Survey Analysis of the Correlation Between Physical Activity and Hypertension Incidents at the Car Free Day Event on Ijen Street, Malang City

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FORMOSA NEWS - Malang - Physical Activity at Car Free Day Linked to Lower Hypertension Risk, Malang Survey Finds. Physical activity during Car Free Day events in Malang City shows a significant relationship with lower blood pressure, according to a 2026 study by Anas Destyanto Ramadhan and Rias Gesang Kinanti from Malang State University. The research, conducted using survey data from participants at the Car Free Day event on Ijen Street, highlights how community-based physical activity may help reduce hypertension risk. The findings are important as hypertension continues to rise in urban populations and requires low-cost preventive strategies accessible to the public. Hypertension remains one of the most pressing public health challenges globally. Often described as a “silent killer,” the condition typically develops without symptoms but increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure. In Indonesia, hypertension cases continue to grow, driven by sedentary lifestyles, urbanization, and limited opportunities for regular physical activity. Public initiatives such as Car Free Day programs are increasingly seen as practical interventions that encourage walking, jogging, and cycling in safe environments.

Survey-Based Quantitative Analysis
The researchers used a quantitative analytical survey design conducted in November 2024 in Malang City, East Java. The study involved 52 adult participants who attended the Car Free Day event. Respondents completed questionnaires on demographic characteristics and physical activity levels, while blood pressure measurements were taken directly using a digital sphygmomanometer in a seated resting condition. Physical activity levels were calculated using a modified Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized into light, moderate, and vigorous activity. Hypertension classification followed standard clinical thresholds, with systolic pressure at or above 140 mmHg or diastolic pressure at or above 90 mmHg. Statistical analysis was then performed to examine the correlation between physical activity and blood pressure levels.

Respondent Characteristics
The survey revealed several notable demographic and health characteristics among participants:

Total respondents: 52 individuals

• Female participants: 82.7 percent.
• Male participants: 17.3 percent.
• Students: 25 percent of respondents.
• Housewives: 21.15 percent.
• Obesity prevalence: 61.54 percent.
• Average physical activity: 912.92 MET (moderate category).
• Average systolic blood pressure: 157.38 mmHg.
• Average diastolic blood pressure: 88.33 mmHg.

Most participants were categorized as experiencing mild hypertension (61.54 percent), followed by moderate hypertension (23.08 percent) and severe hypertension (15.38 percent). Physical activity levels were dominated by moderate activity (50 percent), with light activity accounting for 46.15 percent and vigorous activity only 3.85 percent.

Significant Negative Correlation Found
Statistical analysis identified a significant negative correlation between physical activity and blood pressure. Higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Key findings include:

• Correlation between physical activity and systolic pressure: r = -0.474.
• Significance value for systolic pressure: p = 0.000.
• Correlation between physical activity and diastolic pressure: r = -0.377.
• Significance value for diastolic pressure: p = 0.006.
• Physical activity explained 22.4 percent of systolic blood pressure variation.
• Physical activity explained 14.2 percent of diastolic blood pressure variation.

These results indicate that increased participation in physical activity during Car Free Day is associated with measurable reductions in blood pressure levels among participants.

Policy and Public Health Implications

The findings offer several implications for urban health policy and community planning:

• Car Free Day programs may serve as preventive health interventions.
• Public spaces that encourage walking and cycling support cardiovascular health.
• Community-based exercise can reduce dependence on medication.
• Local governments can integrate physical activity campaigns into urban planning.
• Health education programs can promote weekly participation in Car Free Day.

The study also reinforces the importance of accessible physical activity for urban populations. Unlike structured exercise programs, Car Free Day events require minimal cost and are open to all age groups.

Author Profiles
Anas Destyanto Ramadhan is a public health researcher from Malang State University specializing in physical activity and non-communicable disease prevention. 

Rias Gesang Kinanti is an academic at Malang State University with expertise in health science and physical activity research. 

Sources
Ramadhan, Anas Destyanto & Kinanti, Rias Gesang. 2026. Survey Analysis of the Correlation Between Physical Activity and Hypertension Incidents at the Car Free Day Event on Ijen Street, Malang City. Formosa Journal of Sustainable Research, Vol. 5 No. 2. Hal.129-138.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjsr.v5i2.21
URL: https://journalfjsr.my.id/index.php/fjsr