which has been collected in 5-year intervals since 1975 (seven time points, n range=1017-2845). Adult participants completed a 7-day time-use diary in which they recorded their primary activity in 15-minute intervals throughout or at the end of the day. A validated method was used to determine time spent in various non-occupational sedentary behaviors. Population-weighted analyses determining changes over time in various sedentary behaviors were carried out in 2011 and 2012. Between 1975 and 2005, the proportion of non-occupational time spent sedentary remained relatively constant at ~60%. However, absolute time decreased, because of a 4.7-hour/week increase in occupational time. Sedentary occupational time could not be studied but has likely increased over these 3 decades. Most non-occupational sedentary behavior was during leisure, and the proportion of sedentary leisure time that comes from screen time increased from 26% in 1975 to 43% in 2005. Between 1975 and 2005, sedentary transport increased by 2 hours/week. The nature and distribution of sedentary behaviors in the Dutch adult population changed substantially over 3 decades. Screen-based activities are playing an increasingly dominant role.

Physical activity and sedentary leisure time and their associations with BMI, waist circumference, and percentage body fat in 0.5 million adults: the China Kadoorie Biobank study

Few large studies in China have investigated total physical activity and sedentary leisure time and their associations with adiposity. We investigated determinants of physical activity and sedentary leisure time and their associations with adiposity in China. A total of 466,605 generally healthy participants (age: 30-79 y, 60% female) in the China Kadoorie Biobank were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Self-reported information on a range of activities was collected by interviewer-administered questionnaire. Physical activity was calculated as metabolic equivalent task hours per day (MET-h/d) spent on work, transportation, housework, and nonsedentary recreation. Sedentary leisure time was quantified as hours per day. Adiposity measures included BMI, waist circumference, and percentage body fat (by bioimpedance analysis). Associations were estimated by linear and logistic regression. The mean physical activity was 22 MET-h/d, and the mean sedentary leisure time was 3.0 h/d. For each sex, physical activity was about one-third lower among professionals/administrators than among factory workers, with intermediate levels for other occupational categories. A 1-SD (14 MET-h/d) greater physical activity was associated with a 0.15-unit (95% CI: 0.14, 0.16) lower BMI (in kg/m(2)), a 0.58-cm (95% CI: 0.55, 0.61) smaller waist circumference, and 0.48 (95% CI: 0.45, 0.50) percentage points less body fat. In contrast, a 1-SD (1.5 h/d) greater sedentary leisure time was associated with a 0.19-unit higher BMI (95% CI: 0.18, 0.20), a 0.57-cm larger waist circumference (95% CI: 0.54, 0.59), and 0.44 (95% CI: 0.42, 0.46) percentage points more body fat. For any given physical activity level, greater sedentary leisure time was associated with a greater prevalence of increased BMI, as was lower physical activity for any given sedentary leisure time. In adult Chinese, physical activity varies substantially by occupation, and lack of physical activity and excess sedentary leisure time are independently and jointly associated with greater adiposity.

Lazer sedentário e consumo de alimentos entre adolescentes brasileiros: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE), 2009

The objective of this paper was to investigate whether sedentary leisure time was associated with increased regular consumption of unhealthy foods, independently of socio-demographic indicators and family context. The analysis included 59,809 students from the Brazilian National School-Based Adolescent Health Survey (PeNSE) in 2009. The response variable was sedentary leisure time, defined as watching more than two hours of TV daily. The target explanatory variables were regular consumption of soft drinks, sweets, cookies, and processed meat. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence limits (95%CI) were obtained by multiple logistic regression. Prevalence of sedentary leisure time was 65%. Regular consumption of unhealthy foods was statistically higher among students reporting sedentary leisure time, before and after adjusting for sex, age, skin color, school administration (public versus private), household assets index, and household composition. The results indicate the need for integrated interventions to promote healthy leisure-time activities and healthy eating habits among young people.

