[Characteristic of physical activity among adults in urban population in Poland]

Regular leisure-time physical activity plays an important role in health promotion and noncomunicable disease prevention. The aim of this study was to analyze physical activity (including leisure-time, occupational and household activities) in representative sample of 1029 adults in Lodz. Moreover contribution of different type and intensity physical activities to total weekly energy expenditure was analysed. Physical activity was determined by the interviewer-administrated Seven Day Physical Activity Recall (SDPAR).

The mean age of study participants was 45.8 +/- 11.7 years old. The analysis of the type of physical activity revealed that leisure-time, occupational and housework energy expenditure (of moderate or higher intensity) constituted 2.3%, 23.3% and 10.9%, respectively, of the whole energy expenditure in subjects examined. In the study group, contribution of low intensity (> or = 1,5 METs), moderate (4 METs), high and very high intensity (> 4 METs) physical activity to total weekly energy expenditure was 3.1, 55.8% and 21.8% respectively.

This study results suggest that effective programs need to be taken to increase leisure-time physical activity among adults in Lodz. Programs promoting an active lifestyle should encourage to participation in moderate and higher intensity physical activities (if no health contra-indications). It can be effective strategy to achieve level of physical activity recommended by experts in health promotion and noncomunicable disease prevention.