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The status and trends of physical activity among Chinese adults, 1991 to 2009
Author(s) -
Zhang Bing,
Wang Huijun,
Su Chang,
Zhang Jiguo,
Du Wenwen,
Zhai Fengying
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.591.9
To learn how physical activities are changing in China over time, we used data from an ongoing cohort study, China Health and Nutrition Survey, followed up over 18 years since 1991. We collected detailed daily physical activity and inactivity data based on four sets of questions: work activities, household chores, leisure physical activities, and transportation modes and converted all measures to metabolic equivalent of task (MET)‐hours per week to account for both intensity of activities and time spent on activities. Physical activity decreased significantly from 260 MET‐hrs/wk in 1991 to 155 MET‐hrs/wk in 2009 among men and from 285 to 100 MET‐hrs/wk among women. Activities in leisure and sports increased over time among women, young adults, high income and high education groups. However, activities in occupation, household chores, and transportation decreased rapidly, especially among men, young adults, urban residents, low income and low education groups. The present study provides clear evidence of physical activity trends at a detailed level heretofore not shown in any country and also provides clear evidence of the sources of this decline and the target populations. This study was supported by NIH (R01‐HD30880) and Fogarty International Center, NIH (5D43TW007709).