Not sending the message: A low prevalence of strength-based exercise participation in rural and regional Central Queensland

© 2015 National Rural Health Alliance Inc. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of current strength-based exercise in rural and regional populations of Central Queensland. The secondary aim was to examine the proportion of residents from various demographic groups who currently partake in strength-based exercise to allow for targeted strength training campaigns. Design: A cross-sectional, survey-based experimental design was followed. Setting: Rural and regional Australia. Participants: Rural and regional community-dwelling individuals living in Central Queensland and aged 18 years and older. Intervention: Survey data was collected in October and November 2010 as part of the Central Queensland University Social Survey. Main outcome measures: Strength-based exercise participation, gender, age, income, years of education, self-reported physical activity and perception of health. Results: Participation in strength-based exercise was 13.2%. Women were less likely to partake in strength-based exercise than male, and ≥55 year old adults were less likely to partake in strength-based exercise than 18-34 year old adults. Participation in strength-based exercise was found to increase with years of education, self-reported physical activity and self-rated health. Conclusion: The prevalence of adults in rural and regional Central Queensland engaging in strength-based exercise is low. Exercise physiologists, clinicians and government officials must work together to ensure that this form of exercise is acknowledged as a vital component of health in rural and regional areas.