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CDC: Walking offers opportunity to increase physical activity in US
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Data from the National Health Interview Surveys indicate that walking prevalence among US adults has significantly increased from 55.7% in 2005 to 62% in 2010, leading CDC researchers to determine that public health initiatives can promote walking as a means for improving Americans’ health.
The higher walking prevalence was found in most demographic and health characteristic categories examined (sex, age group, race/ethnicity, education, BMI, walking assistance status, region and physician-diagnosed chronic disease). After adjustments, the researchers found that walkers were more likely to meet the aerobic physical activity guidelines than nonwalkers (adjusted OR=2.95; 95% CI, 2.73-3.19).
Additionally, according to the CDC report, walking is the most frequently reported physical activity among adults who meet physical activity guidelines, as well as the most frequently reported physical activity among US adults overall.
Currently, the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic physical activity per week. Yet, only one-third of US adults report being physically active.
“Many US residents are missing the opportunity to improve their health through regular physical activity. Modifying environments and policies to improve the spaces and increase the number of places for walking might facilitate continued increases in the percentage of US residents who are physically active,” researchers wrote.
According to the report, three environmental and policy strategies can be used to promote walking in all populations:
- Create or enhance access to places for physical activity combined with informational outreach.
- Use street-scale urban design and land use policies.
- Use community-scale urban design land use policies and practices.
In response to the CDC’s recommendations, Jeremy A. Lazarus, MD, president of the American Medical Association, said in a news release:
“The AMA seeks to reduce the burden of preventable diseases through healthy lifestyle choices. Despite a variety of efforts by the AMA and others over the years, (the) CDC report shows that even though more people are walking, fewer than half of all adults get enough physical activity to improve their health.
“Physical activity has been shown to help reduce many health risks, and more must be done to encourage all Americans to make exercise a regular part of their lives. For the majority of people, walking is an easy way to be more physically active. No special equipment is needed, and walking has benefits for people of all ages.
“The AMA strongly supports the CDC’s recommendations to promote walking and urges urban planning that increases the availability of walking paths and community recreational fitness facilities that promote safe walking environments.”
For more information:
CDC. MMWR. 2012;61:1-7.
Disclosure: Researchers who contributed to the CDC report belong to various health divisions, including: CDC, the National Cancer Institute, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, and the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.