Italian survey on physical activity of the members of GICR-IACPR 2012

Background and aims: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was issued in 2005 by the WHO as an international standard for the evaluation of physical activity (PA) [1-11]. The Italian Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (GICR-IACPR) is promoting nationwide calls for action aimed at the implementation of cardiovascular (CV) prevention guidelines. The awareness of cardiac rehabilitation professionals (CRP) with regards to healthy lifestyle is assumed. Methods: The IPAQ was submitted to delegates of 2012 IACPR congress. Sex, age, position and geographic location were also asked. We received 136 questionnaires back. The data were analysed using the established scoring protocol by the IPAQ Research Committee and datasets were compared to WHO global recommendations on PA for health. Results: 136 questionnaires were evaluated (years aged 50.5, 42% M), 13 were excluded after cleaning. Thus 123 tests were classified in 3 levels of PA, according to WHO rec. H:45 subjects with higher level of participation and greater health benefits. M:75 subjects who accumulate a moderate level of PA. L:3 subjects who did not meet criteria for category high or moderate. Conclusions: According to a preliminary analyses of currently available IPAQ, 61% GICR-CRP seems sufficiently active for a health benefit, 37% have additional health benefits, and only 2% is not active enough for health. Comparing these figures with those of the 2010 survey, we found an average age higher in males and an improvement in the time and intensity of PA.