Self-reported injury and physical activity levels: United States 2000 to 2002.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to compare national estimates of the incidence of self-reported all-cause and activity-specific injuries in adults with differing leisure-time physical activity levels.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from the 2000 to 2002 National Health Interview Survey. Leisure-time physical activity levels were categorized as active, insufficiently active, and inactive.

RESULTS

Age-adjusted incidences of all-cause injury did not differ by leisure-time physical activity level (active, 89.3/1000; 95% confidence interval [CI], 81.8-96.8; insufficiently active, 81.6/1000; 95% CI, 73.1-90.1; and inactive, 86.3/1000; 95% CI, 78.6-93.9). Active respondents (29.4/1000; 95% CI, 25.2-33.6) had a greater incidence of injury related to sport and leisure-time activities than inactive respondents (15.2/1000; 95% CI, 12.1-18.3), whereas inactive respondents (71.1/1000; 95% CI, 63.9-78.2) had a greater incidence of injury related to nonsport and non-leisure-time activities than active respondents (59.9/1000; 95% CI, 53.6-66.2). Results were unchanged after multivariate control for confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the incidence of sport and leisure-time injuries is associated with participation in leisure-time physical activity, no association was observed between leisure-time physical activity and overall injuries.