Background:Evaluation studies of large scale physical activity promotion programs are rare in Latin America. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the association between various forms of exposure to Academia da Cidade (PAC), a professionally supervised intervention in Aracaju (Brazil), and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA).Methods:A population-based study including 2267 adults was carried out. LTPA was assessed using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and a cut-off of 150 minutes per week was used in the analyses.Results:In fully adjusted models, having ever heard about PAC was related to an odds of 1.8 (95% CI 1.4−2.2) for reaching the 150-minutes per week LTPA threshold. Equivalent odds ratios were 1.6 (95% CI 1.1−2.3) for having ever seen a PAC class, 14.3 (95% CI 12.3−16.4) for current and 4.0 (95% CI 1.4−11.3) for past PAC participation.Conclusion:Different sources of exposure to PAC were significantly associated with LTPA, which may suggest that professionally-supervised community classes offered for free may be a successful alternative for promoting physical activity in Brazil. If PAC happens to be expanded to other Brazilian areas, intervention studies may be carried out to evaluate its effectiveness.

Which is the impact of sedentary behavior on the physical fitness of women older than 50? Qual é o impacto do comportamento sedentário na aptidão física de mulheres a partir de 50 anos de idade?Diego Augusto Santos Silva¹ Braulio Cesar de Alcantara Mendonça² Antonio César Cabral de Oliveira¹ Abstract -The purpose of this study was to verify the association between sedentary behavior and physical fitness of women aged 50 and older. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 298 women in this age range (mean, 59.8±7.2 years), divided into an at-risk group (n=103) and a non-risk group (n=195) according to sedentary behavior. Anthropometric variables were collected (body mass [kg], height [cm], triceps skinfold thickness [mm] and waist circumference [cm]), and body fat percentage was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare performance on physical tests in relation to sedentary behavior, adopting a significance level of 5%. Physical activity level was measured and physical fitness tests (flexibility, abdominal resistance, upper body strength, and aerobic fitness) were administered. At-risk women who exhibited sedentary behavior performed worst on upper body strength (12.0±0.7 repetitions) and aerobic fitness (23.3±0.5 ml/kg/min) when compared to those who had no risky behavior (p<0.05). Physical activity can be encouraged in this age group in order to minimize the effects of aging.

Elaborar o conceito de práticas exitosas em atividade física (AF) na atenção primária à saúde (APS). Para análise conceitual empregou-se as etapas: (1) seleção do conceito; (2) determinação dos objetivos; (3) identificação dos possíveis usos do conceito e (4) determinação dos atributos. Foram utilizados análise documental, questionário online, oficina e painel de especialistas. Os participantes foram gestores, coordenadores, profissionais de saúde, usuários e pesquisadores da APS das cinco regiões do Brasil. Para análise foi utilizada a análise de conteúdo, por meio do software NVivo. O conceito de prática exitosa em AF na APS foi definido como uma ação que promove aumento da AF dos participantes por meio de um processo planejado, replicável e sustentável que garante e promove a participação e autonomia. Os atributos foram: planejamento, sustentabilidade, replicação, participação e autonomia. O conceito com seus atributos é essencial para orientar o planejamento, implementação e avaliação de uma prática exitosa em AF na APS.