Prevalence of the Portuguese Population Attaining Sufficient Physical Activity

Abstract

Purpose: Physical activity has many health benefits and in order to implement strategies, mainly in those groups with insufficient levels of practice, it is important to evaluate physical activity. The main purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of physical activity in the Portuguese population aged 10 years and older using accelerometry. Methods: The accelerometers were worn for 4 consecutive days and a valid record was defined as at least 3 days with 10 hours of wear time, including one weekend day. Considering these conditions 4,696 participants were included. Results: According to the recommendations of 60 min/day of physical activity, 36% of participants aged 10-11 years (boys: 51.6%; girls: 22.5%) and 4% aged 16-17 years (boys: 7.9%; girls: 1.2%), were considered sufficiently active. In adulthood, ~70% of participants aged 18 to 64 years (men: 76.6%; women: 65.2%) and 35% aged over 64 years (men: 46%; women 29%) reached the recommendation of 30 min/day of physical activity, when counting every minute of moderate or greater intensity. Considering bouts of 10 or more minutes of moderate or greater intensity in participants over 17 years, the prevalence was 4-6% at 18-39 years, 7-9% at 40-64 years and ~3% in persons aged 65 or older. Conclusions: The design and implementation of strategies to promote physical activity for health among children and adolescents and older adults, particularly girls/women should be encouraged.