Prevalence of sufficient physical activity in middle-aged women from a Brazilian state capital

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of sufficient physical activity (PA) in middle-aged women from Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The sample included 1,011 women ranging in age from 45 to 59 years. Physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The sample was divided into three age groups (A: 45–49; B: 50–54; C: 55–59 years). According to WHO recommendations, 87% of the participants were sufficiently active. Walking (C: 55±41 vs.A: 45±41 min/day; p=0.013) and vigorous PA (C: 17±33 vs. A: 13±30 min/day; p=0.117) were more frequently performed by women of group C compared to group A. Linear regression analysis showed that total PA did not increase with age (R2=0.248; p=0.059), educational level (R2=0.259; p=0.076), or body mass index (R2=0.072; p=0.334), although total PA tended to be positively associated with age and educational level. In conclusion,87% of the middle-aged women studied were sufficiently active. Higher levels of PA were observed among women aged 55-59 years, which were mainly a consequence of more frequent walking and vigorous PA.