Temporal trends in non-occupational sedentary behaviours from Australian Time Use Surveys 1992, 1997 and 2006

BackgroundCurrent epidemiological data highlight the potential detrimental associations between sedentary behaviours and health outcomes, yet little is known about temporal trends in adult sedentary time. This study used time use data to examine population trends in sedentary behaviours in non-occupational domains and more specifically during leisure time.MethodsWe conducted secondary analysis of population representative data from the Australian Time Use Surveys 1992, 1997 and 2006 involving respondents aged 20 years and over with completed time use diaries for two days. Weighted samples for each survey year were: n = 5851 (1992), n = 6419 (1997) and n = 5505 (2006). We recoded all primary activities by domain (sleep, occupational, transport, leisure, household, education) and intensity (sedentary, light, moderate). Adjusted multiple linear regressions tested for differences in time spent in non-occupational sedentary behaviours in 1992 and 1997 with 2006 as the reference year.ResultsTotal non-occupational sedentary time was slightly lower in 1997 than in 2006 (mean = 894 min/2d and 906 min/2d, respectively; B = −11.2; 95%CI: -21.5, -0.9). Compared with 2006, less time was spent in 1997 in sedentary transport (B-6.7; 95%CI: -10.4, -3.0) and sedentary education (B = −6.3; 95%CI: -10.5, -2.2) while household and leisure sedentary time remained stable. Time engaged in different types of leisure-time sedentary activities changed between 1997 and 2006: leisure-time computer use increased (B = −26.7; 95%CI: -29.5, -23.8), while other leisure-time sedentary behaviours (e.g., reading, listening to music, hobbies and crafts) showed small concurrent reductions. In 1992, leisure screen time was lower than in 2006: TV-viewing (B = −24.2; 95%CI: -31.2, -17.2), computer use (B = −35.3; 95%CI: -37.7, -32.8). In 2006, 90 % of leisure time was spent sedentary, of which 53 % was screen time.ConclusionsNon-occupational sedentary time has increased slightly from 1997 to 2006 in the Australian adult population. This seems to be the result of small increases in sedentary transport and education time while sedentary household and leisure time were stable over this time period. However, almost all leisure time is spent sedentary and the composition of sedentary leisure time changed between 1992 and 2006 towards a larger proportion being screen-based activities. This could be an important observation for public health, as most of the evidence on the detrimental effects of sedentary behaviour is around watching television and health.

Sedentary leisure time behavior, snacking habits and cardiovascular biomarkers: the Inter99 Study

To explore the association between sedentary leisure time behavior (SLTB) and cardiovascular biomarkers, taking into account snacking habits, alcohol intake and physical activity level. Cross-sectional. Study participants were recruited from the 5-year follow-up of a population-based intervention study, The Inter99 Study (1999-2006, Copenhagen, Denmark). A group of 6536 men and women, aged 35-65, was invited to attend a health examination and fill in a self-report questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied. Response rate was 69% (N = 4511), with equal gender distribution and mean age of 52. SLTB (hours per day) was significantly positively associated with triglyceride in men (β = 1.030, [1.013; 1.047]) and women (β = 1.036, [1.022; 1.050]), non-HDL cholesterol in men (β = 0.044, [0.012; 0.076]) and women (β = 0.064, [0.035; 0.094]), waist circumference in men (β = 0.835, [0.517; 1.153]) and women (β = 1.234, [0.087; 1.598]), and with waist/hip ratio (WHR) in men (β = 0.0054, [0.0036; 0.0073]) and women (β = 0.0040, [0.0019; 0.0060]). The associations persisted after adjustment for relevant confounders, except in HDL, where the association became non-significant in men (β = 0.9924, [0.9839; 1.0011]) and women (β = 0.9932, [0.8605; 1.0014]). SLTB appears to be an independent CVD risk factor, regardless of snacking habits and physical activity.

