Physical Exercise in Argentine Physicians: a Survey on Their Habits and Attitudes Towards Physical Activity

pp. 26-33

Abstract

Background
Sedentarism is associated with higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and is increasing in the general population. Physicians should have the best preparation to instruct patients on physical activity. There are, however, no validated local data regarding physician’s habits and attitudes towards physical exercise.
Objectives
The aim of the study was to analyze the characteristics of physical activity in a medical population, determine the attitude towards patients regarding exercise, study the relationship between physical activity and age, gender and specialty and evaluate the risk factors of this population.
Methods
We surveyed physicians from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and the Greater Buenos Aires using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). To assess the physical activity level a scale based on weekly METS (< 600 METS = low physical activity, > 3000 METS = vigorous physical activity) was applied. 

Results
Five hundred and fifty physicians were included (53% male, mean age 38 years). Physical activity levels were low, moderate or vigorous in 37.5%, 57.5%, and 5% of cases, respectively. Eighty percent of the medical population liked to exercise, 92% recommended exercise to their patients and 97% saw it as beneficial for health. The main reason for not performing exercise was
lack of time. Men performed more vigorous physical activity than women (20 vs. 15%, p <0.01). Cardiology was the specialty which recommended exercise more frequently to patients (75%).
Conclusions
In this medical population there was a lower prevalence of low physical activity than in the general population, independently of gender, age group or specialty analyzed. Exercise recommendation to patients was generally high, though more elevated in clinical specialties.