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Time trends in physical activity from 1982 to 2012 in F inland
Author(s) -
Borodulin K.,
Harald K.,
Jousilahti P.,
Laatikainen T.,
Männistö S.,
Vartiainen E.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/sms.12401
Subject(s) - physical activity , body mass index , leisure time , medicine , demography , gerontology , population , environmental health , physical therapy , sociology
The aim of this study was to examine population trends from 1982 to 2012 in F inland for leisure time physical activity ( LTPA ), commuting physical activity ( CPA ), occupational physical activity ( OPA ), and total physical activity. Furthermore, time trends in physical activity by educational levels and body mass index ( BMI ) categories were explored. Data were collected in independent cross‐sectional population surveys, implemented every 5 years from 1982 to 2012. The data comprised 21 903 men and 24 311 women. Participants underwent a health examination and filled in questionnaires. Information on LTPA , CPA , and OPA was used both separately and combined to create an index of total physical activity. Between 1982 and 2012, high LTPA has increased in men (from 21% to 33%) and women (from 12% to 27%). High CPA and high OPA have decreased in men (from 17% to 12% and from 48% to 36%, respectively) and women (from 30% to 20% and from 26% to 21%, respectively). Total physical activity has remained fairly stable. Differences by education and BMI have increased, particularly for LTPA . Marked changes in physical activity have taken place over time. Differences in LTPA and OPA have grown wider across educational groups and BMI categories.