The assumption that physical inactivity is more prevalent in lower socio-economic classes is incorrect according to research carried out by Professor Sally Macintyre, Director, MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow and published in the latest Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health (JRSC).

Physical inactivity is assumed to be more prevalent in lower socio-economic groups as it is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), a disease known to be more common in lower social classes. Professor Macintyre and her team used population surveys to examine socio-economic gradients in both overall levels of physical activity and particular types of physical activity.

The population surveys show that the steep socio-economic gradients in CVD are not mirrored by similar gradients in physical activity. Professor Macintyre explains: " Our results reveal that it is the type of activity that is different between the different socio-economic groups; higher social class adults engage in more formal sports activities whilst those in lower classes tend to engage more in occupational exercise."

Professor Macintyre adds: " The sources of physical activity reinforce current government policies, suggesting that rather than focusing all health promotion attention on more formal sports and exercise, attention should be given to promoting and maintaining activity incurred during work, leisure and household chores. Physical activity derived from these everyday activities should be encouraged."

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

Sally Macintyre, Director, MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, 4 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow G12 8RZ Email s.macintyre@msoc.mrc.gla.ac.uk

Judith Hodgson, Press Officer, University of Glasgow: 0141 330 3535

Melanie Vincent, Managing Editor, The Royal Society for the Promotion of Health on +44 (0)20 7630 0121 ext 215 or by email to mvincent@rshealth.org.uk

The full article is available from The Royal Society for the Promotion of Health, 38a St George?s Drive, London SW1V 4BH Tel: +44 (0)20 7630 0121.

First published: 16 March 2004