Exercise Patterns in the U.S. Navy.
Abstract
Although exercise is an important lifestyle behavior in both health promotion and disease prevention, little is known about the frequency or duration of exercise participation or the sociodemographic distribution of exercise activities in the U.S. Navy. Objectives of this study were to (a) document the exercise activities of U.S. Navy personnel, and (b) identify sociodemographic and environmental factors associated with exercise intensity. Participants were 2704 men and 334 women randomly selected for a Navy-wide evaluation of the Health and Physical Readiness Program. Although six percent of the sample were completely inactive, most individuals reported participating in several exercise activities. Leading activities included walking, running, calisthenics, weight lifting, swimming and bicycling. While the preference for particular activities was generally similar between the U.S. Navy sample and previous national survey data, the intensity of the exercise activity was higher among Navy personnel. Exercise intensity was significantly (R = .51) predicted by perceived importance of being fit, childhood athletic experience, age, and smoking behavior--the latter two in a negative direction. The Navy's health promotion and physical fitness initiatives have helped create an environment in which health and physical readiness have been afforded an unequivocal, high priority, are assessed routinely, and have direct and far-reaching career implications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 11, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA192689
Entities
People
- D. S. Nice
- Terry L. Conway
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center