Padrão de atividade física em adultos brasileiros: resultados de um inquérito por entrevistas telefônicas, 2006

Abstract

This report describes the characteristics of physical activities pattern among adult population of Brazilian State Capitals and the Federal District in 2006. Data was collected through the surveillance system of risk and protection factors for chronic diseases by telephone inquiry (Vigitel) in a probabilistic sample of 54,369 individuals aged 18 years and older. We analyzed two indicators: leisure time physical activity; and sedentariness. The frequency of individuals active in leisure was just of 14.9%, greater among men. Walking is the most common modality for both sex. Frequency of leisure active life increases with education, and decreases with age. Sedentary life affects 29.2% of adult population, more frequently males. The physical activity profile is not satisfactory in all cities, which determines the need for more efforts to stimulate the practice of physical activity.