Is It Possible to Decolonize the Field of Physical Activity and Health?

Is it possible to decolonize the field of physical activity and health? Decoloniality presupposes a body-geopolitical location, such as in the Brazilian and Latin American context, where it is crucial to use social identity lenses related to race, gender, sexuality, and other social markers that affect the body. Understanding health and physical activity from a decolonial perspective would bring the oppressions that connect capitalism, patriarchy, and racism to the center of the discussion. For a "physical activity other," we challenged the general recommendation of physical activity in the 4 domains. Physical activity should be understood as an end in itself, as a right, and as human development. Approaches that advocate physical activity at work, at home, and while commuting use other human activities to relate these domains to health without considering the inequalities and oppressions that constitute them in most parts of the world. Is it fair to apply "global recommendations" for physical activity to scenarios such as Brazil and Latin America, using models that are inappropriate to the context and history of these places, people, and cultures? Perhaps it is time to socially reorient and reposition physical activity from a decolonial perspective. We need Black, Indigenous, Latino, African, and other people from the Global South to move the research agenda, recommendations, and policies on physical activity from "any" health to a fair health.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity in a Southern Brazilian City (2004-2021): Applying an Equity Lens to Time-Trend Analyses.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to verify leisure-time physical activity trends over 15 years and monitor inequalities according to gender, self-reported skin color, and socioeconomic position in a Southern Brazilian city. A secondary aim is to evaluate intersectionalities in physical activity. METHODS: Trend analysis using 3 population-based surveys carried out in 2004, 2010, and 2021. Main outcome assessed was the prevalence of physical activity according to recommendations (150 min/wk). Inequalities dimensions measured were sex, self-reported skin color, and wealth. Intersectionalities were evaluated using Jeopardy index combining all inequality dimensions. Trend analysis was performed using least-squares weighted regression. RESULTS: We included data from 3090, 2656, and 5696 adults in 2004, 2010, and 2021, respectively. Prevalence of physical activity remains stable around 25% in the 3 years. In the 3 periods evaluated, men presented a prevalence in average 10 percentage points higher than women (SII2004 = -11.1 [95% confidence interval, CI, -14.4 to -7.8], SII2021 = -10.7 [95% CI, -13.7 to -7.7]). Skin color inequalities did not present a clear pattern. Richest individuals, in general presented a prevalence of leisure-time physical activity level 20pp higher than poorest ones (SII2004 = 20.5 [95% CI, 13.7 to 27.4]; SII2021 = 16.7 [95% CI, 11.3 to 22.0]). Inequalities were widely marked, comparing the most privileged group (represented by men, the wealthiest, and White) and the most socially vulnerable group (represented by women, the poorest, and Black/Brown). The Slope Index of Inequality for intersectionalities was -24.5 (95% CI, -31.1 to -17.9) in 2004 and -18.8 in 2021 (95% CI, -24.2 to -13.4). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis shows that women, Black/Brown, and poor present lower leisure-time physical activity level. This group is often neglected regarding other health and social outcomes.

Inequalities in Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Report on 4 Consecutive Population-Based Surveys in Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate inequalities in leisure-time physical activity (PA) practice amid the COVID-19 pandemic in a southern Brazilian city. METHODS: Four repeated population-based surveys were carried out. PA was collected using a questionnaire proposed by the authors and an adapted version of the leisure-time section of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The sociodemographic variables were sex, age, skin color, and education level. The participants also answered questions regarding social distancing measures compliance. Descriptive analyses based on proportions and their respective P values for categorical variables were presented. The chi-square test for heterogeneity and linear trend was used. RESULTS: The sample is composed of 1556 individuals (66.1% female). Overall, between rounds 1 and 2, PA prevalence declined, followed by a gradual increase thereafter. PA practice during the pandemic was higher among men, individuals with higher education level, and individuals with white skin color in all rounds. In rounds 2, 3, and 4, PA was lower among individuals who were practicing more social distancing. CONCLUSION: To tackle the PA inequalities, policymakers and stakeholders need to confront disparities, defending greater availability of public policies that are attentive to inequalities, especially regarding gender, skin color, and educational level, to promote PA as a human right.

