Physical Activity Levels Among Portuguese Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Comparison With the General Population

Introduction Physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases. Despite its well-established benefits, sedentary behavior remains highly prevalent. Physicians, as health promoters, should adopt behaviors consistent with their clinical recommendations, thereby positively influencing their patients. Objective The primary aim of this study was to perform an approximate, exploratory comparison of the self-reported physical activity levels of Portuguese Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) physicians with those of the general population, as assessed by the Special Eurobarometer 525. Secondary objectives included analysis of associated factors such as career stage, employment sector, motivations, and barriers to exercise participation. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire distributed between November and December 2024. PRM physicians practicing in Portugal, in both the public and private sectors, were included. Physical activity levels were assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). General population data were obtained from the Special Eurobarometer 525. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. Results A total of 210 physicians participated, of whom 123 (58.6%) were female, and 87 (41.4%) were male, with a median age of 38 years. Among the respondents, 80 (38.1%) reported no vigorous activity and 71 (33.8%) reported no moderate activity in the preceding week, both lower than the proportions observed in the general population (493/1006 (49.0%) and 382/1006 (38.0%), respectively). However, PRM physicians concentrated their physical activity on fewer days per week. Residents in the early stages of training reported the highest levels of physical activity. An observed downward trend was noted as career stages progressed; however, this should be interpreted with caution. This decline likely reflects a complex interplay of factors, including advancing age and shifting life-course priorities, which are inherently correlated with professional progression in this sample. No statistically significant association with employment sector was identified in this sample. The most frequently reported barrier was lack of time (n = 128; 61.0%). Conclusions PRM physicians in this sample reported higher proportions of engagement in vigorous and moderate physical activity compared with the general Portuguese population, although this comparison is approximate due to methodological differences between instruments. These findings suggest that challenges related to exercise regularity persist across advancing career stages. Institutional policies supporting work-life balance and physician well-being may be warranted.