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At least 1,207 records · Page 67Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Self-reported physical activity among South Carolina adults trying to maintain or lose weight.

OBJECTIVES: The obesity epidemic is related to widespread physical inactivity in the United States. This study determined the proportion of South Carolinians trying to maintain or lose weight and within that subpopulation, the number who practiced a restricted diet and engaged in physical activity. METHODS: Data from the 2002 South Carolina Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey were used to classify adults who were trying to maintain weight or lose weight. Self-reported prevalence of restricted diet and participation in physical activity were investigated. Of those who reported weight control practices, levels of physical activity were analyzed to determine if those trying to maintain weight or lose weight were meeting the national guidelines for moderate or vigorous physical activity. RESULTS: More than 70% of South Carolina adults reported trying to control their weight and the majority reported using physical activity for weight control. Though the majority reported use of restricted diet and physical activity, more than one-half of those individuals did not meet the minimum standards for physical activity designed for heart health. CONCLUSIONS: Although most adults who are trying to maintain or lose weight are participating in physical activity, public health efforts need to focus on encouraging these adults to increase their levels of physical activity to meet the minimum standards for health benefits. Health care providers have an opportunity to educate and encourage patients about the recommended levels of physical activity to obtain maximum health benefits.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

The test-retest reliability of habitual incidental physical activity.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the test-retest reliability of items measuring habitual incidental physical activity, incidental physical activity behaviour and sedentary behaviours. METHODS: Eighty-four subjects aged 18-65 years were interviewed from randomly selected households within metropolitan and rural Western Australia. Subjects were administered the interview on two separate occasions 10 days apart. Subjects were asked about habitual incidental physical activity (i.e. bouts performed for 10 minutes or less) performed during the week and on weekends. RESULTS: Intraclass correlations performed for items measuring incidental physical activity were generally found to be low to moderate. The frequency of incidental physical activity was more reliably recalled than the average duration spent on short trips (ICC 0.582 to 0.872 compared with 273 to 0.551). Kappa coefficients for habitual incidental physical activity behaviour items were observed to have moderate-to-high (0.478 to 0.939) agreement between administrations. Sedentary behaviours overall showed high test-retest reliability (ICC 0.646 to 0.925). CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that adults can reliably recall the frequency, but not the duration, of habitual incidental physical activity. Thus, the frequency measured by these items could be used to determine the effectiveness of current Australian physical activity guidelines and possibly identify shifts in incidental physical activity behaviour over time. IMPLICATIONS: Measurement of physical activity in all domains including incidental physical activity is required to determine the effectiveness of current guidelines and implemented health promotion interventions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Physical activity advice in the primary care setting: results of a population study in New Zealand.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of physical activity advice, including the Green Prescription (a physical activity scripting scheme), given in the primary care setting, and the characteristics of New Zealanders who receive such advice. METHOD: Questions from a 2003 national postal survey (n = 8,291), 'Obstacles to Action', were examined. The survey was designed to identify population segments to target for physical activity interventions. Binary logistic regression was used to examine independent factors associated with receiving a physician or practice nurse recommendation to increase physical activity and receiving a Green Prescription. RESULTS: Overall, 13.3% of the sample reported receiving physical activity advice while 3.0% reported receiving a Green Prescription from their general practitioner or practice nurse in the last year. Those more likely to receive physical activity advice were Maori or Pacific, overweight or obese, sedentary, or suffering chronic disease. Results were similar for Green Prescription advice. When controlling for these and other demographics, physical inactivity was not related to the odds of receiving a Green Prescription. CONCLUSIONS: One out of every eight New Zealanders reported being given general physical activity advice in the primary care setting. While the physically inactive but otherwise healthy were not specifically targeted, the Green Prescription was more likely to be given on the basis of existing chronic conditions related to physical inactivity and other high-risk populations. IMPLICATIONS: Primary care settings provide an important opportunity to promote physical activity for New Zealand adults. While those most at risk are more likely to receive such advice, there are many more that may benefit.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Ethnic differences in the link between physical discipline and later adolescent externalizing behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Parents' use of physical discipline has generated controversy related to concerns that its use is associated with adjustment problems such as aggression and delinquency in children. However, recent evidence suggests that there are ethnic differences in associations between physical discipline and children's adjustment. This study examined race as a moderator of the link between physical discipline and adolescent externalizing behavior problems, extending previous research beyond childhood into adolescence and considering physical discipline at multiple points in time. METHODS: A representative community sample of 585 children was followed from pre-kindergarten (age 5) through grade 11 (age 16). Mothers reported on their use of physical discipline in the child's first five years of life and again during grades 6 (age 11) and 8 (age 13). Mothers and adolescents reported on a variety of externalizing behaviors in grade 11 including aggression, violence, and trouble at school and with the police. RESULTS: A series of hierarchical linear regressions controlling for parents' marital status, socioeconomic status, and child temperament revealed significant interactions between physical discipline during the child's first five years of life and race in the prediction of 3 of the 7 adolescent externalizing outcomes assessed and significant interactions between physical discipline during grades 6 and 8 and race in the prediction of all 7 adolescent externalizing outcomes. Regression slopes showed that the experience of physical discipline at each time point was related to higher levels of subsequent externalizing behaviors for European American adolescents but lower levels of externalizing behaviors for African American adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: There are race differences in long-term effects of physical discipline on externalizing behaviors problems. Different ecological niches may affect the manner in which parents use physical discipline, the meaning that children attach to the experience of physical discipline, and its effects on the adjustment of children and adolescents.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1996

