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Measuring active living in Canada: A time-use...
Journal article

Measuring active living in Canada: A time-use perspective

Abstract

In Canada there is an increasing prevalence of chronic medical conditions and diseases related to a modifiable risk factor – physical inactivity. Therefore, it is important to have regular, robust, population-based surveillance of physical activity engagement that can be used to develop policy interventions and measure their success. The primary objective of this study is to describe the methods used to quantify the proportion of Canadians engaging in physical activities at the intensities and durations required to either maintain or enhance their health. Results indicate the overall proportion of Canadians meeting maintenance levels of physical activity has increased between 1992 (76.2%), 1998 (77.3%), and 2005 (82.5%), but over the same time the proportion meeting enhancement levels of physical activity has decreased (38.1%, 36.6%, and 30.6%, respectively). Furthermore, the results demonstrate the potential applications of time-use data for public health and quality of life research.

Authors

Spinney JEL; Millward H; Scott DM

Journal

Social Science Research, Vol. 40, No. 2, pp. 685–694

Publisher

Elsevier

Publication Date

January 1, 2011

DOI

10.1016/j.ssresearch.2010.09.003

ISSN

0049-089X

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