The influence of the built environment, social environment and health behaviors on body mass index. Results from RESIDE

Objective To examine the individual, behavioral, social and built environment correlates of body mass index (BMI) in an Australian adult population. Method Using data from 2003 to 2005 on 1151 participants in the RESIDential Environments project (RESIDE), Perth, Western Australia, linear regression was used to construct multivariate models to examine the variance in BMI explained by significant socio-demographic, environmental and health behavior variables. Both self-report and GIS-derived measures of the built environment were examined. Results Age, gender, hours of work, total physical activity, sedentary leisure time and dietary fat were all associated with BMI ( p ≤ 0.05). BMI was not associated with any objective measures of the built environment or social capital, social cohesion or dog ownership but was independently associated with one perceived environment measure (perceived safety from crime). Overall, 3.3% of the variance in BMI was explained by socio-demographic factors, a further 2.7% by health behaviors and a further 1.5% by perceived environment factors. Conclusion Whilst evidence mounts of built environment correlates to physical activity, the demonstrated translation of these effects on BMI remain more elusive. Nevertheless, built environment factors that constrain physical activity warrant further exploration.

High prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Iraqi and Swedish residents in a deprived Swedish neighbourhood - a population based study

BackgroundImmigrants from the Middle-East are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the present survey was to measure, in a single deprived neighbourhood, the prevalence rates of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and T2D in residents originating from Iraq and to compare them to those in residents born in Sweden. An additional aim was to identify metabolic, lifestyle and socioeconomic risk factors associated with IFG/IGT and T2D in these residents.MethodsThe study was conducted February 1'st to March 31'st 2010. Men and women aged 45 to 65 years of Swedish or Iraqi origin, living in the neighbourhood of Rosengård, Malmö, Sweden, were randomly selected from the census register. Each participant signed a written informed consent form, underwent a physical examination and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), provided blood samples and filled in a questionnaire. A total of 175 subjects participated (Swedish origin n = 79, Iraqi origin n = 96), reflecting an overall response rate of almost 60%.ResultsIn total, 21.9% and 19.0% of the Iraqi and Swedish participants, respectively, suffered from T2D, while 24.0% of the Iraqi participants and 25.3% of the Swedish participants had IFG/IGT. There were no significant differences in prevalence rates relating to country of origin.Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and sedentary leisure time physical activity were highly prevalent in both groups, while a family history of diabetes was more prevalent in participants from Iraq (49.2%) than in those from Sweden (22.8%) (p = 0.001).Being obese or having a sedentary leisure time were, independently associated with T2D (OR 5.43 (95% CI 2.10-14.02) and 2.89 (95% CI 1.03-8.10) respectively), while economic difficulties were independently associated with IFG/IGT (OR 2.55 (95% CI 1.06-6.15)) after adjustment for the confounding effects of other common risk factors for T2D.ConclusionsThis study reveals a high prevalence of T2D, independently of country of origin (Iraq or Sweden), in a socially vulnerable area and additionally presents a risk factor profile that is markedly different from that of Sweden in general.

The association between sedentary leisure and physical activity in middle-aged adults

AimThe aim of this study was to examine the association between time spent in sedentary leisure and physical activity level in mid-aged men and women.MethodsData were from the 2007 HABITAT...

Diastolic dysfunction is associated with sedentary leisure time physical activity and smoking in females only

Objectives. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction with preserved systolic function (DD-PSF) is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Population-based surveys studying the associations between DD-PSF and lifestyle-associated risk factors, such as leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and smoking, are scarce. Thus, the aims were to explore the associations between DD-PSF and LTPA and smoking, employing optimal echocardiographic techniques. Design. Cross-sectional study conducted from 2001 to 2003. Setting.The study was conducted in a random sample of a rural Swedish population. Subjects. Men and women of 30–75 years of age were consecutively invited for conventional echocardiography and tissue velocity imaging (n = 1149). Structured questionnaires and physical examinations were conducted using standardized methods. Main outcome measures. DD-PSF was defined according to the European Society of Cardiology criteria excluding subjects with ejection fraction < 45%, or a self-reported history of heart failure. Results. Complete information was available in 500 men and 538 women. In a multivariate model, DD-PSF was independently associated with sedentary LTPA and smoking in females; sedentary LTPA odds ratio (OR) 2.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02 to 8.27, and smoking OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.35 to 8.64. The probability of identifying DD-PSF in females with a sedentary LTPA was 37% and increased to 80% if they also had hypertension and were obese. Conclusions. Sedentary LTPA and smoking are independently associated with DD-PSF in females. Identification of a sedentary lifestyle in females increases the probability of diagnosing DD-PSF.

