Physical activity trends among 26 states, 1986-1990

Data to monitor physical activity from large, representative samples are rare. Therefore, we conducted standardized telephone surveys for 26 states participating in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 1986 through 1990. More than 34,800 adults aged 18 and older responded annually. We scored leisure time physical activity data into four patterns: 1) physically inactive, 2) irregularly active, 3) regularly active, not intensive, and 4) regularly active, intensive. Over time, roughly 6 in 10 persons were physically inactive or irregularly active. While almost 4 in 10 persons were regularly active, less than 1 in 10 were regularly active, intensive. There were statistically significant decreases (-2.3%) in physically inactive persons and significant increases (+2.1%) in persons classified as regularly active, intensive. The irregularly active pattern did not change, while only men of all ages and men less than age 30 increased the regularly active, not intensive pattern (+1.7% and +3.8, respectively). Improvements across the activity patterns varied by demographic group: women and older adults made the most beneficial changes, while races other than white and the least educated groups had unfavorable changes. Despite many improvements, most persons still did little or no physical activity, signaling the need for enhanced intervention efforts.