Impact of physical activity on the risk of developing non-communicable diseases – A study of 912 individuals from Laconia, Greece

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the physical activity levels and the risk for development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the residents (35-65 years) of the Municipality of Laconia, Greece. A random sample of 912 individuals was selected from the population of Laconia, Greece. A quantitative questionnaire was employed for the collection of: demographic characteristics (age, height, weight, family status, education level, vocation, location), physical activity levels (during work, home and leisure time), and NCD risk-levels in 16 systems of the organism. T-test and ANOVA was carried out to determine differences between individuals based on demographic characteristics and multiple regression analysis to determine association between physical activity levels and risk for development of non-communicable diseases. Results showed that there are significant differences in physical activity between individuals with respect to the demographic characteristics studied. The leisure time physical activity levels were found to be significant determinants for the risk of development of NCDs. There is an inverse association, and the higher the physical activity levels of the individuals the lower is the risk for the development of NCDs. It is concluded that the increased levels of physical activity levels during leisure time lower the risk for the development of NCDs in the residents of the Municipality of Laconia, Greece aged 35-65 years. Health care professionals should strongly recommend individuals to adopt a more active lifestyle during leisure time and to exercise regularly in order to lower the risk for developing NCDs like obesity, diabetes type II, cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer.