Citation

Macera CA, Powell KE. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 2001; 33(6 Suppl): S635-S639.

Affiliation

Physical Activity and Health Branch, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. cmacera@cdc.gov

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11427788

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the application of population attributable risk estimates in relation to the dose-related benefits or risks of physical activity. METHODS: Assumptions and limitations of population attributable risk calculations and interpretations are reviewed and evaluated in the context of physical activity dose. Theoretical estimates are developed for several hypothetical situations. RESULTS: National estimates of population attributable risk may be inaccurate because definitions and measurement techniques applied in physical activity research studies and physical activity prevalence surveys do not correspond. In addition, it is not established whether vigorous or moderate physical activity are independent contributors, sequential categories, or interactive variables in the process of disease reduction. This information is necessary to calculate population attributable risk most appropriately. CONCLUSION: Estimates of the disease burden of physical inactivity will be improved by two advances in empirical studies: first, the pairing of prevalence and relative risk estimates for nationally representative population-based samples; and second, refined relative risk estimates for various doses of physical activity.