2016, Volume 8, Issue 1

Characteristics of leisure sports activity in a population with high cardio-vascular disease mortality

Mikola Misjuk¹, Margit Kaldmäe², Margus Annuk², Margus Viigimaa<sup>3

1</sup>Institute of Health Sciences and Sport, Tallinn University
²Institute of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tallinn University
³Institute of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tallinn University of Technology


Author for correspondence: Mikola Misjuk; Institute of Health Sciences and Sport, Tallinn University; email: mikola.misjuk[at]tlu.ee

Full text

Abstract

Background: This paper will study factors behind leisure sports activity. Physical inactivity is a cause of cardiovascular diseases; therefore, it is important to know the factors related to sporting activity. The study is conducted on a sample from Estonia, which is a country with very high mortality from cardiovascular diseases.

Material and methods: The study involved 1184 participants – 639 women (aged 45.7 ±12.4 years) and 545 men (aged 45.5 ±12.1 years). The following information was gathered: leisure sports activity, age, sex, marital status, ethnicity, income, education, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity at work. Participants were divided into three groups using a leisure sports activity level: 1) inactive; 2) insufficient sporting activity; 3) at least minimal recommended sporting activity.

Results: Statistically significant relationship (p > 0.05) was found between leisure sports activity and ethnicity, education, and income. This relationship is confirmed for men and women. In addition, statistically significant relationship was found between leisure sports activity and age, marital status, smoking, and physical activity at work for men.

Conclusions: Policymakers should pay more attention to people who belong to the risk groups of low physical activity.

Key words: leisure, sports activity, MET, Estonia