Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Twenty-year trends in physical activity among Canadian adults
Cora L Craig1, Storm J Russell, Christine Cameron
1Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, Ottawa, ON. ccraig@cflri.ca
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.
Related Concept Videos
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Levels of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention
In primary prevention, actions taken before disease onset prevent the disease from...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
