ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Evidence suggests that there is a positive association between physical activity and injuries. However, few studies have examined this association in connection with the use of outdoor fitness zones (FZ) .
Objective:
To determine the association between injuries and physical activity among adults who use Fitness Zones (FZ) in the city of Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012, which involved interviews with 411 users (53.8% women) in loco at twenty FZ in Curitiba. Injuries were self-reported, and their association was tested with individual and sociodemographic variables (sex, age, marital status, schooling, household income, body mass index), leisure physical activity (walking and total physical activity) and characteristics of use of the FZ (perceived exertion, weekly frequency, time spent at the FZ, months of use, and guidance given). Poisson regression was applied, using the software STATA 12.
Results:
The rate of injuries was 3.4% and the variables tested were not associated with the outcome.
Conclusion:
The occurrence of injuries due to use of the FZ is low, and the physical activity conducted on this equipment appears to be safe for users.
Keywords:
motor activity; athletic injuries; fitness centers; epidemiologic studies; cross-sectional studies
