Trends in leisure-, transport-, and work-related physical activity in Canada 1994–2005

doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2010.09.002

Preventive Medicine

Volume 51, Issue 5, November 2010, Pages 384-386

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2010.09.002 Get rights and content

Abstract

Background

In Canada, data show adults had a lower energy intake in 2004 than in 1972. Data also show adults expended more energy through leisure-time physical activity in 2000 than in 1981. On the other hand, the prevalence of overweight and obesity (combined) rose from 49.2% to 59.1% between 1978 and 2004.

Purpose

This study aimed to chart trends in leisure-, transport-, and work-related physical activity in Canada between 1994 and 2005.

Methods

We used nationally representative data from the three National Population Health Surveys (1994, 1996, and 1998) and the three Canadian Community Health Surveys (2000, 2003, and 2005) (a repeated cross-sectional design). Sample sizes ranged from n = 17 626 (in 1994) to n = 132 221 (in 2005).

Results

Between 1994 and 2005, men became less inactive during leisure time (− 9.94% [9.89%–9.98%]), less inactive during transports (− 15.31% [15.26%–15.35%]), and more inactive at work (+ 5.18% [5.14%–5.22%]). Similar results were found for women.

Conclusions

Declining levels of physical activity at work may help explain the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity in Canada.

Introduction

In 2004, Canadian adults had a lower energy intake than in 1972 (Garriguet, 2004). As well, in 2000, Canadian adults expended more energy through leisure-time physical activity than in 1981 (Craig et al., 2004). Nonetheless, the prevalence of overweight and obesity (combined) among Canadian adults rose from 49.2% to 59.1% between 1978 and 2004 (Tjepkema, 2005). Since a positive energy balance is required for weight gain to occur, we hypothesized that Canadians may have become more inactive during transports or at work. Indeed, declining levels of physical activity during transports or at work and the accompanying decline in energy expenditure at the population level may have tipped the scale toward a positive energy balance, thus helping to explain the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity in Canada. This study aimed to chart trends in leisure-, transport, and work-related physical activity in Canada between 1994 and 2005.

Section snippets

Methods

In a repeated cross-sectional design, we analyzed data from six nationally representative health surveys. These were the National Population Health Surveys (1994, 1996, and 1998–1999) and the Canadian Community Health Surveys (2000–2001, 2003, and 2005) (Statistics Canada, 1996–2006). Sample sizes ranged from n = 17 626 (in 1994) to n = 132 221 (in 2005). Surveys were representative of roughly 98% of the population aged ≥ 12 years. Statistics Canada's sample weights were used throughout.

Our independent

Results

There was a significant downward trend for inactivity during leisure time and transports for men (p < 0.001) and women (p < 0.001) (Fig. 1). Conversely, there was a significant upward trend for inactivity at work for men (p < 0.001) and women (p < 0.001) (Fig. 1). Between 1994 and 2005, men became less inactive during leisure time (− 9.94% [9.89%–9.98%]), less inactive during transports (− 15.31% [15.26%–15.35%]), and more inactive at work (+ 5.18% [5.14%–5.22%]) (Table 1). Similar results were found for

Discussion

This study's objective was to chart trends in leisure-, transport-, and work-related physical activity in Canada between 1994 and 2005. Our hypothesis was that Canadians may have become more inactive during transports or at work. Results show that Canadian adults have become less inactive during leisure time and transports and more inactive at work. Our hypothesis was thus only partially verified.

Traditionally, physical activity guidelines and promotion have focused on leisure-time physical

Conclusion

Between 1994 and 2005, Canadian adults have become less inactive during leisure time and transports and more inactive at work. Since most Canadians spend the majority of weekdays at work, declining levels of physical activity at work may help explain the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity in Canada.

Funding

Carl-Etienne Juneau is funded by the Fonds de recherche en santé du Québec, the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, the University of Montreal Public Health Research Institute, the University of Montreal, and the Quebec Inter-University Centre for Social Statistics. The funding sources were not involved in the writing of this paper.

Conflict of interest statement

We declare no conflict of interest.

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Brief Original ReportTrends in leisure-, transport-, and work-related physical activity in Canada 1994–2005

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Introduction

Section snippets

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Funding

Conflict of interest statement

Prev. Med.

Measuring trends in leisure: the allocation of time over five decades

Q. J. Econ.

Twenty-five-year trends in physical activity of 30- to 59-year-old populations in eastern Finland

Med. Sci. Sports Exerc.

Declining rates of physical activity in the United States: what are the contributors?

Annu. Rev. Public Health

Twenty-year trends in physical activity among Canadian adults

Can. J. Public Health

Overview of Canadians' eating habits. Nutrition

Limitations of Canada's physical activity data: implications for monitoring trends

Can. J. Public Health

Brief Original Report
Trends in leisure-, transport-, and work-related physical activity in Canada 1994–2005