Socioeconomic and Gender Inequalities in Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Access to Public Policies in Brazil From 2013 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to describe changes in gender and wealth inequalities in leisure-time physical activity (PA) of Brazilians during a 6-year interval. It also aims to evaluate inequalities regarding PA public programs awareness, participation, and access to public spaces for PA. METHODS: Data from 2 population-based surveys conducted in 2013 and 2019 were used. Leisure-time PA prevalence was assessed considering those reporting ≥150 minutes per week. The authors evaluated gender inequalities calculating differences and ratios, and wealth inequalities using the slope index of inequality and the concentration index- assessing changes over time. RESULTS: National levels of leisure-time PA increased from 2013 to 2019, and an increase in inequalities was observed; women and the poorest groups still presented lower prevalence. A decline in socioeconomic inequalities was observed from 2013 to 2019 regarding the availability of public spaces and awareness about public programs. However, outcomes remained more common among the richest group. Inequalities did not vary for participation in public programs. CONCLUSION: Although leisure-time PA increased from 2013 to 2019 at a national level, there were no improvements in gender inequalities, and wealth inequalities worsened over time. Indicators of public strategies for PA increased for the population, but inequalities remain.

Práticas corporais/atividades físicas demarcadas como privilégio e não escolha: análise à luz das desigualdades brasileiras / Bodily practices/physical activities considered as privilege and not a choice: analysis in the light of Brazilian inequalities

Resumo Este artigo tem como objetivo assinalar as práticas corporais/atividades físicas como mais um privilégio no Brasil, refutando a noção de que sua prática é uma simples escolha no cuidado em saúde. Para tal, apontaremos evidências discursivas e práticas influenciadas pelas graves condições de desigualdade no país. A caixa de ferramentas utilizada reuniu as relações de saber e poder em Michel Foucault, o apelo ao ensaio a partir de Jorge Larrosa e o acúmulo teórico da Saúde Coletiva. Ao assumir que o envolvimento em práticas corporais/atividades físicas de lazer é perpassado por privilégios, colocamo-nos como defensores das políticas públicas em função do seu caráter de acesso. Há um desafio social premente, qual seja, criar condições de vida dignas, reduzir dramaticamente as desigualdades para fortalecer as ações em direção a cuidados com a saúde como direito de todas as pessoas. Conclui-se que as práticas corporais/atividades físicas são manifestações complexas e atravessadas pelas imposições de vida, em que é imperioso observar as condições e modos de viver, refutando a noção amplamente disseminada de que basta acumular minutos de atividade física para se ter saúde.

Abstract Our article seeks to denounce bodily practices/physical activities as another privilege in Brazil, refuting the hegemonic notion that physical activity practice is simply a choice in health care. To such purpose, we point out discursive evidence and practices influenced by the severe inequality conditions in the country. The toolbox used in this essay brought together Michel Foucault's views on power relations, Jorge Larrosa's perspective on essay writing, and the body of research of Collective Health. By assuming that privileges permeate the engagement in bodily practices/physical activities, we place ourselves as advocates of public policies due to their access status. There is an urgent social challenge, namely, to create decent living conditions, to dramatically reduce inequalities, to strengthen actions towards health care as the right of all people. We concluded that bodily practices/physical activities are complex manifestations affected by the impositions of life. Conditions and ways of living must be observed, refuting the widely disseminated notion that it is enough to accumulate minutes of physical activity to be healthy.

Promotion of physical activity and public policies to tackle inequalities: considerarions based on the Inverse Care Law and Inverse Equity Hypothesis. / Promoção de atividade física e as políticas públicas no combate às desigualdades: reflexões a partir da Lei dos Cuidados Inversos e Hipótese da Equidade Inversa.

This Essay reflects on some current approaches to the promotion of physical activity, proposing greater visibility for leisure-time physical activities and inequalities in access to them. The current scenario of increasing inequalities and the importance of confronting them, highlighting the pertinence of public policies, is presented and discussed in light of two theories, the Inverse Equity Hypothesis and the Inverse Care Law. The Inverse Equity Hypothesis seeks to understand how inequalities tend to be established in health indicators, based on an expected increase in inequalities when health innovations initially reach the more socially and economically privileged groups. Meanwhile, the Inverse Care Law emphasizes that the availability of adequate healthcare tends to vary inversely to the population's need. By relating the theories and the promotion of leisure-time physical activity, the essay defends the expansion of public policies aimed at not further increasing inequalities. Public policies and their association with Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) and its principles should be the priority. The essay thus defends approaches to promote socially contextualized leisure-time physical activities, capable of prioritizing the groups that need them the most.

