Between 2020 and 2021, monitoring of physical activity levels doubled in health centers, with 2235 being evaluated for every 100 thousand users using these primary health care units.
The data were released in the report of the National Program for the Promotion of Physical Activity (PNPAF) of the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), for 2021, published this Wednesday, April 6, World Physical Activity Day.
The report reveals that, on average, two out of every 100 PHC users were evaluated, at least once, for their levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior, representing twice the value monitored at the end of 2020 (ARS Norte: 2,4 .2,7%; ARS Centro: 1,9%; ARS LVT: 1,7%; ARS Alentejo: 1,9%; ARS Algarve: XNUMX%).
According to the report, since the end of 2017, when digital tools were made available for the assessment of physical activity, more than 261 thousand consultations were carried out containing this information and results, 23,2% of which in the last year. Following the evaluations, 42645 brief advice guides were issued for the promotion of physical activity, 18% more than in the previous year.
The results of the use of digital tools (assessment and counseling) also show that, between 2017 and 2021, in Primary Health Care, users who received a second and third physical activity assessment showed a tendency to increase their physical activity. physical activity level over time.
Portuguese practiced more exercise in 2021, but sedentary time increased
In 2021, there was still a trend towards an increase in the levels of physical activity of the Portuguese, highlights the PNPAF report. According to REACT COVID 2.0, a study developed by the DGS, in partnership with the Institute of Environmental Health of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, 54,3% of respondents have adequate levels of physical activity for health promotion (46% in 2020).
On the other hand, the study reveals that sedentary time has also increased – from seven or more hours a day – from 38,9% to 46,4% of respondents.
In a statement, the DGS also states that the results suggest that physical activity and eating behavior seem to influence each other, “which underlines the importance of an integrated approach in promoting these behaviors”. Gender, age and socioeconomic status should, according to the health entity, be considered in the approach.
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