Physical activity level and associated factors: an epidemiological study with elderly

Abstract

Introduction: This study is relevant insofar since it provides information on the elements that interfere in the level of physical activity of the elderly that attend the Fitness zone. Objective: Identifying the level of physical activity and its associated factors related to the elderly who usually go to third age fitness centers in Maringá/PR. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 970 elderly users of the Fitness zone of the municipality of Maringá, state of Paraná, Brazil. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used. The data were analyzed by the Pearson’s Chi-squared, the Binary Logistic Regression and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (p < 0,05). Results: The data indicates that being married (p = 0,047) and having completed higher education (p = 0,001) is significantly associated with higher physical activity level. The lower use of medication (p = 0,008), the excellent health perception (p = 0,037), and no history of near-falls (p = 0,038) were associated with the physical activity practice. The subjects who had no history of near-falls in the last six months and who did not have osteoporosis were 1.671 [95% CI = 1.009-2.613] and 1.891 [95% CI = 1.008-2.915] times more likely to be active/very active when compared to the elderly who had near-falls in the last semester and who had osteoporosis. Conclusion: It was concluded that sociodemographic variables and health conditions are associated to the physical activity level in the elderly. Further, elderly who reported the absence of a history of near falls and osteoporosis have more chance to be physically active.