INTRODUCTION:
Physical activity is recognized as a protective factor for health, and its benefits have been associated to chronic disease reduction and diminished risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease. Although physical activity is an important resource for health promotion policies, low level and physical inactivity are reasons for concern worldwide. In an increasingly urbanized and industrialized society, physical exercises practiced regularly are an important resource to keep the recommended level of physical activity; however, it is necessary to identify the most adequate practices to achieve a protective effect on health.
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the prevalence of physical activity, socio-demographic factors, frequency, modalities and motives for practicing exercises among civil servants from a university.
METHODS:
Cross-sectional study, random sample (280 individuals) confidence level 95%, 5% sampling error. The short version of IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) instrument was used as an interview. A socio-demographic questionnaire was applied and it was questioned whether subjects practiced exercise regularly, which modality and weekly frequency, as well as the reasons for the practice. Data were analyzed using the statistical package SPSS - 14.0.
RESULTS:
The prevalence of inactive and insufficiently active subjects was 43.9%. Among those who exercise, 92.5% did it for health reasons (p < 0.005), but 29 % are inactive or insufficiently active. Of the most widely practiced modality, contrary to expectations, walking was not significant.
CONCLUSIONS:
There were differences in physical activity level according to age, gender, marital status and occupation, as well as the motives, the choice and diversity of modalities practiced. In addition to encouraging and monitoring the physical activity, it is necessary to create institutional strategies in order to promote better quality benefits for health.
motor activity; life style; cross-sectional studies