O presente Ensaio apresenta uma reflexão com base em algumas formas vigentes de promoção de atividade física, propondo visibilidade a atividades de lazer e suas desigualdades. O cenário atual de (aumento das) desigualdades e a importância do seu enfrentamento, destacando a pertinência das políticas públicas, são apresentados e discutidos à luz de duas teorias: a Hipótese da Equidade Inversa e a Lei dos Cuidados Inversos. A Hipótese da Equidade Inversa busca compreender como as desigualdades tendem a se estabelecer em indicadores de saúde, partindo de aumento esperado dessas desigualdades quando surgem inovações em saúde que atingem inicialmente os mais privilegiados social e economicamente. Já a Lei dos Cuidados Inversos destaca que a disponibilidade de uma atenção adequada em saúde tende a variar inversamente à necessidade da população. Nesse sentido, ao relacionar as teorias e a promoção de atividade física de lazer, o presente ensaio defende a ampliação das políticas públicas, buscando evitar o aumento das desigualdades. São as políticas públicas e a vinculação com o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e com seus princípios que precisam ser compreendidas como prioridade. É nessa perspectiva que acreditamos em um avanço de ações de promoção das atividades físicas de lazer contextualizadas socialmente que sejam capazes de priorizar aqueles que mais necessitam.

Este Ensayo propone una reflexión sobre algunas formas vigentes de promoción de la actividad física, centrándose en las actividades físicas de ocio y sus desigualdades. El escenario actual de (aumento de las) desigualdades y la importancia de su enfrentamiento, destacando la pertinencia de las políticas públicas, se presenta y discute a la luz de dos teorías: la Hipótesis de la Equidad Inversa y la Ley de Cuidados Inversos. La Hipótesis de la Equidad inversa busca comprender cómo las desigualdades tienden a establecerse en indicadores de salud, partiendo de un aumento esperado de las desigualdades, cuando surgen innovaciones en salud que alcanzan inicialmente a los más privilegiados social y económicamente. Ya la Ley de los Cuidados Inversos destaca que la disponibilidad de una atención adecuada en salud tiende a variar inversamente, en función de las necesidades de la población. En este sentido, al relacionar las teorías y la promoción de la actividad física de ocio, este ensayo defiende la ampliación de las políticas públicas, con el fin de no ampliar las desigualdades. Son las políticas públicas, su vinculación con el Sistema Único de la Salud (SUS) y con sus principios los que necesitan ser comprendidos como prioridad. Desde esta perspectiva pensamos que se debe avanzar en la promoción de acciones de actividades físicas durante el ocio, contextualizadas socialmente, y que sean capaces de priorizar a quienes más lo necesitan.

Promoção de atividade física e as políticas públicas no combate às desigualdades: reflexões a partir da Lei dos Cuidados Inversos e Hipótese da Equidade Inversa / Promoción de la actividad física y políticas públicas en la lucha contra las desigualdades: reflexiones a partir de la Ley de Cuidados Inversos y la Hipótesis de la Equidad Inversa / Promotion of physical activity and public policies to tackle inequalities: considerarions based on the Inverse Care Law and Inverse Equity Hypothesis

O presente Ensaio apresenta uma reflexão com base em algumas formas vigentes de promoção de atividade física, propondo visibilidade a atividades de lazer e suas desigualdades. O cenário atual de (aumento das) desigualdades e a importância do seu enfrentamento, destacando a pertinência das políticas públicas, são apresentados e discutidos à luz de duas teorias: a Hipótese da Equidade Inversa e a Lei dos Cuidados Inversos. A Hipótese da Equidade Inversa busca compreender como as desigualdades tendem a se estabelecer em indicadores de saúde, partindo de aumento esperado dessas desigualdades quando surgem inovações em saúde que atingem inicialmente os mais privilegiados social e economicamente. Já a Lei dos Cuidados Inversos destaca que a disponibilidade de uma atenção adequada em saúde tende a variar inversamente à necessidade da população. Nesse sentido, ao relacionar as teorias e a promoção de atividade física de lazer, o presente ensaio defende a ampliação das políticas públicas, buscando evitar o aumento das desigualdades. São as políticas públicas e a vinculação com o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e com seus princípios que precisam ser compreendidas como prioridade. É nessa perspectiva que acreditamos em um avanço de ações de promoção das atividades físicas de lazer contextualizadas socialmente que sejam capazes de priorizar aqueles que mais necessitam.

