Ten-year trends in total physical activity practice in Brazilian adults: 2002-2012

Background: One-third of adults worldwide are physically inactive causing over 5.3 million deaths annually. Despite a growing focus on physical activity and health, population-based data on physical activity trends in low- and middle-income countries are still limited. To help fill the gap, this study provides trend data over a 10-year period in Pelotas, a southern Brazilian city. Methods: The short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of physical inactivity in 2002 (n = 3119), 2007 (n = 2969), and 2012 (n = 2868). Levels of inactivity and trends were assessed according to sex, age, schooling, and socioeconomic position (SEP). Results: The prevalence of physical inactivity rose from 41.1% (95% CI: 37.4-44.9) in 2002 and 52.0% (95% CI: 49.1-53.8) in 2007 to 54.4% (95% CI: 51.8-56.9) in 2012 (P <.001). Physical inactivity significantly increased in all subgroups except in the highest SEP and 70+ year age subgroups. Conclusions: After a sharp increase in the prevalence of physical inactivity from 2002-2007, levels plateaued from 2007-2012. However, it is important to stress that current levels are still unacceptably high, and that efforts must be intensified to reverse the trend.