Impact of physical illness on quality of life and antidepressant response in geriatric major depression. Fluoxetine Collaborative Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: Because physical illness may influence quality of life, we assessed its impact on functional status and treatment outcome in older depressed patients who participated in a clinical trial, which showed a significantly higher remission rate for fluoxetine over placebo (31.6% vs 18.6%, P < .001). DESIGN: Six-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of fluoxetine, 20 mg daily. SETTING: Multiple clinical sites, both university and private. PARTICIPANTS: Outpatients (N = 671) were > or = 60 years (mean +/- SD = 67.7 +/- 5.7), met DSM-III-R criteria for unipolar major depression and had baseline scores > or = 16 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. MEASUREMENTS: The 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) was used to measure baseline and posttreatment functional health and well-being. Physical illness was rated by number of current chronic or historical illnesses. Change from baseline to endpoint in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total score was used to measure depression outcome. MAIN RESULTS: Most patients reported physical illness: 83% had one or more chronic illness, and 89% had one or more historical illness. Greater numbers of baseline chronic illness indicated worse physical functioning, general health perceptions, and vitality and greater bodily pain and role limitation from physical problems. Historical physical illness was associated with worse physical functioning, vitality, general health perceptions, social functioning, and mental health. Although the number of chronic illnesses did not influence treatment response, historical physical illness was associated with greater fluoxetine response and lower placebo response. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that both current and previous physical illness are associated with lower quality of life in geriatric depression and that depressed older patients with chronic physical illness respond to antidepressants as well as those without such illness. Recovery from previous physical illness should be explored as a potential predictor of antidepressant treatment outcome.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Is constipation associated with decreased physical activity in normally active subjects?

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of physical activity in the management of constipation remains controversial. We examined the associations among physical activity, constipation, and quality of life (QoL) in a population of employed adults to determine whether the risk of constipation is related to physical activity. METHODS: A total of 1,069 employees (age range 24-77) of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Black Hills Health Care System were mailed validated questionnaires (response rate 72%), inquiring about bowel habits, QoL (SF 36), and physical activity (modified Baecke questionnaire). Constipation was defined using the Rome I criteria. RESULTS: One hundred and forty (19.4%, 95% CI 16.2-22.4) employees reported constipation. The average total physical activity and all subscales of physical activity were not significantly different in subjects with and without constipation (all p > or = 0.2). Subjects with constipation had lower QoL scores than subjects without constipation, and physical activity was positively correlated with physical functioning and health perception. CONCLUSION: Physical activity appears to be unrelated to the risk of constipation in employed adults, but higher physical activity was associated with improved QoL. Recommendations to increase physical activity may not alter symptoms of constipation but may improve overall well-being.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Low physical activity among adolescents in practical education.