Este Ensayo propone una reflexión sobre algunas formas vigentes de promoción de la actividad física, centrándose en las actividades físicas de ocio y sus desigualdades. El escenario actual de (aumento de las) desigualdades y la importancia de su enfrentamiento, destacando la pertinencia de las políticas públicas, se presenta y discute a la luz de dos teorías: la Hipótesis de la Equidad Inversa y la Ley de Cuidados Inversos. La Hipótesis de la Equidad inversa busca comprender cómo las desigualdades tienden a establecerse en indicadores de salud, partiendo de un aumento esperado de las desigualdades, cuando surgen innovaciones en salud que alcanzan inicialmente a los más privilegiados social y económicamente. Ya la Ley de los Cuidados Inversos destaca que la disponibilidad de una atención adecuada en salud tiende a variar inversamente, en función de las necesidades de la población. En este sentido, al relacionar las teorías y la promoción de la actividad física de ocio, este ensayo defiende la ampliación de las políticas públicas, con el fin de no ampliar las desigualdades. Son las políticas públicas, su vinculación con el Sistema Único de la Salud (SUS) y con sus principios los que necesitan ser comprendidos como prioridad. Desde esta perspectiva pensamos que se debe avanzar en la promoción de acciones de actividades físicas durante el ocio, contextualizadas socialmente, y que sean capaces de priorizar a quienes más lo necesitan.

This Essay reflects on some current approaches to the promotion of physical activity, proposing greater visibility for leisure-time physical activities and inequalities in access to them. The current scenario of increasing inequalities and the importance of confronting them, highlighting the pertinence of public policies, is presented and discussed in light of two theories, the Inverse Equity Hypothesis and the Inverse Care Law. The Inverse Equity Hypothesis seeks to understand how inequalities tend to be established in health indicators, based on an expected increase in inequalities when health innovations initially reach the more socially and economically privileged groups. Meanwhile, the Inverse Care Law emphasizes that the availability of adequate healthcare tends to vary inversely to the population's need. By relating the theories and the promotion of leisure-time physical activity, the essay defends the expansion of public policies aimed at not further increasing inequalities. Public policies and their association with Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) and its principles should be the priority. The essay thus defends approaches to promote socially contextualized leisure-time physical activities, capable of prioritizing the groups that need them the most.

Objectively-measured physical activity in children is influenced by social indicators rather than biological lifecourse factors: Evidence from a Brazilian cohort.

The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal influences of early life social and biological indicators on objectively measured physical activity. All newborns in 2004 in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil were enrolled in a birth cohort study. At the age of 6years, a follow-up visit included objective assessment of overall physical activity (summarized in milli-g, 1mg=0.001g) by tri-axial wrist worn accelerometry. The associations between early life exposures, such as type of delivery, parity, birth weight, preterm delivery, maternal physical activity, socioeconomic position, and overall physical activity were examined. Valid accelerometry data were obtained from 2604 children (78.2% of the eligible individuals). Girls were less active than boys (ß=-8.65mg; 95% CI -10.0; -7.30). Higher socioeconomic position was related to lower activity levels (ß=-9.69mg. 95% CI -12.45; -6.93) and a similar association was found with maternal schooling. No associations were found with birthweight, type of delivery or preterm delivery. This study provides evidence for the role of some social factors in explaining children's physical activity behaviors, and minimizes the influence of some early life biological factors at determining physical activity levels.

Physical activity levels in three Brazilian birth cohorts as assessed with raw triaxial wrist accelerometry.

BACKGROUND: Data on objectively measured physical activity are lacking in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to describe objectively measured overall physical activity and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in individuals from the Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohorts, according to weight status, socioeconomic status (SES) and sex. METHODS: All children born in 1982, 1993 and 2004 in hospitals in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, constitute the sampling frame; of these 99% agreed to participate. The most recent follow-ups were conducted between 2010 and 2013. In total, 8974 individuals provided valid data derived from raw triaxial wrist accelerometry. The average acceleration is presented in milli-g (1 mg = 0.001g), and time (min/d) spent in MVPA (>100 mg) is presented in 5- and 10-min bouts. RESULTS: Mean acceleration in the 1982 (mean age 30.2 years), 1993 (mean age 18.4 years) and 2004 (mean age 6.7 years) cohorts was 35 mg, 39 mg and 60 mg, respectively. Time spent in MVPA was 26 [95% confidence interval (CI) 25; 27], 43 (95% CI 42; 44) and 45 (95% CI 43; 46) min/d in the three cohorts, respectively, using 10-min bouts. Mean MVPA was on average 42% higher when using 5-min bouts. Males were more active than females and physical activity was inversely associated with age of the cohort and SES. Normal-weight individuals were more active than underweight, overweight and obese participants. CONCLUSIONS: Overall physical activity and time spent in MVPA differed by cohort (age), sex, weight status and SES. Higher levels of activity in low SES groups may be explained by incidental physical activity.

