Introduction:

In recent decades, changes in the human behavioral pattern have caused the population to move less and stay longer in a sitting position. Physical activity offers health benefits but may not compensate for the time spent on sedentary behavior activities.

Objective:

To evaluate physical activity, sedentary behavior and its associated factors in adults of a public educational institution in Espírito Santo (Brazil).

Methods:

A total of 200 individuals (aged 20 to 59) in a federal educational institution of Espírito Santo (Brazil) were studied using two domains of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), extended version. The first of these domains refers to the recreation, sport, exercise and leisure physical activity, while the second evaluates the time spent in a sitting position.

Results:

Active individuals spend as much time in a sitting position as inactive subjects. Besides, older individuals recorded shorter physical activity time and are more likely to be inactive when compared to younger subjects. Those who spend more time in front of screen devices are more likely to remain more time sitting. Participants with higher education recorded higher average sitting time and screen time.

Conclusion:

Older individuals have less time to practice physical activity when compared to younger people and they are more likely to remain inactive. Individuals considered as active showed the same sitting time as inactive participants.

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