Are Malaysians Exercising? A Psychometric Analysis of Their Physical Activity Habits, Physical Literacy and Exercise Participation Rates among Adults with and without Disability

Abstract

Background: Physical activity levels of adults worldwide have reported a rising trend in sedentarism. This study’s main objective is to analyze and understand the current tendency in this field and in physical literacy among Malaysian adults in order to improve physical performance. Methods: The sample from which the data were collected corresponded to 352 Malaysian participants (N = 176 non-disabled, N = 176 physical disability) using The Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities questionnaire. Results: Four factors were extracted, consisting of leisure activities, home maintenance, household chores, and career. The group with physical disability reported higher physical activity levels (14.30 MET h/day) compared to non-disabled (12.77 MET h/day), performing higher in leisure activities and light exercise. The compliance rate to health-beneficial exercise was 12.8% and was significantly higher among those with physical disability. Self-reported physical activity level correlated moderately well to overall MET performed p < 0.000, (r = 0.57). Only 2.8% of the respondents were aware of the recommendations outlined by health guidelines. Conclusion: The results indicated that the population surveyed was moderately active but had low compliance to exercise habits as recommended by international health guidelines. Non-participation in prescribed exercises was linked to higher education, urban dwellers, and higher income. The study also highlighted very low physical literacy among respondents in health recommended exercise guidelines.