The Influence of Removing the Ten-Minute Bout Requirement on National Physical Activity Estimates.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional analysis of national survey data
PubMed 32105588 · doi:10.5888/pcd17.190321
What was done
Analyzed self-reported physical activity data from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS, N = 386,960) to compare national physical activity estimates when including versus excluding bouts under 10 minutes, reflecting updates in the second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
What was found
Overall, 1.9% of adults reported physical activity in short bouts (<10 minutes). When excluding short bouts: 29.9% were inactive, 20.7% were insufficiently active, and 49.4% were active. When including short bouts: 29.1% were inactive, 21.4% were insufficiently active, and 49.5% were active.
Why it matters
Demonstrates that eliminating the 10-minute bout minimum has minimal impact on national physical activity prevalence estimates, allowing continuity in population surveillance trends.
Limits
Relies entirely on self-reported survey data, which is prone to recall and social desirability biases. Short bouts (<10 minutes) are especially difficult to recall accurately without device-based measurement.
Cited by
- supports Physical activity guidelines previously required moderate or vigorous exercise to be accumulated in bouts of at least 10 minutes, but that minimum bout duration was removed from the guidelines.