Obesity among adolescents: sedentary leisure time and sleeping as determinants

Over the past 30 years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents has nearly tripled. Physical inactivity, unbalanced diet, and unhealthy lifestyles may cause lifelong obesity. A representative, national cross-sectional study was carried out between 2006 and 2007 with 40 middle high schools with 384 classes. We used a three-stage stratified systematic sampling design with a probability proportionate to the size from the northern, middle, southern, and eastern areas in Taiwan. Questionnaires were completed by 8640 students (51.7% boys and 48.3% girls) aged between 13 and 16 years. Obesity was identified in 7.2% of the participants and 16.1% were overweight. Using stepwise logistic regression, we found that those whose fathers or mothers were obese, watched television for more than 2 hours/day on weekdays and slept for less than 7.75 hours/day at weekends had a statistically significantly greater risk of obesity (females: ORs = 3.4, 4.2, 1.8, and 4.2, respectively; P < 0.05; boys: ORs = 2.3, 1.7, 1.4, and 1.6, respectively; P < 0.05). To help prevent obesity, strategies are needed to decrease adolescents sedentary leisure time and help them have sufficient sleep. Nurses can play a key role in health promotion in relation to childhood and adolescent obesity.

Sedentary behaviour, physical activity and a continuous metabolic syndrome risk score in adults

The association of sedentary behaviour and leisure time physical activity with a validated continuous metabolic syndrome risk score was investigated in adults. A number of 992 adults (559 men) without cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Subjects reported time spent in leisure time physical activity and television watching/computer activities. A validated metabolic syndrome risk score, based on waist circumference, triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, was used. The metabolic syndrome risk score and time spent in sedentary behaviour and physical activity were analysed as continuous variables using multiple linear regression. Metabolic syndrome risk was positively associated with time spent watching television/computer activities, irrespective of physical activity level, and after adjustment for age, education level, smoking status and dietary intake in women aged > or =45 years (beta=0.184, P<0.05). Independent of the time being sedentary, moderate to vigorous leisure time physical activity was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome risk in men (<45 years: beta=-0.183, P<0.01; > or =45 years: beta=-0.192, P<0.01) and women aged > or =45 years (beta=-0.203, P<0.01). Although cross-sectional, the present results support inclusion of efforts to decrease sedentary behaviour in metabolic syndrome prevention strategies for women aged > or =45 years, besides promotion of moderate to vigorous physical activity, since both behavioural changes might show additional effects.

Gender perspective in the analysis of the relationship between long workhours, health and health-related behavior

The objective of this study was to analyze gender differences in the impact of long workhours (>40 hours per week) on a variety of health outcomes and health-related behavior. The sample included all salaried contract workers aged 16-64 years (1658 men and 1134 women) and interviewed in the 2002 Catalonian Health Survey. Whereas the men with a high job status were more likely to work >40 hours a week, long workhours were associated with situations of vulnerability (low job status and being separated or divorced) among the women. For both genders, working >40 hours was related to a shortage of sleep [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.54, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.21-1.98, for the men and aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.11-2.38, for the women]. Among the women, long workhours were also associated with poor mental health status (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.04-2.40), hypertension (aOR 2.25, 95% CI 1.17-4.32), job dissatisfaction (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.08-2.90), and smoking (aOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.22-2.39). In addition, among the women working more hours at home, long workhours were related to sedentary leisure time activity (aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.06-3.71). The relationship between long workhours and health and health-related behavior was found to be directly related to long worktime and indirectly related to long exposure to poor work conditions among the women and, to a less extent, to domestic work. The pathways that explain the relationship between long workhours and health and health-related behavior seems to depend on the outcome being analyzed.

