Level of physical activity among persons from Independent Cultural Centers according to the IPAQ classification

Abstract

In times of prevailing civilization diseases physical activity has become not only a vital element of a healthy lifestyle but also a duty of every human being. Subsequently published studies present the levels of physical activity in various socio-professional groups and the degree to which they meet health promotion recommendations. The challenge of today's times however is the search for new, often atypical or niche social groups and their efforts in undertaking and promoting physical activity. Such a type of group undoubtedly includes persons in the Independent Cultural Centers (ICCs) operating in Poland. The research conducted among them is probably the first attempt to get to know this social group and, above all, the physical activity undertaken by its members. Despite the fact that the activities of Independent Cultural Centers are organized in a bottom-up manner, in accordance with the Do It Yourself principle, their initiatives, including those related to physical culture, enable participants to achieve beneficial health outcomes. The results of the conducted research show that, following the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) criteria, a vast majority of the respondents are sufficiently and highly active. Moreover, compared to similar groups in other respects, they also come out more favorably.

Keywords

• Physical activity
• Independent Cultural Centers
• IPAQ