Trends in Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines Among Urban and Rural Dwelling Adults - United States, 2008-2017

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2019 Jun 14;68(23):513-518. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6823a1.

Abstract

Since the release of the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (https://health.gov/paguidelines/2008/pdf/paguide.pdf), the age-adjusted percentage of adults meeting the combined aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines increased from 18.2% to 24.3% in 2017 (1). Trends in urban and rural areas, across demographic subgroups, and among subgroups within urban and rural areas have not been reported. CDC analyzed 2008-2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data to examine trends in the age-standardized prevalence of meeting physical activity guidelines among adults aged ≥18 years living in urban and rural areas. Among urban and rural residents, prevalence increased from 19.4% to 25.3% and from 13.3% to 19.6%, respectively. Nationally, all demographic subgroups and regions experienced increases over this period; increases for several groups were not consistent year-to-year. Among urban residents, the prevalence was higher during 2016-2017 than during 2008-2009 for all demographic subgroups and regions. During the same period, prevalence was higher across all rural-dwelling subgroups except Hispanics, adults with a college education, and those living in the South U.S. Census region. Urban and rural communities can implement evidence-based approaches, including improved community design, improved access to indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, social support programs, and community-wide campaigns to make physical activity the safe and easy choice for persons of all ages and abilities (2-4). Incorporating culturally appropriate strategies into local programs might help address differences across subgroups.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Guideline Adherence / trends*
  • Guidelines as Topic*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult