Additional evidence suggests that the levels of daily time spent sedentary are increasing due to technological advances and environmental changes where sitting has become the default behaviour in the office, transport and domestic environments. With known negative health consequences and the significant global economic burden of physical inactivity, it is concerning that the Australian Health Survey 2014–2015 revealed that close to half (45%) of Australian adults aged 18–64 years did not participate in physical activity at levels recommended by current guidelines (150 to 300 min of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 min vigorous intensity each week) in the week prior to surveying. A major global analysis revealed that in 2013 the economic burden of physical inactivity cost international health-care systems approximately (INT$) 53.8 billion. Physical inactivity is highly prevalent globally and is associated with a range of chronic disease outcomes, including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, some cancers, and shortened life expectancy. While empirical studies seek to understand the correlates and determinants of physical activity, it is critical that beliefs and perceptions enabling and prohibiting engagement are identified in order to optimise physical activity promotion in the community.
Among those categorised as inactive ( n = 198), lack of time (50.0%, 95% CI 43.0–56.8) was the most frequently reported barrier to physical activity. Some gender differences were found with a greater proportion of females (43.8%, 95% CI 38.0–49.8) reporting lose or maintain weight as their main motivation for being physically active compared to males (31.9%, 95% CI 27.7–36.6). The most frequently selected responses regarding motivation for physical activity among those categorised as active ( n = 696) were to lose or maintain weight (36.6%, 95% CI 33.1–40.3), avoid or manage health condition (17.8%, 95% CI 15.1–20.8), and improve appearance (12.8%, 95% CI 10.5–15.5). A total of 894 (40% female) Australian adults aged 25–54 years completed the survey, including items relating to motivation and barriers to being physically active.
This study examines the National Heart Foundation of Australia Heart Week Survey conducted in March 2015. As such, the underlying motivation and barriers to whether or not an individual engages in physical activity is of critical public health importance. Physical inactivity is a major global public health issue associated with a range of chronic disease outcomes.
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