Consultant: Activity and Health Research

The Research
The Allied Dunbar National Fitness Survey was the first survey (and has yet to be repeated) to have measured on a statistically reliable basis the physical activity patterns and fitness levels of the English population. The Great Britain Sports Council and the Health Education Authority commissioned it jointly to assist government and other agencies involved in sport and health promotion to develop policies and set targets in this important area of public policy. It was also designed to raise public awareness of the contribution an active lifestyle can make to fitness and health.

A total of 4,316 adults of all ages were surveyed and a significant proportion received a physical appraisal and carried out a range of fitness tests.

Measurements included:

• Levels of participation in sport and active recreation, current and past
• Physical activity at work, in housework, DIY and gardening, walking, cycling and stair-climbing
• Other lifestyle and health related behaviours
• Current health status and history of illness
• Sports related injuries
• Knowledge about exercise and attitudes
• Psychological variables including well-being, social support, stress and anxiety
• Body measurements (height, weight, skinforld thickness and hip girths)
• Blood pressure
• Muscle function
• Shoulder abduction
• Aerobic fitness

Levels of physical activity were calculated based on a combination of duration, frequency and intensity (with activities and sports assigned an intensity rating of light, moderate and vigorous) and presented on an activity level scale. The scale was related to optimum targets fro deriving a health benefit and the proportion of the population in different groups falling below these target levels was identified.

Progress to date: Completed

Reports
(not available electronically)

Allied Dunbar National Fitness Survey, Main Findings, The Sports Council and the Health Education Authority 1992

Allied Dunbar National Fitness Survey, Summary, The Sports Council and Health Education Authority, 1992;

Allied Dunbar National Fitness Survey, Technical Report, 1994