Frequency and intensity perception of the most frequent physical activities in adults

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to identify the physical activities most frequently performed among adults in the City of Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil, and to assess their perception regarding the intensity levels of these activities. Initially, experts (university faculty with Masters and PhD degrees and with relevant scientific production over the past three years) were asked to classify the activities described in the Ainsworth Compendium of Physical Activities regarding the frequency of physical activities among adults in the City of Recife. Thirty-nine volunteers (20 women) answered a survey in which they reported the frequency of physical activities practice, considering a list of 72 activities that were classified by the experts as "frequent" and "very frequent". From that list, 38 activities were classified as "frequent" or "very frequent" by at least 30% of the subjects. In the third phase, 60 adults (30 women) were asked to classify the intensity level of those 38 activities on a scale ranging from 0 (no effort) to 10 (maximum effort). It was observed that the most frequently performed physical activities were rated as low intensity (median = 1.8 METs). Activities with intensity greater than 3,0 METs were soccer, walking as a way of transportation, and walking for pleasure. We concluded that adults underestimate the intensity level of the most vigorous activities and overestimate the intensity of the mild and moderate activities.