Physical Activity - Adult Prevalence

Why Is This Important?

Physical activity among adults has numerous benefits, including: reducing risk of heart disease, stroke, and some cancers; improving physical fitness, bone health, and mental health; preventing high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, prediabetes and diabetes; maintaining a healthy weight, and increasing mobility; brain health benefits, including improved cognitive function, reduced anxiety and depression risk, and improved sleep and quality of life. Among older adults, physical activity is crucial in preventing falls (1). Only half of adults in the U.S. meet physical activity recommendations (1). Research demonstrates any amount of physical activity is beneficial; however, for substantial health benefits, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition recommends adults do 150 to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity, or 75 to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity physical activity (2). Preferably, aerobic activity should be spread throughout the week. Adults should also do muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity that involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week, as these activities provide additional health benefits (2).

Definition

Among adults, the proportion who meet aerobic physical activity recommendations of at least 150 minutes/week of moderate intensity, or 75 minutes/week of vigorous intensity, or an equivalent combination. The physical activity questions are administered only in odd years.

Data Sources

• Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Data, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, together with New Mexico Department of Health, Injury and Behavioral Epidemiology Bureau.
  (https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/ibeb/brfss/)
• U.S. data source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Prevalence and Trends Data.
  (https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/brfssprevalence)

How the Measure is Calculated

How Are We Doing?

Since 2001, the percentage of adults in New Mexico who meet physical activity recommendations has remained static, which is similar to the trend in the US.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

Compared to the US, a higher percentage of New Mexico adults report meeting physical activity recommendations.

Evidence-based Practices

Communities can promote and support physical activity by creating, modifying, and maintaining safe facilities for residents to exercise outdoors or walk or bike for transportation. Below are some strategies communities may use to support physical activity (3): - improve access to outdoor recreational facilities - enhance infrastructure supporting bicycling - enhance infrastructure supporting walking - improve access to public transportation - enhance personal safety in areas where persons are or could be physically active - enhance traffic safety in areas where persons are or could be physically active

Other Objectives

New Mexico Community Health Status Indicator (CHSI)

Available Services

Albuquerque Prescription Trails - http://www.cabq.gov/parks/prescription-trails EnhanceFitness - http://www.projectenhance.org/

More Resources

1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical activity: Why it matters. [Online Access] https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/about-physical-activity/why-it-matters.html. 2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2018. [Online Access] https://health.gov/paguidelines/second-edition/pdf/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf. 3. Laura Kettel Khan, PhD. Recommended Community Strategies and Measurements to Prevent Obesity in the United States. CDC, MMWR July 24, 2009 / 58(RR07);1-26. [Online Access] http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5807a1.htm?s_cid=rr5807a1_e.