Investigating the physical activity behaviors of Canadian adults over time: Multilevel sex and age group trajectories across two decades

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Résumé (anglais)

Background: This study explores changes in the leisure-time physical activities of Canadian adults over time. Methods: Using representative panel data from the National Population Health Survey, multilevel analyses of 13,933 respondents aged 18 and older were performed to assess both overall and individual leisure-time physical activity trajectories from 1994 to 2011 and the extent to which these trajectories differ by sex and age groups. Results: With the exception of those aged 65 and older, there is evidence that as Canadians age their overall levels of physical activity increase over time. However, increases in overall physical activity levels are mainly due to increases in walking, gardening, and home exercise. Increases in these 3 activities in particular compensate for declines in engagement levels over time in most other activities. Conclusions: As the demographic shift to an older Canadian population continues, evidence of increasing overall physical activity levels across most age groups in Canada gives reason for optimism.