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.

School environment and physical activity in children and adolescents: systematic review / Ambiente escolar e atividade física em crianças e adolescentes: revisão sistemática

The aim of this study was to identify, discuss and summarize findings from articles on the association between characteristics of the school environment and physical activity in children and adolescents. We followed the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Articles were identified in PubMed. The main inclusion criteria were: (a) studies with children and adolescents ? studies with preschool children only were excluded because they were covered in a recent review; (b) physical activity as the outcome; (c) school environment characteristics as the exposure variable. Outcome variables were heterogeneous across the 13 studies, including recess physical activity practice, extracurricular sports practice, Physical Education classes and total physical activity. Half of the studies used objective physical activity measures. The evaluation of school environments was again heterogeneous, ranging from checklists of spaces, satellite photos and interviews with school teachers and principals comprising sociocultural dimensions of the environment, policies and PE classes, but mainly measures of the built environment. No definitive conclusion about the influence of school environment on physical activity can be drawn due to the heterogeneity across studies, settings dimension assessed and the lack of prospective data. However, several features such as improvements in playgrounds, health promotion policies at school, and positive perceptions of the school environment seem to be associated with increased physical activity among children and adolescents.

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar, discutir e sumarizar os achados sobre a associação entre características do ambiente escolar e atividade física em crianças e adolescentes. Foi utilizado o guia PRISMA para revisões sistemáticas. Artigos foram buscados na PubMed. Os principais critérios de inclusão foram: (a) estudos com crianças e adolescentes - estudos apenas com pré-escolares foram excluídos em função de uma recente revisão com este grupo; (b) atividade física como desfecho; (c) características do ambiente escolar como exposição. Os desfechos avaliados foram bastante heterogêneos entre os 13 estudos, desde atividade física no recreio, atividades extracurriculares, aula de educação física até atividade física total. Metade dos estudos utilizou medidas objetivas de atividade física. O ambiente escolar, também heterogêneo, foi avaliado a partir de listagem dos espaços físicos, fotos de satélite, entrevistas com diretores e professores, políticas e aulas de educação física, com predomínio para medidas do ambiente construído. Não foi possível ser conclusivo sobre a influência do ambiente escolar na atividade física, em função da heterogeneidade entre os estudos, dimensão ambiental avaliada e carência de dados prospectivos. Por outro lado, diversos atributos como melhorias nos parquinhos, políticas de promoção da saúde e percepções positivas do ambiente escolar parecem se relacionar com maior participação em atividades físicas em crianças e adolescentes.

Time trends of physical activity in Brazil (2006-2009).

OBJECTIVE: To examine time trends in physical activity (PA) in Brazilian state capitals from 2006 to 2009. METHODS: This analysis is based on data from the Telephone-based Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases (VIGITEL) accounting for an annual sample of approximately 54,000 individuals. PA indicators were analyzed in free time (leisure), work, home and transportation, time spent in front of the television and inactivity considering all PA domains. Poisson regression models were used to measure the variation of indicators over time. We considered the changes corresponding to a regression coefficient different from zero as being statistically significant (p<0.05). RESULTS: The percentage of active commuters increased from 11.7 to 14.4% (p<0.001) whereas the proportion of physically inactive individuals in the four domains decreased from 11.7 to 8.7% (p<0.001). There were no significant changes in the other indicators. Women were less active than men in all indicators, except for household chores. However, in this indicator the percentage of active women decreased from 71.4 to 67.1% (p<0.001). Between 2006 and 2009, PA levels in the Brazilian population were stable during free time and household chores, but increased in transportation, resulting in a decrease in the percentage of inactive individuals. CONCLUSION: The continued monitoring and strengthening of VIGITEL are public health priorities, and PA is a key part of it. In the long run, PA evolution may be re-evaluated.

