Trends in leisure-time physical activity participation by sex and age in Brazil: insights from Vigitel 2013-2023.

Authors

Tatiana Rehder Gonçalves, Mauro Felippe Felix Mediano, Cristiane Costa Fonseca, Gisele Lemes Veiga Araujo, Luciana Alhadef de Aguiar Oliveira, Pedro Henrique Neres da Silva, Gabriela Kimie de Azevedo Kimura, Alex Antonio Florindo, Pedro Curi Hallal, Vitor Barreto Paravidino

Published in

BMC public health. Volume 26. Issue 1. Jul 10, 2026. Epub Jul 10, 2026.

Abstract

Leisure-time PA (LTPA) provides important health benefits. This study examined time trends in LTPA among Brazilian adults from 2013 to 2023, overall and by sex and age.
Data from Vigitel survey covering all Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District were used. LTPA was assessed by self-reported participation at least once/week, frequency and duration over the last three months.
Overall, LTPA participation increased from 45.1% in 2013 to 54.6% in 2023 (p-value < 0.001). Frequency of 3-4 days/week increased from 33.8% to 35.8% (p-value = 0.01) and 5-6 from 24.9% to 29.2% (p-value = 0.004). Duration 10-29 min/session increased from 2.1% to 2.7% (p-value < 0.001), 30-59 from 12.0% to 15.0% (p-value < 0.001), and ≥ 60 from 30.9% to 36.7% (p-value < 0.001). Although women had overall lower levels of LTPA participation, they exhibited a greater increase in the rate of change compared to men (11.5% vs. 7.0%; p-value for interaction = 0.004). Distinct patterns of change in LTPA frequency were also observed between sexes. Older groups presented lower prevalence of LTPA participation overall. All age groups increased LTPA participation over time (18-40: 51.7% to 59.7%; 40-64: 39.1% to 52.2%; 65-79: 38.4% to 45.6%; >80years: 25.9% to 34.2%), with a greater increase for those aged 40-64 (p-value for interaction < 0.001). Distinct patterns of change in LTPA frequency were also observed across age groups.
From 2013 to 2023, LTPA participation prevalence and session patterns increased in Brazil across sex and age. These findings emphasize the importance of ongoing surveillance to inform public health policies promoting PA.

PMID:
42432592
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 11 Jul 2026.

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