Sociodemographic and geographic correlates of meeting current recommendations for physical activity in middle-aged French adults: the Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants (SUVIMAX) Study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the characteristics of French subjects meeting current public health recommendations for physical activity. METHODS: We assessed leisure-time physical activity cross-sectionally in 7404 adults aged 45 to 68 years with applied logistic regression models. RESULTS: Meeting the recommended physical activity levels was more likely in subjects aged 60 years and older and in women with higher education levels or living in rural areas and was less likely in smokers. No association was found with time spent watching television. The contribution of vigorous activity to total time spent being active was approximately 2 times higher in subjects meeting recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in some vigorous activity may be viewed as a "facilitator" to attain physical activity recommendations. Relationships with physical environment variables in Europe need further investigation.