Prevalence and correlates of resistance training in a regional Australian population

Maintenance of skeletal muscle mass and strength throughout the lifespan provides numerous health benefits and can reduce decrements in quality of life associated with aging. However, national health authorities have not widely promoted strength training to the general population. Purpose: To determine the prevalence of strength training in a regional Australian population. Methods: The Population Research Laboratory at Central Queensland University conducted a Computer-Assisted-Telephone-Interview survey (N = 1289; male = 635, female = 654) during October-November 2010. Respondents were 18 years of age or older that could be contacted by a direct-dialed, land-based telephone service. A telephone database using a computer program to select, with replacement, a simple random sample of phone numbers selected respondents. Respondents were asked demographic questions and their current resistance training status. Separate bivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between the demographic variables of gender (male, female), age (18-34, 35-44, 45-54, $ 55 years), years of education (1-10, 11-12, 13-14, $ 15 years), self-reported physical activity (insufficiently active, sufficiently active), self-rated health (poor, fair, good, very good, excellent) and participation in resistance training. Significance for each test was set at (p , 0.05). Results: Only 13.2% (n = 170) of the respondents were currently participating in resistance training. Significantly more males reported resistance training than females. Respondents $55 years of age were significantly less likely to participate in resistance training than 18-34 year old respondents. Furthermore, years of education, self-reported physical activity and self-rated health were each significantly, positively associated with participation in resistance exercise. Conclusions: The prevalence of Australian’s currently participating in resistance training is low and was found to be influenced by factors including gender, age, years of education, self-reported physical activity and self rated health. The findings underscore the need to increase education on the benefits of regular resistance training with an emphasis on targeting adult populations to increase participation in strength training programs. Practical Applications: Approximately 45% of older adults have been estimated to be sarcopenic with approximately 20% being classified as functionally disabled. However, aerobic activity is being heavily promoted (Australia: ‘‘Working Together for a Healthy Active Australia’’; Canada: ‘‘SummerActive’’, ‘‘WinterActive’’; America ‘‘Verb’’, ‘‘NFL Play 60’’, ‘‘America-on-the-Move’’) in favor of resistance exercise which can enhance the quality of life in older adults. It is vital that health initiatives be put in place to promote resistance exercise to promote quality of life in aging populations and reduce the economic burden of sarcopenia.