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Twenty-year Trends in Physical Activity Among Canadian Adults

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Abstract

Objective

Physical inactivity is associated with increased risk of mortality and chronic diseases, yet trend information is lacking in most countries. This investigation examines physical activity levels of Canadian adults aged 18 years and older.

Methods

Data were collected in six national surveys between 1981 and 2000. Sample sizes ranged from 2,500 to 18,000. Prevalences were tested using Chi-square and Student’s t-tests. Socio-demographic correlates were examined using odds ratios adjusted for age, sex, education and income.

Results

Physical activity increased in the 1980s and 1990s among men and women and for all age, education and income groups (p<0.01). Although education differentials narrowed over the period, age differentials widened and income differentials emerged.

Discussion

The positive trend in Canada is consistent with Finland, but contrary to recent trends for Australia, England and the United States. Despite increases, sedentary living remains a public health issue particularly among women, older adults and lower income groups.

Résumé

Objectif

La sédentarité a beau être associée à un risque accru de mortalité et de maladie chronique, la plupart des pays n’ont pas d’information tendancielle sur la question. Notre étude porte sur les niveaux d’activité physique des Canadiens adultes (18 ans et plus).

Méthode

Les données proviennent de six enquêtes nationales menées entre 1981 et 2000 auprès d’échantillons de 2 500 à 18 000 personnes. Les taux de prévalence ont été testés par les méthodes du khi-carré et du test t de Student. Les corrélats socio-démographiques ont été analysés à l’aide de rapports de cotes ajustés selon l’âge, le sexe, le niveau d’instruction et le revenu.

Résultats

L’activité physique a augmenté dans les années 1980 et 1990 chez les hommes et les femmes et pour l’ensemble des groupes d’âge, des niveaux d’instruction et des catégories de revenu (p<0,01). Les écarts liés à l’instruction ont rétréci au cours de la période, mais ceux liés à l’âge se sont creusés, et des écarts liés au revenu sont apparus.

Discussion

La tendance haussière au Canada est conforme à celle que l’on retrouve en Finlande, mais va dans le sens contraire des tendances observées récemment en Australie, en Angleterre et aux États-Unis. Malgré les hausses, la sédentarité demeure un problème de santé publique, surtout chez les femmes, les personnes âgées, et dans les catégories de revenu inférieures.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, 201-185 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON, K2P 0J2, Canada

    Cora L. Craig MSc & Christine Cameron BA

  2. SJR Research Consultants, Ottawa, ON, Canada

    Storm J. Russell PhD

  3. University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

    Adrian Bauman PhD

Authors
  1. Cora L. Craig MSc
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  2. Storm J. Russell PhD
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  3. Christine Cameron BA
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  4. Adrian Bauman PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cora L. Craig MSc.

Additional information

Acknowledgements: The 1981 Canada Fitness Survey was supported by Physical Activity Unit of Health Canada (formerly Fitness and Amateur Sport) and the 1988 survey was funded by Fitness Unit of Health Canada, National Health Research and Development (Grant No 6606-3217-46) and Campbell Soup Company Ltd. The 1995 to 2000 surveys were funded by Fitness Unit of Health Canada and the Interprovincial Sport and Recreation Council.

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Craig, C.L., Russell, S.J., Cameron, C. et al. Twenty-year Trends in Physical Activity Among Canadian Adults. Can J Public Health 95, 59–63 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403636

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