LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF WOMEN AND MEN FROM INDEPENDENT CULTURAL CENTERS IN POLAND

Background
The aim of this study was to identify the level of physical activity of members of Independent Cultural Centers (ICCs) operating in Poland. The choice of this group was dictated by the desire to identify unconventional initiatives (including various types of physical activities) that differentiate the group from previously researched socio-professional groups.

Material and methods
The study included participants from all ICCs in Poland, represented by 38 women and 66 men aged 19 to 46 years. To assess their level of physical activity, the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ short) was used.

Results
For both sexes, physical activity at intensity levels of vigorous (VPA), moderate (MPA), light (walking) (LPA), as well as the total physical activity (TPA) of the subjects, were measured. Among men, weekly VPA energy expenditure was 1281.2 MET-min/week (SD = 763.6) and among women 1162.7 MET-min/wk. (SD = 644.6). For MPA, analysis of the results showed an energy expenditure of 918.8 MET-min/week (SD = 650.6) in women and 772.3 MET-min/week (SD = 455.5) in men. Weekly LPA energy expenditure was 1342 MET-min/ week in men (SD = 827.2) and 1341.3 MET-min/week in women (SD = 823.6).

Conclusions
Respondents from the ICCs constituted a group characterized by positive physical activity scores. Women had higher results compared to men in the VPA, MPA and TPA analyses, although these differences were not statistically significant. The respondents’ results were also more favorable in relation to groups of students and members of other Polish associations and non-governmental organizations.