Related Experiment Videos
Leisure-time physical activity patterns among US adults with asthma
Earl S Ford1, Gregory W Heath, David M Mannino
1Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. esf2@cdc.gov
Chest
|August 9, 2003
Summary
Most US adults with asthma are not meeting physical activity recommendations. This study highlights lower leisure-time physical activity and energy expenditure in adults with asthma compared to those without.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Physical activity patterns in US adults with asthma are not well understood.
- Asthma prevalence and its impact on lifestyle behaviors require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine leisure-time physical activity levels among US adults with current, former, and no history of asthma.
- To compare physical activity energy expenditure and participation in recommended activity levels across these groups.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 165,123 respondents of the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
- Examination of self-reported leisure-time physical activity, including type, frequency, and estimated energy expenditure.
- Statistical adjustments for age were applied to compare activity patterns.
Main Results:
- Approximately 30% of adults with current asthma and 24% with former asthma were inactive, compared to 27% of those who never had asthma.
- Adults with current asthma expended 206 kcal/week less from leisure-time physical activity than those with former asthma and 91 kcal/week less than those who never had asthma.
- Walking was the most common activity; however, participants with asthma were less likely to engage in running, basketball, golf, and weightlifting, but more likely to use an exercise bicycle.
Conclusions:
- The majority of US adults, including those with asthma, do not meet current physical activity recommendations.
- Findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions to promote physical activity in asthma populations.