Centre for Physical Activity and Health, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2009 Mar 31;6:21. doi: 10.1186/1479-5868-6-21.
Physical activity (PA) is one of the most important factors for improving population health, but no standardised systems exist for international surveillance. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was developed for international surveillance. The purpose of this study was a comparative international study of population physical activity prevalence across 20 countries.
Between 2002-2004, a standardised protocol using IPAQ was used to assess PA participation in 20 countries [total N = 52,746, aged 18-65 years]. The median survey response rate was 61%. Physical activity levels were categorised as "low", "moderate" and "high". Age-adjusted prevalence estimates are presented by sex.
The prevalence of "high PA" varied from 21-63%; in eight countries high PA was reported for over half of the adult population. The prevalence of "low PA" varied from 9% to 43%. Males more frequently reported high PA than females in 17 of 20 countries. The prevalence of low PA ranged from 7-41% among males, and 6-49% among females. Gender differences were noted, especially for younger adults, with males more active than females in most countries. Markedly lower physical activity prevalence (10% difference) with increasing age was noted in 11 of 19 countries for males, but only in three countries for women. The ways populations accumulated PA differed, with some reporting mostly vigorous intensity activities and others mostly walking.
This study demonstrated the feasibility of international PA surveillance, and showed that IPAQ is an acceptable surveillance instrument, at least within countries. If assessment methods are used consistently over time, trend data will inform countries about the success of their efforts to promote physical activity.
体力活动（PA）是改善人群健康最重要的因素之一，但目前还没有国际监测的标准化系统。国际体力活动问卷（IPAQ）是为国际监测而开发的。本研究的目的是对 20 个国家的人群体力活动流行率进行比较性国际研究。
2002-2004 年间，采用标准化协议使用 IPAQ 评估 20 个国家的体力活动参与情况[总 N=52746，年龄 18-65 岁]。调查的中位应答率为 61%。体力活动水平分为“低”、“中”和“高”。按性别呈现年龄调整后的流行率估计值。
“高 PA”的流行率为 21%-63%；在 8 个国家，超过一半的成年人报告有高 PA。“低 PA”的流行率为 9%-43%。在 20 个国家中的 17 个，男性报告高 PA 的频率高于女性。男性低 PA 的流行率范围为 7%-41%，女性为 6%-49%。在大多数国家，年轻人中存在性别差异，男性比女性更活跃。在 19 个国家中的 11 个，男性随着年龄的增长体力活动的流行率明显下降（相差 10%），而在女性中仅在 3 个国家有这种情况。人群积累 PA 的方式不同，一些国家主要报告剧烈强度活动，而另一些国家主要报告散步。
本研究证明了国际 PA 监测的可行性，表明 IPAQ 是一种可接受的监测工具，至少在国内是如此。如果评估方法在时间上保持一致，趋势数据将为各国提供有关其促进体力活动努力成功的信息。
