Declining rates of physical activity in the United States: What are the contributors?

Brownson, RC; Boehmer, TK; Luke, DA

HERO ID

1060419

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

2005

Language

English

PMID

15760296

HERO ID 1060419
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 2005
Title Declining rates of physical activity in the United States: What are the contributors?
Authors Brownson, RC; Boehmer, TK; Luke, DA
Journal Annual Review of Public Health
Volume 26
Page Numbers 421-443
Abstract This review describes current patterns and long-term trends (up to 50 years when possible) related to (a) physical activity, (b) employment and occupation, (c) travel behavior, (d) land use, and (e) related behaviors (e.g., television watching). On the basis of available data, the following trends were observed according to type of physical activity: relatively stable or slightly increasing levels of leisure-time physical activity, declining work-related activity, declining transportation activity, declining activity in the home, and increasing sedentary activity. These result in an overall trend of declining total physical activity. Large differences were noted in the rates of walking for transportation across metropolitan statistical areas. A strong linear increase existed in vehicle miles traveled per person over the past half century, coupled with a strong and consistent trend toward Americans living in suburbs. Although it is difficult to precisely quantify owing to the lack of long-term data, it is apparent that a combination of changes to the built environment and increases in the proportion of the population engaging in sedentary activities put the majority of the American population at high risk of physical inactivity.
Doi 10.1146/annurev.publhealth.26.021304.144437
Pmid 15760296
Wosid WOS:000228981500019
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword community, environment, exercise, health surveys, physical activity, surveillance