Fatores associados ao sedentarismo no lazer em idosos, Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil

The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of sedentary leisure time (no type of leisure-time exercise once a week or more) among the elderly in the city of Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil, according to demographic and socioeconomic factors, other health-related behaviors, and the presence of morbidity. This was a population-based cross-sectional study with multiple-stage sampling. Data analysis considered the sample design. Prevalence of sedentary leisure time was 70.9%, and the prevalence ratio was significantly higher than 1.0 for the elderly with lower socioeconomic status (1.31: 1.11-1.55), smokers (1.39: 1.23-1.57), those with common mental disorders (1.20: 1.04-1.39), and females (1.16: 1.00-1.35). Prevalence of walking was 23.5%, followed by fitness or bodybuilding programs (3.8%), and swimming or water aerobics (3.6%). The results show the need to develop global action for health-related behaviors in order for this approach to succeed. Attention should focus on the elderly with common mental disorders and those with lower socioeconomic status to ensure equity in health promotion practices.

Leisure-time versus full-day energy expenditure: a cross-sectional study of sedentarism in a Portuguese urban population

BackgroundLow physical activity is known to be a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. With high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the Portuguese urban population, little is known about how sedentary this population is and what factors are associated to sedentary lifestyles. This study's objective was to examine sedentary lifestyles and their determinants through a cross-sectional study.Methods2134 adults (18 years and older) were interviewed using a standard questionnaire, comprising of social, behavioural and clinical information. Time spent in a variety of activities per day, including: work, household chores, sports, sedentary leisure time and sleep, were self-reported. Energy expenditure was estimated based on the related metabolic equivalent (MET) and time spent in each activity (min/day). Those with less than 10% of energy expenditure at a moderate intensity of 4 METs or higher were categorised as sedentary. The proportion of sedentary people and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated, and the magnitude of associations, between sedentary lifestyles and the population characteristics, were computed as age-adjusted odds ratios using logistic regression.ResultsSedentarism in both genders during leisure time is high at 84%, however in full day energy expenditure, which includes physical activity at work, sleeping hours and household chores, 79% of males and 86% of females are found to be sedentary. In leisure-time only, increased age is associated with higher odds of being sedentary in both genders, as well as in women with increased BMI. In comparison, in full-day energy expenditure, sedentarism is more likely to occur in those with higher levels of education and in white-collar workers.ConclusionsA high prevalence of sedentarism is found in the study participants when measuring leisure-time and full-day energy expenditure. The Portuguese population may therefore benefit from additional promotion of physical activity.

New low back pain in nurses: work activities, work stress and sedentary lifestyle.

Low back pain is common among nurses. Previous studies have shown that the risk of low back pain increases rapidly with greater amounts of physical work and psychological stress, but is inversely related to leisure activities. However, these previous studies were predominantly retrospective in design and not many took account of three factors simultaneously. This 12-month prospective study examined the relationships between work activities, work stress, sedentary lifestyle and new low back pain. A total of 144 nurses from six Hong Kong district hospitals completed a face-to-face baseline interview, which was followed-up by a telephone interview. The main study measures were demographic characteristics, work activities, work stress, physical leisure activities and the nature of new low back pain during the 12-month follow-up period. Level of work stress, quality of relationships at work, level of enjoyment experienced at work, and work satisfaction were self-reported. Fifty-six (38.9%) nurses reported experiencing new low back pain. Sedentary leisure time activity was not associated with new low back pain. Being comparatively new on a ward (adjusted relative risk 2.90), working in bending postures (adjusted relative risk 2.76) and poor work relationships with colleagues (adjusted relative risk 2.52) were independent predictors of new low back pain. The findings of this study suggest that low back pain is a common problem in the population of nurses in Hong Kong. Being comparatively new on a ward, bending frequently during work and having poor work relationships with colleagues are independent predictors of new low back pain. Training for high-risk work activities and ergonomic assessment of awkward work postures are essential. Moreover, relaxation and team-building workshops for nurses, especially those who are less experienced in the type of work on their current ward, are recommended.