The aim of this study was to investigate physical activity levels and factors related to physical activity among 16-year-old girls and boys in secondary school practical and theoretical programs. An additional aim was to identify factors contributing to differences in physical activity patterns between the educational programs. Sixteen-year-old students in the first year of secondary school in Sweden (n=585) were systematically selected and 93% agreed to complete a questionnaire. Compared with students in theoretical programs, those in practical programs spent less time and energy per day in physical activity. Girls in practical programs were the least physically active, and boys in theoretical programs the most physically active students. Statistical analysis showed that, among students in practical programs, the influence of educational program on physical activity level was explained by lower socio-economic level, less parental support, lower perceived health level, and negative attitudes toward outdoor physical activities. These data suggest that promotion of physical activity should focus on students, especially girls, in practical programs. Because the difference in physical activity levels between educational programs was partly an effect of less positive parental influence, school-based programs may be especially influential in increasing physical activity levels among secondary school students.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Physical activity among rural older adults with diabetes.

PURPOSE: This analysis describes physical activity levels and factors associated with physical activity in an ethnically diverse (African American, Native American, white) sample of rural older adults with diabetes. METHOD: Data were collected using a population-based, cross-sectional stratified random sample survey of 701 community-dwelling elders with diabetes completed in 2 rural North Carolina counties. Outcome measures were as follows: first, physical activity in the past year, and second, days physically active in the prior week (0-7). Potential correlates included personal and health characteristics and were evaluated for statistical significance using logistic regression models. FINDINGS: About half (52.5%) of the participants stated that they had engaged in physical activity in the past year. Among those, 42.5% stated that they had no days with at least 30 minutes of continuous physical activity in the prior week, while 21.5% reported daily physical activity. Common activities were walking and housework. Correlates of physical activity in the past year and days active in the prior week included measures of physical health and mobility. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity in this ethnically diverse sample of rural elders with diabetes is limited. Effort must be invested to increase physical activity in these groups.

Aged↗
PubMed2007

The population effect of crime and neighbourhood on physical activity: an analysis of 15,461 adults.

Area-based interventions offer the potential to increase physical activity for many sedentary people in countries such as the UK. Evidence on the effect of individual and area/neighbourhood influences on physical activity is in its infancy, and despite its value to policy makers a population focus is rarely used. Data from a population-based health and lifestyle survey of adults in northwest England were used to analyse associations between individual and neighbourhood perceptions and physical activity. The population effect of eliminating a risk factor was expressed as a likely effect on population levels of physical activity. Of the 15,461 responders, 21,923 (27.1%) were physically active. Neighbourhood perceptions of leisure facilities were associated with physical activity, but no association was found for sense of belonging, public transport or shopping facilities. People who felt safe in their neighbourhood were more likely to be physically active, but no associations were found for vandalism, assaults, muggings or experience of crime. The number of physically active people would increase by 3290 if feelings of "unsafe" during the day were removed, and by 11,237 if feelings of "unsafe" during the night were removed. An additional 8342 people would be physically active if everyone believed that they were "very well placed for leisure facilities". Feeling safe had the potential largest effect on population levels of physical activity. Strategies to increase physical activity in the population need to consider the wider determinants of health-related behaviour, including fear of crime and safety.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed2006

Can strenuous leisure time physical activity prevent psychological complaints in a working population?

AIMS: To investigate the longitudinal relation between strenuous leisure time physical activity and psychological complaints (depression and emotional exhaustion) in a Dutch working population in order to find evidence for the preventive role of physical activity in the development of psychological complaints. METHODS: All data came from the Study on Musculoskeletal disorders, Absenteeism, Stress, and Health (SMASH), a three year follow up study that started between 1994 and 1995. The study population consisted of 1747 workers from 34 companies. Generalised estimating equation (GEE) analyses were performed to investigate the longitudinal relation between strenuous leisure time physical activity and psychological complaints using models with and without a time lag. Logistic regression analyses were performed to study the relation between physical activity and sickness absence due to psychological complaints during the three year follow up study. RESULTS: Only in workers with a sedentary job was strenuous leisure time physical activity (1-2 times per week) significantly associated with a reduced risk of future depression and emotional exhaustion. This was not the case for physical activity at higher frequencies (> or =3 times per week). There was a dose-response relation between strenuous leisure time physical activity and poor general health which was strongest in workers with a sedentary job. Strenuous leisure time physical activity (1-2 times per week) was associated with a lower risk of long term absenteeism (>21 days), whereas physical activity at a higher frequency was not. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that strenuous leisure time physical activity might play a role in the prevention of future psychological complaints, poor general health, and long term absenteeism in a working population. Workers with a sedentary job seem to benefit more from strenuous leisure time physical activity than workers without a sedentary job.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1999

