Level and associated factors with physical activity among Indian public school teachers

Abstract

Background. Physical inactivity is one of the primary factors that lead to obesity and overweight. It is common problem among the population of those who are in service or work. The reason behind obesity and the lack of physical activity are multifactorial. Purpose. The present study aimed to investigate the physical activity profile of the school teacher and to identify the factors that have a significant influence on the lack of physical activity. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted via a self-reported questionnaire among primary to post-graduate grade school teachers. The data was collected based on the standardized short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the demographic questionnaire including questions about sex, age, body composition, resting metabolic rate, and vital capacity of the participants. Results. The study consisted of hundred school teachers including 58 male teachers and 42 female teachers. The average age of the male respondents was 45.02 years with a standard deviation ± 6.44, and for female respondents was 39.39 years with a standard deviation ± 5.85.  The average vigorous physical activity of male teachers was 36.31 minutes/per week, and for female teachers was 5.95 minutes/per week. In moderate physical activity, males were averagely engaged for 20.61 minutes/per week, and females were 6.82 minutes/per week. The average minutes of walking for males was 115 minutes/per week, and for females was 130 minutes per week. A significant reduction in resting heart rate was reported between inactive, minimally active, and active participants. The physical activity levels were not associated with the height, weight, body mass index, resting metabolic rate, and vital capacity of the respondents. Conclusions. As per the World Health Organization recommendations for physical activity 81% of respondents were found inactive, 7% were found minimally active and 12% of respondents were found sufficiently active. The most common form of activity was walking.