從分析運動熱量談當前台灣全民運動政策－比較台灣與美國民眾的運動習慣、強度與頻率
摘要
Objectives: In assessing the adequacy of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in Taiwan, a cross-country comparison is an important approach. Using the same methodology, the prevalence of LTPA was compared between Taiwan and the U.S. Methods: The metabolic equivalent (MET), a unit of exercise intensity, or calories was assigned to each LTPA reported in the NHIS 2001 (Taiwan) and the NHANES 1999-2002 (U.S.), each consisting of nationally representative samples of the respective country. Results: More than one-half of the population in Taiwan (50.2%) reported no LTPA, 2.5 times more than in the U.S. (21.3%). The proportion reaching 1,000 kcal/week in the U.S. (31.7%) was 2.5 times that in Taiwan (13.9%), but among the young adult group (25-44 yrs of age), Americans (34.3%) had 4 times more LPTA reaching 1,000 kcal/week than Taiwanese (8.5%). Among the highest educated, Americans (40.2%) were 2.5 times more likely to reach the desired LPTA goal (i.e., 1000 kcal/week) than Taiwanese (16.6%). The prevalence of LTPA decreased with age in the U.S., but in Taiwan the prevalence peaked with the elders (65 yrs of age or older), with the prevalence curve showing a unique ”U” shape. Even among the physically active, the median daily LTPA energy expenditure for Americans was 155 kcal/day with 40 minutes of exercise per day, twice that of Taiwanese who expended 78 kcal/day and exercised 20 minutes/day. Conclusions: Taiwanese are deficient in LTPA in two ways: 1) few people exercise and 2) among the few who do exercise, energy expenditure is inadequate. Six out of seven adults in Taiwan fail to meet the minimal level of exercise recommended. The proportion who exercise in Taiwan was less than one-half that of Americans, but the most serious deficiency was found among the young adults (25-44 years of age), who are potentially productive, and the college-educated or the higher income group, who are potential role models. If the inactive Taiwanese could be encouraged to become more