Assessment of physical activity in older individuals: a doubly labeled water study.

We compared the accuracy of two physical activity recall questionnaires and a motion detector in 45- to 84-yr-old women (n = 35) and men (n = 32), using doubly labeled water (DLW) in conjunction with indirect calorimetry as the criterion measure. Subjects were administered the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS) and Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (LTA). Physical activity energy expenditure was determined over a 10-day period by using a Caltrac uniaxial accelerometer and DLW in conjunction with indirect calorimetry. In older women, Minnesota LTA (386 +/- 228 kcal/day) and Caltrac (379 +/- 162 kcal/day) underestimated physical activity by approximately 55% compared with DLW (873 +/- 244 kcal/day). No difference was observed between daily physical activity measured by the YPAS (863 +/- 447 kcal/day) and DLW in older women. In older men, Minnesota LTA (459 +/- 288 kcal/day) and Caltrac (554 +/- 242 kcal/day) underestimated daily physical activity by approximately 50-60% compared with DLW (1,211 +/- 429 kcal/day). No difference was found between physical activity measured by the YPAS (1,107 +/- 612 kcal/day) and DLW in older men. Despite no difference in mean physical activity levels between YPAS and DLW in women and men, Bland and Altman (Lancet 1: 307-310, 1986) analyses demonstrated poor concordance between DLW and YPAS (i.e., limits of agreement = -1,310-1,518 kcal/day). Our data suggest that the Minnesota LTA recall and Caltrac uniaxial accelerometer may significantly underestimate free-living daily physical activity energy expenditure in older women and men. Although the YPAS compares favorably with DLW on a group basis, its use as a proxy measure of individual daily physical activity energy expenditure may be limited in older women and men.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

The influence of consensus on the assessment of physical disease in chronic community psychiatric patients.

Physical disease is a frequent concomitant of mental disease. The majority of chronic psychiatric patients have physical complaints. Screening physical disease on a regular basis in an ambulatory setting for chronic psychiatric patients is often impossible if only for lack of medical manpower and facilities. Especially for the nonmedical personnel of a community psychiatric unit (CPU) for chronic patients, approaching and handling physical complaints and diseases poses a formidable problem. This paper addresses the issue of screening physical disease from a completely different viewpoint than that of the often advocated but just as often infeasible routine physical examination and laboratory workup. It is argued that consensus (i.e., agreement and mutual understanding) between patient and therapist on the physical well-being of the patient may increase the accuracy with which a CPU therapist, irrespective of his/her discipline, assesses physical disease. This hypothesis was tested in a sample of 156 chronic ambulatory psychiatric patients. Consensus between patient and CPU therapist was measured by means of a questionnaire. The CPU therapist assessment on physical disease in both the consensus and no consensus group was compared with those of two external medical observers; the patients' general practitioner and a specialist in internal medicine, who followed a protocolized physical screening procedure. The results tend to support the proposed hypothesis. Replication of this study using a larger samples is recommended in order to confirm the value of consensus in the assessment of physical disease in at least some subgroups of chronic ambulatory psychiatric patients and for the implications that consensus could have for daily community psychiatric practice.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Comparing the relationships between different types of self-efficacy and physical activity in youth.

