Physical Activity Levels in U.S. Latino/Hispanic Adults: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

Elva M. Arredondo, Daniela Sotres-Alvarez, Mark Stoutenberg, Sonia M. Davis, Noe C. Crespo, Mercedes R. Carnethon, Sheila F. Castañeda, Carmen R. Isasi, Rebeca A. Espinoza, Martha L. Daviglus, Lilian G. Perez, Kelly R. Evenson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

93 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction Physical activity (PA) prevalence among U.S. Latino/Hispanic adults of diverse backgrounds is not well known. This study describes PA among a representative sample of U.S. Latino/Hispanic adults. Methods A population-based cohort of Hispanic/Latino adults (aged 18-74 years) participating in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos from March 2008 to June 2011 (N=16,415) was recruited in four urban areas from Miami, the Bronx, Chicago, and San Diego. Participants wore an Actical hip accelerometer for 1 week (n=12,253) and completed the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (n=15,741). Data were analyzed in 2015. Results Based on accelerometry, Hispanics/Latinos engaged in 23.8 minutes/day (10.3 minutes/day when only considering minutes from sustained 10-minute bouts) of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). Individuals of Puerto Rican and Dominican background had the most minutes/day of MVPA (32.1 and 29.1, respectively), whereas those of Cuban background had the fewest (15.3). Based on the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, 65% of Hispanic/Latinos met the aerobic component of 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Men and individuals of Puerto Rican background had the most minutes/day of leisure-time MVPA (30.3 and 30.2, respectively). Individuals of Puerto Rican and Dominican background had the most minutes/day of transportation-related PA (48.7 and 39.7, respectively). Individuals of Mexican and Central American background had the most minutes/day of work-related MVPA (90.7 and 93.2, respectively). Conclusions Among Hispanics/Latinos, self-reported data provided information on the type of PA and helped explain variability identified from accelerometer-assessed PA. These findings highlight variability in PA among Hispanics from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)500-508
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine
Volume50
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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