Objective: The aim was to evaluate the changes in the prevalence of physical inactivity in the Brazilian adults from 2009-2017.
Methods: This study used a time-series research design based on the cross-sectional data of 462,498 Brazilian adults from 2009-2017. Participants were classified as physically inactive if they indicated not participating in physical activity in the last three months. The Prais-Winsten regression analyzed physical inactivity trends over time.
Results: The overall prevalence of physical inactivity was stable (p>0.05). Physical inactivity increased for women in four state capitals (annual growth rate: Goiânia 1.62%, Campo Grande 3.28%, Porto Velho 0.93%, and Vitória 2.09%) and decreased in one (annual growth rate: Rio Branco 4.50%). Physical inactivity decreased for men in four state capitals (annual growth rate: Campo Grande 4.72%, Natal 2.73%, São Luís 4.94%, and Rio Branco 2.95%).
Conclusion: The physical inactivity among the Brazilian adults was stable between 2009 and 2017. Physical inactivity increased in women from Goiânia, Campo Grande, Porto Velho, and Vitória and decreased in women from Rio Branco and in men from Campo Grande, Natal, São Luís, and Rio Branco.