Eleven-year physical activity trends in a Swiss urban area.

OBJECTIVE

Regular physical activity is a major health determinant. Little is known about physical activity trends. We evaluated whether adult physical activity levels are changing in a Swiss urban state (Geneva).

METHOD

We analyzed 11-year trends of physical activity indicators, including 3+MET-minutes per week and physical activity outside working hours, in population representative adults (n=9320, aged 35-74years, 50% women), relating declared physical activity to socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and clinical and blood markers.

RESULTS

Combining yearly cohorts from 1999 to 2009, we found a significant trend for increased physical activity levels. Weekly age and sex adjusted 3+MET-minutes per week increased from 3023 to 3752, between 1999 and 2009 (P=0.02). The increase also concerned physical activity outside working hours (+18kcal/day/year). There was a shift from low levels of physical activity levels towards higher activities. Physical activity indicators were associated with socioeconomic status, comorbidities, and biological and anthropometric measures. The trend for increased physical activity was more prominent over the latter 5years.

CONCLUSION

We found that physical activity levels have increased in an urban Swiss state. The increase is significant but small, and further efforts to promote physical activity are therefore warranted.