Factors associated with habitual time spent in different physical activity intensities using multiday accelerometry.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Physical Activity Research

Background:

• Understanding factors influencing physical activity intensity is crucial for public health interventions.
• Previous research indicates various demographic and lifestyle factors correlate with physical activity levels, but specific associations with intensity durations require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cross-sectional associations between demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors and time spent in different physical activity intensities.
• To identify potential targets for public health strategies aimed at increasing physical activity.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 249 adults (mean age 51.3 years) wore accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X+) for 7 days to measure physical activity.
• Triaxial vector magnitude counts/minute were used to quantify time in inactivity, low-intensity, moderate, and vigorous-to-very-vigorous activity.
• Multivariable regression analyses examined associations with sex, age, BMI, waist circumference, smoking, alcohol, education, employment, income, marital status, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

Main Results:

• Higher age correlated with more low-intensity activity and less vigorous activity.
• Increased Body Mass Index (BMI) was associated with less time in low-intensity activity.
• Current smokers spent more time in low-intensity activity and less in vigorous activity compared to never smokers.
• Lack of a university qualification and part-time employment were linked to more inactivity and less low-intensity activity.

Conclusions:

• Demographic and socioeconomic factors, including age, BMI, smoking status, education, and employment, show distinct associations with different physical activity intensities.
• These findings highlight specific population segments and factors that can be targeted by public health initiatives to promote physical activity.
• Tailored interventions addressing these factors may effectively increase overall physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior.