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Complete Indicator Profile of Physical Activity - Adults (18+) - Recommended Levels - 2008 Guidelines (HA2020 Leading Health Indicator: 6A)DefinitionPercentage of adults (18+) who do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous intensity aerobic activity. Aerobic activity should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes, and preferably, it should be spread throughout the week.NumeratorNumber of adults aged 18 years and older who report 150 minutes or more total per week of moderate or vigorous exercise where each minute of vigorous exercise contributes two minutes to the total.DenominatorNumber of adults aged 18 years and older responding to physical activity questions.Why Is This Important?Regular physical activity can improve the health and quality of life of Alaskans of all ages, regardless of the presence of a chronic disease or disability. Regular physical activity protects against heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes, depression, and anxiety. Regular physical activity maintains normal muscle strength, joint structure and function, and is essential for normal skeletal development and attainment of optimal peak bone mass during childhood and adolescence. Adults benefit from moderate physical activity, of at least 150 minutes each week.Physical activity is recognized as an independent protective factor against cardiovascular disease. Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of some cancers, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease; and improve general physical and mental health.[1] Weight-bearing activity can improve bone density, reducing the risk of hip fractures in elderly persons. Regular activity helps to relieve pain from osteoarthritis.[2] Regular physical activity is also known to improve affective disorders such as depression and anxiety, and increase quality of life and independent living among the elderly.[3] References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical activity and health: a report of the surgeon general. Atlanta (GA): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Promotion; 1996. 2. Knowler WC, Barrett-Connor E, Fowler SE, Hamman RF, Lachin JM, et al. Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. N Engl J Med 2002;346(6):393-403. 3. Kesaniemi, Y., et al. (1994). Dose-response issues concerning physical activity and health: an evidence-based symposium. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(6 suppl), S351-S358 Healthy People Objective PA-2.1:Increase the proportion of adults who engage in aerobic physical activity of at least moderate intensity for at least 150 minutes/week, or 75 minutes/week of vigorous intensity, or an equivalent combinationU.S. Target: 47.9 percent State Target: Healthy Alaskans 2020 Target: 61% How Do We Compare With U.S.?When compared to the nation, Alaskans are equally physically active.Related IndicatorsRelevant Population CharacteristicsThere are age, gender, and socio-economic related risk factors associated with physical inactivity.Related Relevant Population Characteristics Indicator Profiles:Health Care System FactorsHealth care system factors relate primarily to access to care and a reported low rate of health care provider counseling for physical activity recommendations.Related Health Care System Factors Indicator Profiles:Risk FactorsThe percentage of persons who reported no physical activity during leisure time was higher among women, older adults, people who were overweight or obese, and those with less formal education and less income.Related Risk Factors Indicator Profiles:
Health Status OutcomesSmall changes in levels of physical activity such as walking or gardening can lead to big improvements in personal health. In fact, the greatest benefits occur among those who have never exercised regularly. Even moderate amounts of exercise can substantially reduce an individual's chance of dying from heart disease, cancer, or other causes.Related Health Status Outcomes Indicator Profiles:
Graphical Data ViewsPercentage of adults (18+) who reported getting the recommended amount of physical activity, all Alaskans, Alaska Natives, and U.S., 2011-2020 
Data NotesHealthy Alaskans 2020 Target: 61%** Data Not Available Alaska data were obtained from the Standard AK BRFSS from 2011 onward. Data Sources
References and Community ResourcesCDC's Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity: www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpaThe National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has extensive resources on physical activity for patients, health care providers, and general consumers: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov The University of South Carolina's Prevention Research Centers provide resources and information about physical activity to researchers, public health practitioners, and others who are interested in promoting physical activity in their communities: http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/index.htm More information on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System may be found on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - http://www.cdc.gov/brfss/ More Resources and LinksAlaska and national goals may be found at the following sites:Maps of health indicators for various subdivisions of Alaska may be found at the following site: Evidence-based community health improvement ideas and interventions may be found at the following sites:
Additional indicator data by state and county may be found on these Websites:
Medical literature can be queried at the PubMed website. For an on-line medical dictionary, click on this Dictionary link.
Page Content Updated On 05/05/2014,
Published on 05/05/2014
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