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Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Investigating physical activity knowledge and beliefs as correlates of behaviour in the general population: a
Jennifer Brunet1, Patrick Abi-Nader2, Meagan Barrett-Bernstein1
1School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Abstract:
This study examines knowledge of physical activity (PA) guidelines for cancer prevention and beliefs of the role of PA in preventing cancer as correlates of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) behaviour among adults. Measures assessing socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of PA guidelines, and PA beliefs and behaviour were completed online by 654 adults (Mage = 36.92 ± 14.61 years) with no history of cancer. Data were analyzed descriptively and using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analysis. Approximately half the sample was aware of PA guidelines for cancer prevention (49.24%) and believed that PA was extremely effective in reducing the risk of developing cancer (48.93%). Knowledge of PA guidelines for cancer prevention was associated with a greater likelihood of being active (unadjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.66, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.18-2.34; p <.01; adjusted OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.36-3.11; p <.001). Beliefs regarding the effectiveness of PA in preventing cancer was not associated with a greater likelihood of being active. There is a lack of awareness of current PA guidelines for cancer prevention. Experimental studies are needed to further explore if increasing adults' knowledge of PA guidelines for cancer prevention can enhance PA levels.
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