Comparación entre encuestas telefónicas y encuestas «cara a cara» domiciliarias en la estimación de hábitos de salud y prácticas preventivas

This study examines the influence of the interview method (telephone or face-to-face in households) on the assessment of health behaviors and preventive practices. The same questionnaire was completed by two independent samples of the population aged 18-64 years living in the municipality of Madrid. One sample (n = 1,391 subjects) completed the questionnaire by telephone interview and the other (n = 739) by face-to-face interview in households. The results of the two samples for 28 variables related to anthropometry, physical activity, food consumption, tobacco and alcohol use, preventive practices and injuries were compared. The telephone sample had a higher rate of failed contact (31.8% vs. 22.2%) but a greater degree of cooperation than the sample for the face-to-face interview (83.0% vs. 74.0%). In total, 19 of the 28 variables showed a relative variation of less than 10% between the two surveys; the differences found were between 10 and 20% for eight variables and were higher than 20% for one variable. Differences were statistically significant for only four variables (sedentary leisure time, consumption of vegetables, giving up smoking and cholesterol measurement), with a relative variation of 6.1% (p < 0.01), 10% (p < 0.001), 36.7% (p < 0.01) and 8.6% (p < 0.01), respectively. The total cost of the telephone interview was half that of the face-to-face household interview. The results of both surveys were very similar. Because of its lower cost, the telephone interview is a good option in public health research when data collection by interview is required.

Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors. Time trends during 28 years

Objectives—To assess the development in frequency and clustering of hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, high body mass index (BMI), physical inactivity and tobacco smoking in the period 1964–1992, and to evaluate any sex and age differences.Design—Five cross‐sectional investigations on cardiovascular risk factors performed in 1964, 1978, 1982–1984, 1986–1987 and 1991–1992 comprising random samples in a suburban area of Copenhagen, Denmark. Physical activity during leisure time and smoking habits were assessed by self‐administered questionnaire. Blood pressure, weight, height and serum total cholesterol were measured according to WHO standards.Results—A total of 8644 persons aged 30, 40, 50 and 60 years participated with an equal number of men and women. Women had fewer risk factors than men and younger persons had fewer risk factors than older persons. In the period 1964–1992 there was a decreasing number of risk factors. The 50 year olds show a sex difference in the period 1982–1992, whereas there was no sex difference among the 60 year olds. Tobacco smoking was the most common risk factor. BMI>27.5 has become more and more frequent throughout the period, especially in men. The BMI has conquered third place in all age groups. The association of BMI>27.5 and sedentary leisure time physical activity has become the most frequent.Conclusion—Clustering among risk factors decreased over time in both sexes. The association of elevated BMI and sedentary leisure time activity may contribute to the rising frequency of chronic disease such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.

Physical activity in an ageing population.

This review over previously published articles, describes physical activity changes during ageing from age 50-85 in the 1914-cohort in Glostrup, Denmark, and analyses the association between physical activity and mortality, myocardial infarction, hip fractures and functional ability. The 1914-cohort in Glostrup was examined at age 50 in 1964 and re-examined 1974, 1984, 1989, 1994 and 1999. Some analyses were based on pooled data (CCPPS: Copenhagen Centre for Prospective Population Studies) from three longitudinal population studies conducted in Copenhagen, Denmark: The Copenhagen County Centre for Preventive Medicine in Glostrup, The Copenhagen City Heart Study and The Copenhagen Male Study. Physical activity of work and leisure time was classified into four levels based on questions originally constructed by Saltin and Grimby. all-cause mortality, fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction, hip fracture and functional ability (Avlund mobility index of dependency). The lifetime risk from a sedentary leisure time was analysed in multivariate regression analyses controlling for covariates describing gender, age, life style, education and chronic diseases. Less than one third of the population had a sedentary leisure time. Physical activity definitely influenced health and quality of life over the life course in a positive way: compared to the group of inactive men and women, the mortality was about 60%, the incidence of myocardial infarction 70% and the incidence of hip fractures 75% in the moderate active groups. On top the physically active persons gained independency in activities of daily living.