title: Is There a Link Between Physical Activity and Alcohol use?
abstract: Physical activity (PA) is discussed as a protective factor as well as a risk factor for alcohol consumption. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring a potential relationship between these behaviors. In a population-based cross-sectional study of 15,474 people living in Austria physical activity, alcohol consumption and demographic variables were assessed. Regression analysis including age and gender revealed no significant relationship between PA and alcohol consumption for the total sample. More alcohol consumption was found in men with low PA-levels. Focusing on a part of the population who consumed alcohol the weekend before, men with high PA-levels reported more alcohol consumption in comparison to men with moderate PA-levels. This study does not support a common alcohol-physical activity relationship. Prevention programs to increase PA levels from low to moderate combined with a reduction of alcohol intake in men who regularly drink alcohol should be considered.
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kopp
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Burtscher
authors.forename: Prisca
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kopp-Wilfling
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ruedl
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kumnig
authors.forename: Larissa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ledochowski
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rumpold
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D001317:Austria; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: alcohol consumption; exercise; health behavior; physical activity; population survey