Characteristics of inactive primary care patients: Baseline data from the activity counseling trial

Background. Although many primary care patients are inactive, being able to classify even small amounts and intensities of activity and factors associ ated with these activity levels could be helpful for physicians who are try ing to motivate their patients to become more physically active. Methods. Sociodemographics, physical activity, fitness, other cardiovascula r risk factors, and psychosocial measures were measured at baseline in the 874 patients in the Activity Counseling Trial. Patients were categorized in to three groups: (1) no moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), (2) some moderate but no vigorous activity, and (3) some vigorous activity. Mul tiple logistic regression was used to determine factors cross-sectionally a ssociated with activity intensity, Results. One or more cardiovascular risk factors in addition to physical in activity were present in 84% of participants. Maximal oxygen uptake average d 25.2 ml/kg/min 85% had poor to fair aerobic fitness. Physical activity av eraged 32.7 kcal/kg/day, with 13.5 min of MVPA/day; 26% engaged in some vig orous activity, 11% engaged in no MVPA, In unadjusted analyses, gender, age , race, education, income, employment, smoking, alcohol use, and exercise s elf-efficacy were associated with activity intensity (P = 0.05-0.001), A gr eater percentage engaged in moderate than in vigorous activity in all subgr oups. In multiple logistic regression analyses, odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for engaging in vigorous activity were 0.39 (0.28, 0.56) for wo men, 0.38 (0.19, 0.75) for 65+ compared with 35- to 44-year-olds, and 1.14 (1.06, 1.22) for 10-unit increases in performance self-efficacy score. Conclusions. Most primary care patients who are physically inactive have ad ditional cardiovascular risk factors, particularly overweight and obesity. All subgroups pursue moderate-intensity activity more often than vigorous a ctivity. Women, older persons, and those with lower exercise self-efficacy are less likely to engage in vigorous activity. (C) 2000 American Health Fo undation and Academic Press.