Author(s)

Jia-Meng Ma, Ai Shibata, Isao Muraoka

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Background: The benefits of a recommended level of physical activity on physiological health indicators such as morbidity and mortality are well-accepted, but few researches has addressed whether or not the association between the recommended level of physical activity and a health-related quality of life (HRQOL) exists in the Chinese adults. Purpose: The present study examined whether the recommended physical activity (PA) would be associated with HRQOL in the Chinese adults. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected through an internet-based survey. Total of 1394 Chinese adults responded the International Physical Activity Question- naire-Chinese version examining whether individuals met the recommended ACSM/AHA PA guideline. Demographic data were also obtained. HRQOL was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF- 36). Multivariate analyses of covariance were utilized to examine differences in multidimensional scales of the SF-36. Results: In both genders, the recommended group had significantly higher physical functioning, vitality, and mental health scores than the inactive group. Significant differences in role physical, general health, social functioning scores were only found among the recommended and insufficient male groups. Conclusion: Individuals who attained the recommended level of PA had better scores on some dimensions of HRQOL than those who did not.

Behavior Science; Health Promotion; HRQOL; Physical Activity

Ma, J. , Shibata, A. and Muraoka, I. (2011) Relationship between meeting the recommendations for physical activity and health-related quality of life in adult Chinese Internet users. Open Journal of Preventive Medicine, 1, 94-100. doi: 10.4236/ojpm.2011.13014.