Tendências temporais de atividade física no Brasil (2006-2009) / Time trends of physical activity in Brazil (2006-2009)

OBJETIVO: Analisar as tendências temporais de atividade física (AF) nas capitais brasileiras entre 2006 e 2009. MÉTODOS: A análise apresentada neste artigo é baseada nos dados do VIGITEL, totalizando uma amostra anual aproximada de 54.000 indivíduos. Foram analisados indicadores de AF no tempo livre, trabalho, em casa e no deslocamento, além do tempo assistindo à televisão e de inatividade considerando todos os domínios de AF. A variação dos indicadores no período foi aferida por meio de modelos de regressão de Poisson, tendo como variável explanatória o ano do inquérito. Foi considerada significativa a evolução correspondente a um coeficiente de regressão diferente de zero (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: O percentual de indivíduos ativos no deslocamento passou de 11,7 para 14,4 por cento (p<0,001), enquanto aqueles fisicamente inativos nos quatro domínios passaram de 11,7 para 8,7 por cento (p<0,001). Não foram observadas oscilações significantes nos demais indicadores. As mulheres foram menos ativas em todos os indicadores, exceto nos serviços domésticos. Neste domínio, houve redução das mulheres ativas de 71,4 para 67,1 por cento (p<0,001). Os níveis de AF da população brasileira entre 2006 e 2009 estão estáveis no tempo livre e nas atividades domésticas, mas aumentaram no deslocamento, acarretando uma diminuição no percentual de inativos no país. CONCLUSÃO: A continuidade do monitoramento e o fortalecimento do VIGITEL se colocam como prioridades e a área de AF se insere neste crescimento, e no longo prazo, poderá ter sua evolução temporal novamente avaliada.

OBJECTIVE: To examine time trends in physical activity (PA) in Brazilian state capitals from 2006 to 2009. METHODS: This analysis is based on data from the Telephone-based Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases (VIGITEL) accounting for an annual sample of approximately 54,000 individuals. PA indicators were analyzed in free time (leisure), work, home and transportation, time spent in front of the television and inactivity considering all PA domains. Poisson regression models were used to measure the variation of indicators over time. We considered the changes corresponding to a regression coefficient different from zero as being statistically significant (p<0.05). RESULTS: The percentage of active commuters increased from 11.7 to 14.4 percent (p<0.001) whereas the proportion of physically inactive individuals in the four domains decreased from 11.7 to 8.7 percent (p<0.001). There were no significant changes in the other indicators. Women were less active than men in all indicators, except for household chores. However, in this indicator the percentage of active women decreased from 71.4 to 67.1 percent (p<0.001). Between 2006 and 2009, PA levels in the Brazilian population were stable during free time and household chores, but increased in transportation, resulting in a decrease in the percentage of inactive individuals. CONCLUSION: The continued monitoring and strengthening of VIGITEL are public health priorities, and PA is a key part of it. In the long run, PA evolution may be re-evaluated.

Exposure to a community-wide physical activity promotion program and leisure-time physical activity in Aracaju, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation studies of large scale physical activity promotion programs are rare in Latin America. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the association between various forms of exposure to Academia da Cidade (PAC), a professionally supervised intervention in Aracaju (Brazil), and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). METHODS: A population-based study including 2267 adults was carried out. LTPA was assessed using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and a cut-off of 150 minutes per week was used in the analyses. RESULTS: In fully adjusted models, having ever heard about PAC was related to an odds of 1.8 (95% CI 1.4-2.2) for reaching the 150-minutes per week LTPA threshold. Equivalent odds ratios were 1.6 (95% CI 1.1-2.3) for having ever seen a PAC class, 14.3 (95% CI 12.3-16.4) for current and 4.0 (95% CI 1.4-11.3) for past PAC participation. CONCLUSION: Different sources of exposure to PAC were significantly associated with LTPA, which may suggest that professionally-supervised community classes offered for free may be a successful alternative for promoting physical activity in Brazil. If PAC happens to be expanded to other Brazilian areas, intervention studies may be carried out to evaluate its effectiveness.

Description of the countrywide physical activity network coordinated by the Brazilian Ministry of Health: 2005-2008.

