| Physical inactivity is a primary risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality and is linked to all preventable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and early mortality (cigarette smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and diabetes). The purpose of this research project was to determine the proportion of former National Football League (NFL) football players that currently engage in sufficient quantities of physical activity to reduce their risk of premature mortality. A total of 2552 former NFL football players responded to a health survey which inquired about current physical activity habits and general health status.;Physical activity data was calculated into weekly caloric energy expenditure based upon type of activity, intensity, and duration of each activity. A series of analysis of variances was conducted to determine if physical activity differences existed between decade of football play, between the different football positions, and with the presence of a chronic or debilitating injury. Findings indicated that 46% of former NFL Football players surveyed currently participated in the minimal quantities of physical activity to receive protective health benefits. No difference was found in the proportion of players who are currently physically active by position of play or presence of a debilitating injury. The greatest predictor of being physically active was ace of player. Participants who played in the 1980's and later engaged in significantly (F(5, 1604) = 7.186, p < .05) greater quantities of physical activity than participants who played in earlier years 1960's and earlier.;Results of this study support the need to increase awareness of the importance of leading a physically active lifestyle to former NFL football players. This study also encourages the development of consulting programs to help retiring football players adopt healthy and active lifestyles. |
