Physical Activity Levels and Preferences of Sri Lankan Middle-aged and Older Hypertensive Patients - Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Objectives: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a Family Medicine Clinic in Colombo North region Sri Lanka to determine the physical activity preferences and the amount of weekly physical activities done per week of a sample of middle aged and older hypertensive patients. Methods: A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to demographic data, intensity, amount and frequency of physical exercises done for a week and preferences for type of physical exercises. Categorical data were described using percentages and numerical data were described using means and standard deviations.Results: Total number of participants were 102. Age range – 42-86yrs. Mean age (SD) was 59.9 (11.8) years. Middle aged participants accounted for 66%. Among middle aged 27 participants (40.3%) and among elderly 14 participants (40%) did not reach the target level of daily moderate intensity physical activity levels of (> 150 min/week). For middle aged walking on the pavement (50.7%) and gardening (13.4%) were the most preferred physical activity types and for elderly walking on the pavement (60%) and a playground (23%) were the most preferred physical activities. Cycling was not preferred by any of the elderly and using a stationary exercise bike was not preferred by any of the middle aged. Conclusions: A significant percentage of participants were not achieving the adequate level of moderate intensity physical activities. Physical exercise preferences differ among middle aged and older adults. Hence physical exercise promotion programmes must be age appropriate.