BACKGROUND: Based on the Brazilian National Health Promotion Policy (PNPS), the Ministry of Health (MoH) started stimulating and funding physical activity interventions in 2005, leading to the establishment of a countrywide network. The aim of the present article is to geographically describe this network (2005-2008) and to present structure and process evaluation indicators of interventions funded in 2006 and 2007. METHODS: In 2005, the 27 state capitals received funding for carrying out physical activity-related interventions. From 2006 onwards, public calls for proposals were announced, and cities were selected through a competitive basis. Coordinators of interventions in cities who got funding in 2006 and 2007 answered to survey questions on structure and process aspects of the interventions. RESULTS: The network currently comprises 469 projects, out of which over 60% are carried out in small cities (<30,000 inhabitants). The most frequently used public spaces for the interventions are squares and indoor sports courts. The main physical activity-related topic of the PNPS prioritized in the projects is healthy diet. The main partnerships developed are between City's Health and Education Secretariats. CONCLUSION: Expanding the network to 1000 cities by 2010 and continuing the evaluation efforts are the next goals of the Brazilian MoH.

Physical activity advice: short report from a population-based study in Brazil.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of physical activity advice, the source of the information, and the types of recommendation in a population-based sample of adults living in South Brazil. METHODS: Population-based study including 972 adults living in Pelotas, Brazil. The outcome variable was based on the following question: "Has anyone ever recommended you to practice physical activity"? If the answer was positive, we asked who was responsible for the prescription (an open question, which was categorized later) and which recommendation was done. RESULTS: The prevalence of physical activity advice was 56.2% (95% CI 52.3-60.1). Physical activity advice was mostly done by physicians (92.5%). Walking was, by far, the most frequent recommendation. Females were more likely to receive advice for physical activity practice than males (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.30-2.31). Age, economic level, body mass index and leisure-time physical activity were positively associated with physical activity advice, while self-reported health presented an inverse association with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of physical activity advice was high in this sample, suggesting that the Brazilian health system is incorporating physical activity in its routine.

Temporal trends in physical activity: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In spite of all accumulated scientific knowledge on the benefits of physical activity (PA) for health, high rates of sedentary lifestyle are still observed worldwide. The aim of this study was to systematically review articles on temporal trends of PA and fitness, with emphasis on differences between children/ adolescents and adults. METHODS: An electronic search at the Medline/PubMed database was carried out using the following combination of keywords: temporal trends or trends or surveillance or monitoring and PA or exercise or physical fitness or motor activity or sedentary or fitness. RESULTS: By using this strategy, 23,088 manuscripts were detected. After examination, 41 articles fulfilled all inclusion criteria, and were, therefore, included. The data currently available in the literature for adults shows that leisure-time activity levels tend to be increasing over time, while occupational-related PA is decreasing over time. Youth PA seems to be decreasing over time, including a lower level of activity in physical education classes. As a consequence, fitness levels are also declining. CONCLUSION: PA surveillance must be strongly encouraged in all settings and age groups. Special attention must be paid to low and middle-income countries, where PA surveillance is virtually inexistent.

[Public knowledge on the role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and hypertension: a population-based study in southern Brazil]. / Conhecimento de adultos sobre o papel da atividade física na prevenção e tratamento de diabetes e hipertensão: estudo de base populacional no Sul do Brasil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate public knowledge on the role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and hypertension, and the factors associated with such knowledge. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Pelotas, southern Brazil, including 972 adults aged 20 to 69 years, selected with a clustering protocol. Knowledge on the preventive and curative benefits of physical activity was higher for hypertension (87.2%) than for diabetes (47.2%). Women were more knowledgeable on the role of physical activity in preventing diabetes (PR: 1.16; 95%CI: 1.03-1.31). In terms of treatment, greater knowledge was associated with female gender, current physical activity, obesity, subjects, and higher socioeconomic status. For prevention of hypertension, greater knowledge was observed in individuals with higher socioeconomic status (PR: 1.23; 95%CI: 1.11-1.36). For treatment of hypertension, physically active and obese subjects showed greater knowledge. Subjects were generally more knowledgeable on the curative role of physical activity than on its preventive benefits. Public health efforts should aim to raise public awareness on the preventive effects of physical activity against diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic non-communicable diseases.

