A1 Journal article (refereed)
Awareness and Knowledge of Physical Activity Recommendations in Young Adult Men (2019)


Vaara, J. P., Vasankari, T., Koski, H. J., & Kyröläinen, H. (2019). Awareness and Knowledge of Physical Activity Recommendations in Young Adult Men. Frontiers in Public Health, 7, Article 310. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00310


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Vaara, Jani P.; Vasankari, Tommi; Koski, Harri J.; Kyröläinen, Heikki

Journal or series: Frontiers in Public Health

eISSN: 2296-2565

Publication year: 2019

Volume: 7

Article number: 310

Publisher: Frontiers Media

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00310

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/66717


Abstract

Background: There are only a few studies that have assessed awareness and knowledge regarding aerobic type of physical activity (PA) guidelines recommendations, while no previous studies have examined muscular type of activity recommendation guidelines. The aim was to assess knowledge and awareness and study the associations with demographic variables and physical activity and fitness.

Methods: Participants were 776 young (age 26 ± 7 years) men. Awareness and knowledge of PA recommendation guidelines were assessed by prompted questionnaires together with demographic variables and physical activity. In addition, physical fitness was measured.

Results: Forty percent of the participants reported being aware of the physical activity recommendation. Moreover, 7% correctly identified the recommendations for moderate aerobic physical activity and 25% for muscular type of activity. In addition, 4% correctly identified both aerobic and muscular activity recommendations. Being aware of the PA recommendations was associated with being married or partnered, having higher education level and being more physically active during leisure-time (p < 0.05). Individuals with no awareness of the recommendations had lower results in cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness compared to those being aware (p < 0.05). Being married or partnered was positively associated with the knowledge of the muscular activity recommendations (p < 0.05). Moreover, the individuals with correct knowledge of the PA recommendations had higher levels of muscular fitness (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: A low number of individuals are aware or know the physical activity recommendations among young adult men. Therefore, more vigorous attempts to promote physical activity recommendations are needed.


Keywords: physical activeness; exercise (people); recommendations; knowledge; level of knowledge; young adults; men

Free keywords: knowledge; awareness; aerobic physical activity; muscular type of physical activity; physical activity guidelines


Contributing organizations


Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2019

JUFO rating: 1


Last updated on 2021-14-06 at 13:15