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Health effects of physical activity
1Health Statistics Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa K1A 0T6. chenjia@statcan.ca
Objectives:
This article examines the potential protective effect of leisure-time physical activity on the incidence of heart disease and depression.
Data Source:
The data are from the household longitudinal component of the 1994/95 and 1996/97 cycles of the National Population Health Survey, conducted by Statistics Canada. Results are based on two subsamples: 7,158 respondents aged 20 or older who were healthy and free of heart disease in 1994/95, and 7,593 respondents aged 12 or older who were healthy and free of depression in 1994/95.
Analytical Techniques:
Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the effects of leisure-time physical activity on the incidence of heart disease and depression, while controlling for selected characteristics.
Main Results:
Individuals who were healthy and free of heart disease or depression in 1994/95 and who engaged in regular physical activity at a moderate level of energy expenditure had lower odds of reporting a diagnosis of heart disease or an episode of depression in 1996/97 than those who were less active.