A preliminary study was conducted to compare the relationships between different types of self-efficacy and youth physical activity. Two samples of sixth- and seventh-grade students (Sample 1: N= 57; Sample 2: N= 49) reported their confidence to be physically active (physical activity efficacy), to overcome barriers to physical activity (barriers efficacy), to ask others to be active with them (asking efficacy), and to find and create environments that support physical activity (environmental-change efficacy). Physical activity was measured by averaging three 24-hour recalls of physical activity. Regression analyses were used to test the relationships between the types of self-efficacy and youth physical activity. Compared with the other types of self-efficacy, environmental-change efficacy had the strongest relationship with youth physical activity. This suggests that strengthening young persons' belief in their ability to find and create environments that support physical activity might promote increases in their physical activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Accelerometer-determined physical activity of free-living college students.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to provide descriptive data of accelerometer-determined ambulatory physical activity in a sample of free-living college students and to examine college students' ambulatory physical activity patterns. METHODS: All participants (245 females, age = 19.9 +/- 1.6 yr, body mass index (BMI) = 22.9 +/- 3.3 kg x m(-2); 209 males, age = 20.2 +/- 2.0 yr, BMI = 25.2 +/- 4.0 kg x m(-2)) wore an accelerometer for seven consecutive days. Accumulated physical activity (ct.d, ct x min(-1) x d(-1), and min x d(-1) spent at different intensities) and minutes per day spent in moderate or vigorous physical activity in sessions of at least 10 min were analyzed to describe the physical activity of the sample and examine physical activity patterns. RESULTS: The entire sample accumulated 362,750.1 +/- 112,824.1 ct x d(-1) (males = 383,787.2 +/- 112,001.3 vs females = 344,804.1 +/- 110,619.5 ct x d(-1), P < 0.01) and 46.7 +/- 18.9 min x d(-1) in moderate physical activity (males = 51.7 +/- 19.8 vs females = 42.5 +/- 17.0 min x d(-1), P < 0.01). They were more active on weekdays than weekend days (P < 0.05), and they spent 13.6 +/- 12.7 min x d(-1) (males = 13.2 +/- 12.0 vs females = 13.8 +/- 13.3, P > 0.05) in moderate or vigorous physical activity sessions of at least 10 min. CONCLUSION: Participants in this study accumulated a moderate amount of physical activity on most weekdays. Most participants, however, were not meeting the current moderate physical activity recommendation when moderate or vigorous physical activity sessions of at least 10 min were examined.

Acceleration↗
PubMed2006

Comparison of the 2001 BRFSS and the IPAQ Physical Activity Questionnaires.

PURPOSE: The 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) physical activity module and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) are used in population studies to determine the prevalence of physical activity. The comparability of the prevalence estimates has not been compared in U.S. adults. This study compares the physical activity prevalence estimates from the BRFSS and the IPAQ. METHODS: A telephone survey was administered to a random sample of 11,211 U.S. adults aged 18-99 yr who were enrolled in the National Physical Activity and Weight Loss Survey. Data were analyzed from 9945 adults who provided complete data on the BRFSS and the IPAQ. Prevalence estimates were computed (1) applying the BRFSS scoring scheme for both questionnaires (2). Kappa statistics were used to compare prevalence estimates generated from the BRFSS and the IPAQ. RESULTS: When scored using the BRFSS protocol, agreement between physical activity categories was fair (kappa = 0.34-0.49). Prevalence estimates were higher on the IPAQ than the BRFSS for the lowest category (inactive) by 0.1-3.9% and for the highest category (meets recommendations) by 0.2-9.7%. When scored using their own scoring, agreement between physical activity categories was lower (kappa = 0.26-0.39). The prevalence estimates on the IPAQ were higher than on the BRFSS for the lowest physical activity category by 0.2-13.3% and for the highest physical activity category by 0-16.4%. Differences in physical activity categories were observed for sex, age, income, education, and body mass index on both questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Because of differences in the physical activity prevalence estimates, direct comparison of the BRFSS and IPAQ prevalence estimates is not recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Predictors of improvement in women's physical activity.

