Characteristics related to meeting CDC/ACSM physical activity guidelines in adults

American Journal of Health Studies, Fall, 2002 by Lorraine Silver Wallace, Janet Buckworth

Abstract: This study examined characteristics associated with meeting current moderate (e"5d [wk.sup.-1] and vigorous (e"3d [wk.sup.-1]) CDC/ACSM physical activity recommendations in a sample of 680 adults with a mean age of 27.45 [+ or -] 8.2years. Overall, the mean numbers of days per week for moderate and vigorous activity were lower than the CDC/ACSM guidelines. Being male, perceiving the consequences of inactivity as severe, and greater social support for physical activity from peers and family were associated with greater likelihood of meeting either the moderate or vigorous CDC/ACSM guidelines. Results warrant further investigation of additional behavioral and environmental characteristics associated with physical activity participation.

**********

Physical activity is recognized as an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, the majority of American adults do not engage in sufficient regular physical activity to reap the many positive health benefits associated with this important behavior. The publication of the Surgeon General's Report (SGR) on physical activity and health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 1996) has brought heightened awareness regarding the importance of a physically active lifestyle in the prevention of numerous chronic health problems, such as type II diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, hypertension and depression (Pate et al., 1995).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American College of Sports Medicine (CDC/ ACSM) developed guidelines for moderate and vigorous activity based on an accumulation of epidemiological research over the past several decades (ACSM, 1998; Pate et al., 1995). Recommended level of moderate activity (MACT) is at least 30 minute on 3 5d [wk.sup.-1], while at least 30 minutes or more for a minimum of 3 d [wk.sup.-1] is suggested for vigorous activity (VACT). To date, very few studies have been conducted that specifically examine physical activity in relation to CDC/ACSM recommendations. The purposes of this study were to examine the proportion of young to middle-aged adults who meet the CDC/ ACSM guidelines and identify characteristics associated with participation.

METHODS

DESIGN

This study is based on a secondary analysis of data and examines different, yet important research questions. The primary study tested the applicability of the entire Transtheoretical Model of behavior change (i.e, stage of change, self-efficacy, decisional balance, processes of change) in predicting exercise behavior in nontraditional college students (Wallace & Buckworth, 2001). A secondary analysis was warranted because few studies have been conducted that assess physical activity participation in relation to CDC/ACSM guidelines. Further, physical activity was evaluated quantitatively (i.e., minutes per session, days per week) and social support for physical activity has shown to be a central determinant of an active lifestyle (Sallis, Grossman, Pinski, Patterson, & Nader, 1987; Wallace, Buckworth, Kirby, & Sherman, 2000). This manuscript focuses on exploring three research questions: "What proportion of individuals were meeting CDC/ ACSM physical activity guidelines?"; "Were there differences in social support (peer and family) and perceived severity of inactivity as a function of meeting CDC/ACSM guidelines?"; and," What characteristics predicted whether an individual met the CDC/ACSM guidelines for either MACT or VACT?" The University Human Subject Institutional Review board approved the study methods employed in this study.

SAMPLING

The sample was composed of undergraduate students enrolled at a primarily upper-division university. All faculty members teaching undergraduate classes during spring semester were contacted, and 65% agreed to have the primary researcher distribute valid and reliable written questionnaire packets to students during regularly scheduled class meetings. Of the 680 students who completed the questionnaires, most were female (n=427, 62.8%), Caucasian (n=584, 85.9%), and enrolled full-time (B=571, 85%). The mean age of the sample was 27.45 [+ or -] 8.2 years (range 18-70). Students were informed that their participation was voluntary and anonymity was assured. To increase participation, students who completed the questionnaire were entered into a drawing for one of five cash ($20.00) prizes.

INSTRUMENTATION

Only measures related to the research questions examined in this study will be discussed.

Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity. Days per week of MACT and VACT were assessed using the items from the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey (Douglas et al., 1997). Students were asked to indicate on how many of the past 7 days they had engaged in MACT ("On how many of the past 7 days did you walk in bicycle for at least 30 minutes at a time?") and VACT ("On how many of the past 7 days did you exercise or participate in sports activities for at least 20 minutes that made you sweat and breathe hard such as basketball, jogging, swimming laps, tennis, fast bicycling, or similar aerobic activities?").