Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between perceived importance of physical activity and demographic variables and current physical activity level with specific reference to the CDC/ACSM guidelines for sufficient physical activity for a health benefit.
Methods: Physical activity levels were assessed by a telephone survey of 2002 households throughout the continental United States and the District of Columbia to determine whether the individuals met the CDC/ACSM physical activity guidelines.
Results: Results indicate that 68% of the respondents are physically active below the CDC/ACSM criterion. Chi-square analysis revealed significant relationships between meeting the CDC/ACSM physical activity guidelines and 1) perceived importance of physical inactivity as a health risk (P < 0.0001), and 2) gender (P < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that having a greater awareness of the health risks of physical inactivity improved the odds ratio (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.21-1.62) of being sufficiently physically active for a health benefit by 40% (P < 0.0001) and being a male improved the odds ratio (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.17-1.79) of being sufficiently physically active for a health benefit by 45% (P < 0.0006).
Conclusions: Implications for health and physical fitness researchers and practitioners are that they need to improve awareness of life span fitness benefits and develop intervention programs based on individuals' current physical activity levels.