Demographic determinants of participation in strength training activities among U.S. adults

This study used a health services approach to examine the demographic correlates of participation in strength training activities among U.S. adults. The purpose of this study was to develop a profile of adults who participate in strength training activities and analyze the demographic factors that predict strength training participation. The study was a secondary data analysis employing a nonexperimental correlational design. Subjects for the study were derived from the data source, the 2003 National Health Interview Survey, a multistage probability survey that produced a U.S. representative sample of 29,783 adults capable of participating in strength training. The prevalence of strength training participation among adults was calculated, and a logistic regression equation was used to develop a multivariate model of factors that influence participation. Twenty-one percent of adults participated in strength training activities on at least 2 days of the week. In the regression, participation was associated with age, sex, ethnicity, marital status, level of education, and census region. The likelihood of participating in regular strength training activities was lower among older adults and women but higher with increasing levels of education and with participation in other aerobic type exercise. Strength training professionals should employ public health methodologies to promote continuation of this type of activity among those who were shown to participate regularly and to improve participation among those subgroups with lower levels of activity.