This study identified factors that predicted improved levels of physical activity in working women. Data were from a prospective, controlled trial. Sedentary women (N = 287) were recruited during an employer-sponsored health screening. The experimental group received a brief, tailored physical activity intervention as well as a booster phone call 2 weeks later. Participants were evaluated by comparing pre-test/post-test measures at 6-week follow-up. It was hypothesized that variables in the Transtheoretical Model (baseline stage of change, perceived pros, cons, and self-efficacy), as well as demographic variables and physical characteristics would predict improved physical activity. In addition, the study tested whether increased physical activity changed the variables of the Transtheoretical Model. Factors that correlated to improved physical activity were entered into regression models to determine predictors of improved physical activity. Being assigned to the intervention group was a significant predictor in all of the regression models. Women who increased their stage of change of physical activity had greater improvement in self-efficacy (p = .013). Minority women showed greater improvement in stage of change of physical activity (p = .001) as well as week-end physical activity (p = .042). Women with less education were more likely to increase total minutes walked per week (p = .038). The research suggests that these cognitive and demographic variables are important for improving levels of physical activity. The Transtheoretical Model was partially supported by the analyses.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Effects of a mass media campaign to increase physical activity among children: year-1 results of the VERB campaign.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of a mass media campaign on the levels of physical activity among children 9 to 13 years of age. DESIGN: A prospective, longitudinal, quasi-experimental design was used. A baseline survey was conducted in April to June 2002, before the launch of VERB advertising. Random-digit-dialing methods were used to survey a nationally representative sample of children and parents. The follow-up survey was repeated with the same cohort of children and parents in April to June 2003. Propensity scoring was used to determine the campaign's effects on awareness and physical activity behaviors. SETTING: United States. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3120 parent-child dyads. Intervention. The VERB campaign is a multiethnic campaign that combines paid advertisements with school and community promotions and Internet activities to encourage children 9 to 13 years of age to be physically active every day. Launched in 2002 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, VERB uses commercial marketing methods to advertise being physically active as cool, fun, and a chance to have a good time with friends. Using the VERB brand, paid advertising ran nationally from June 2002 through June 2003, targeting 9- to 13-year-old youths. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Children's awareness of the campaign and self-reported estimates of free-time and organized physical activity sessions during nonschool hours in the week before the interview. RESULTS: After 1 year, 74% of children surveyed were aware of the VERB campaign. Levels of reported sessions of free-time physical activity increased for subgroups of children 9 to 13 years of age. A pattern of effects across 2 measures was observed for younger children (9-10 years of age), girls, children whose parents had less than a high school education, children from urban areas that were densely populated, and children who were low active at baseline. These subgroups engaged in more median weekly sessions of free-time physical activity than did children who were unaware of VERB and, as the children's level of VERB awareness was incrementally higher, the children engaged in incrementally more free-time physical activity sessions. The average 9- to 10-year-old youth engaged in 34% more free-time physical activity sessions per week than did 9- to 10-year-old youths who were unaware of the campaign. A pattern of effects for organized activity was found only for children classified as low active at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The VERB campaign achieved high levels of awareness in 1 year. Higher levels of physical activity were reported for subgroups of US children. Promoting physical activity with child-focused commercial advertising shows promise.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Habitual physical activity and cardiovascular risk in post menopause].

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the prevalence of habitual physical activity and cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was made of 162 women, aged 40-65 years, amenorrheic for at least 12 months, receiving care at the menopause clinic of CAISM/UNICAMP. The women verbally answered the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for assessment of physical activity levels. This instrument evaluates the frequency and duration of activities performed during transportation, at work, at home or in leisure- over the course of a normal week. Women were classified as sedentary, insufficiently active, active or very active. Laboratory tests were carried out to measure total serum cholesterol, high density lipoproteins and fasting glucose. Systolic and diastolic pressure was measured. RESULTS: The mean age of women in this study was 56.5 years and mean age at menopause was 46 years. Prevalence of physical activity was 83.3% of which 80.8% were classified as active, 2.5% as very active and 16.7% as insufficiently active. Principal activities were performed during transportation and while carrying out household chores. Only 38.3% of women had leisure-time physical activities. In the population, 87.7% of the women presented a Framingham score <10, considered of low cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal women show a high prevalence of habitual physical activity and low adherence to physical exercise. Cardiovascular risk was low in the population studied. It is important to encourage these women to practice physical activity compatible with their physical condition, to orient and stimulate them to practice not only their habitual physical activity but also physical exercise.

Adult↗