Evolution of the epidemiological research on physical activity in Brazil: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE: To describe the evolution of the epidemiological research on physical activity in Brazil. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, Lilacs, Ovid, Science Direct, BioMed Central and High Wire), non-indexed Brazilian journals, query by specific authors, and contact with other researchers. The inclusion criteria were: the sample should be representative of a defined population; sample size equal to or greater than 500 individuals; data collection in Brazil; measurement of physical activity; and report of data on this variable. RESULTS: A total of 42 studies were reviewed. The first study was published in 1990, and there has been a clear growth in the number of publications since 2000. Great regional disparities were seen and most studies were carried out in the Southeast and South regions. Almost all studies (93%) used questionnaires but operational definitions of sedentary lifestyle and questionnaires used varied markedly across studies preventing result comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Although the literature on physical activity in Brazil has quantitatively increased, methodological limitations make it difficult to compare study results. Therefore, standardization of instruments and definitions is essential for the improvement of scientific knowledge in the area.