Abstract

MARTINEZ-ROS, M.T.; TORMO, M.J.; PEREZ-FLORES, D.  and  NAVARRO, C.. Physical sports activity in a representative sample of the population of Región de Murcia, Spain. Gac Sanit [online]. 2003, vol.17, n.1, pp.11-19. ISSN 0213-9111.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of intense physical activity according to age and sex in the region of Murcia, Spain, and to analyze its association with major demographic and socioeconomic determinants and other cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: Survey of a representative sample of the population aged between 18 and 65 years from Murcia was performed using multistage random sampling with definition of the sample quotas. A total of 3091 individuals were surveyed. The frequency and duration of intense physical sports activity during the two weeks prior to the survey was obtained using a validated questionnaire. Information was also collected on socioeconomic variables, smoking, blood pressure, weight and height and a blood test was performed to determine plasma lipids. Intense or vigorous physical activity (≥ 6 Metabolic Equivalents [MET]) was measured in kcal/day and reduced to hours/week to give three categories: no vigorous physical activity, less than 2 hours/week, and 2 hours/week or more. Results: Overall, 17.8% (95% CI: 16.6-19.0) of the adult population of the region of Murcia performed intense physical activity for ≥ 2 hours/week. The figures were twice as high in men (23.1%; 95% CI: 21.0-25.2) than in women (12.5%; 95% CI: 10.9-14.1). In the logistic regression analysis, a higher frequency of intense physical activity was associated with age, level of education and employment situation. In men it was also associated with occupation and residence in urban areas. Conclusions: During the study period, one in five adults in the region of Murcia took intense physical sports activity with a frequency and duration that were compatible with the prevention of episodes of coronary ischemia. 

Keywords : Leisure-time intense physical activity; Survey; Exercise.

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