MODERATE AND VIGOROUS LEISURE-TIME PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY AND CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE RISK-FACTORS IN WEST-GERMANY, 1984-1991

The relationship between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and car diovascular disease (CVD) risk factors was analysed based on data of t hree cross-sectional National Health Surveys, carried out in West Germ any between 1984 and 1991. A total of 7663 males and 7722 females, age d 25-69 years, were examined. A self-administered questionnaire was us ed to assess LTPA which was defined as the mean duration of time (in m inutes) spent during the past week on 14 specified sports during the p revious 3 months. The mean time for LTPA per week was 102 minutes for males and 70 minutes for females. No significant differences were obse rved in LTPA mean duration for the three surveys. Younger age and high er social class were strong predictors for greater LTPA. In multiple l inear regression models, after adjustment for age and social class, LT PA was significantly associated with lower systolic and diastolic bloo d pressure (both sexes), total cholesterol (males only), cigarette smo king (males only) and body mass index (females only), and with higher HDL-cholesterol (both sexes). The data suggest that LTPA plays an impo rtant role if aiming at reducing CVD risk factors in the general popul ation.