Measuring the level of physical activity of adults

• Published in: Ovidius University Annals, Series Physical Education and Sport/Science, Movement and Health Vol. 15; no. 2 S1; p. 575
• Main Author: Vasiliu, Ana-Maria
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ovidius University of Constanta 15.06.2015
• Subjects: Comparative analysis; Health aspects; Physical fitness; Quality of life; Sex differences (Biology)
• ISSN: 2285-777X

Aim. This study aims the quality of life having as an indicator the level of physical activity of adults. Having a complex composition, the quality of life has not an universal agreed definition. Being a construct so complex, the Australian Centre on Quality of Life describes in 2013 over 1200 instruments that measure the quality of life. Physical education and sports contribute to quality of life influencing emotional state, peer relationships, material wealth. Physical activity influences the individuals, families, companies, society as a whole. Relaxed employees having a good physical and mental tone are more productive, independent and social integrated. As objectives, we want to measure difference of the level of physical activity between male and female gender, and to observe the types of physical activities preferred for each gender. Methods. As research method we firstly used International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ. This tool is designed to observe and record the level of physical activity undertaken by adults. Through its assessing physical activity performed in the last 7 days following situations: at work, home, leisure, all circumstances involving moving subjects. The short version of the questionnaire is directed towards three situations that vary according to the intensity with which the work is done: walking (low intensity) activities with moderate and high intensity activities. We opted for the short version self-applied of the questionnaire. The second instrument used in this study is a 21 item questionnaire on which we built, with 6 open response items and 15 closed response items. Results. We applied the questionnaire on a number of 56 subjects, adults between 20 and 30 years old, 35- male gender, 21- female gender. The results are focused on finding the most relevant benefits of choosing an active lifestyle at the expense of a sedentary one. Conclusion. The conclusions aim to analyze the level of physical activity of adults and to highlight the benefits of avoiding a sedentary life and to see to what extent this tool can be self-applied without difficulties. Key words: level of physical activity, quality of life, gender, physical inactivity;