Trends in physical activity among Canadian adults from 2007 to 2024

The objective of this study is to examine temporal trends in accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and step counts among Canadian adults from 2007 to 2024 and to assess adherence to a range of activity benchmarks, including levels below current recommendations.

Using seven cycles of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007 to 2024), this study examines MVPA and step counts over time, by age group (18 to 39, 40 to 59, 60 to 79) and by sex (male, female). Survey-weighted linear regression was used to summarize trends over time and average differences between cycles, age groups, and sexes. This study also reports adherence to the current MVPA recommendation (150 minutes per week), as well as targets below the recommendation. Adherence to a range of different step count targets is also presented.

In 2022-2024, 46% of Canadian adults were meeting the physical activity recommendation. Of the 54% not meeting the physical activity recommendation, approximately half (27%) need 5-10 more minutes per day of physical activity to reach the recommendation while the other half (27%) are accumulating less than 10 minutes per day of physical activity. Both age and sex were significantly associated with MVPA. Compared with 18- to 39-year-olds, 60- to 79-year-olds (-11.8 minutes per day) and 40- to 59-year-olds (-4.0 minutes per day) accumulated fewer minutes of MVPA. Females accumulated fewer minutes of MVPA (-5.5 minutes per day) than males. Step counts were lower among 60- to 79-year-olds (-1,272 steps per day) compared with 18- to 39-year-olds and among females (-612 steps per day) compared with males.

The findings of the present study highlight age- and sex-related differences in physical activity participation. They profile not only the proportion of Canadian adults who are meeting the recommended MVPA levels, but also the proportion who are approaching them.