Conhecimento de adultos sobre o papel da atividade física na prevenção e tratamento de diabetes e hipertensão: estudo de base populacional no Sul do Brasil / Public knowledge on the role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and hypertension: a population-based study in southern Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento dos adultos de Pelotas, Sul do Brasil, sobre o papel da atividade física na prevenção e tratamento de diabetes e hipertensão arterial, e os fatores associados aos conhecimentos. Foi realizado um estudo transversal de base populacional, com amostragem por conglomerados, incluindo 972 indivíduos de 20 a 69 anos. O conhecimento dos efeitos da atividade física na prevenção e tratamento foi maior para a hipertensão (82 por cento) do que para diabetes (47,2 por cento). Para a prevenção de diabetes maiores conhecimentos se associaram ao sexo feminino (RP = 1,16; IC95 por cento: 1,03-1,31), e no tratamento além destes, indivíduos ativos, obesos e de elevado nível econômico, tiveram maior conhecimento. Na prevenção da hipertensão, elevado conhecimento associou-se ao maior nível econômico (RP = 1,23; IC95 por cento: 1,11-1,36). Quanto ao tratamento, mulheres, indivíduos ativos e obesos apresentaram maior conhecimento. Em síntese, o conhecimento sobre o papel da atividade física no tratamento de diabetes e hipertensão é maior, em comparação à prevenção; tal achado merece destaque, pois a capacidade de prevenção da atividade física não parece estar tão bem difundida em termos populacionais.

The aim of this study was to evaluate public knowledge on the role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and hypertension, and the factors associated with such knowledge. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Pelotas, southern Brazil, including 972 adults aged 20 to 69 years, selected with a clustering protocol. Knowledge on the preventive and curative benefits of physical activity was higher for hypertension (87.2 percent) than for diabetes (47.2 percent). Women were more knowledgeable on the role of physical activity in preventing diabetes (PR: 1.16; 95 percentCI: 1.03-1.31). In terms of treatment, greater knowledge was associated with female gender, current physical activity, obesity, subjects, and higher socioeconomic status. For prevention of hypertension, greater knowledge was observed in individuals with higher socioeconomic status (PR: 1.23; 95 percentCI: 1.11-1.36). For treatment of hypertension, physically active and obese subjects showed greater knowledge. Subjects were generally more knowledgeable on the curative role of physical activity than on its preventive benefits. Public health efforts should aim to raise public awareness on the preventive effects of physical activity against diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic non-communicable diseases.

Conhecimento dos acadêmicos de educação física sobre os efeitos da atividade física na prevenção etratamento do diabetes / Knowledge of physical education students on the effects of physical activity practice on diabetes prevention and treatment

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o conhecimento de acadêmicos de Educação Física sobre o diabetes e sua associação com a prática de atividade física e avaliar a percepção dos acadêmicos quanto à qualidade da formação para lidar com indivíduos diabéticos. Os participantes foram acadêmicos da Escola Superior de Educação Física da Universidade Federalde Pelotas. De um total de 263 acadêmicos elegíveis, 221 foram entrevistados. O percentual de acadêmicos que corretamente indicou hereditariedade, obesidade e alimentação como fatores de risco para diabetes foi elevado (>90%). Por outro lado, cerca de 1/5 dos acadêmicos não apontou corretamente a principal alteração metabólica resultante do diabetes e 14% desconheciam a associação entre prática de atividade física e diabetes. O conhecimento dosalunos tendeu a aumentar com o passar dos anos, embora os alunos do terceiro ano tenham apresentado conhecimento consistentemente superior aos do quarto ano. Pode-se concluir que o conhecimento dos acadêmicos sobre o diabetes foi satisfatório, embora alguns aspectos ainda possam ser melhorados e a maioria dos acadêmicos julgue sua formação acadêmica “não adequada” para lidar com indivíduos diabéticos.

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of Physical Education students on diabetes and its association with physical activity practice and to evaluate the perception of the students of the quality of the knowledge gained at the university to deal with diabetic patients. Participants were students of the Physical Education School at the Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil. Out of 263 eligible students, 221 were interviewed. The percentage of students who correctly indicated genetics, obesity and diet as risk factors for diabetes was high (>90%). On the other hand, around 1/5 was not able to correctly identify the most important metabolic alteration a diabetic patients has and 14% were unaware of the association between physical activity practice and diabetes. Knowledge tended to improve with the year at the university, although third year students performed consistently better than fourth year ones. In conclusion,the knowledge of the students on diabetes and its association with physical activity was adequate,although some important aspects could be improved. In spite of the adequate knowledge, most students classified the knowledge gained at the Physical Education School inadequate for dealing with diabetic patients.