A systematic review of the evidence for Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults

Abstract

This systematic review examines critically the scientific basis for Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Healthy Active Living for adults. Particular reference is given to the dose-response relationship between physical activity and premature all-cause mortality and seven chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, colon cancer, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus) and osteoporosis). The strength of the relationship between physical activity and specific health outcomes is evaluated critically. Literature was obtained through searching electronic databases (e.g., MEDLINE, EMBASE), cross-referencing, and through the authors' knowledge of the area. For inclusion in our systematic review articles must have at least 3 levels of physical activity and the concomitant risk for each chronic disease. The quality of included studies was appraised using a modified Downs and Black tool. Through this search we identified a total of 254 articles that met the eligibility criteria related to premature all-cause mortality (N = 70), cardiovascular disease (N = 49), stroke (N = 25), hypertension (N = 12), colon cancer (N = 33), breast cancer (N = 43), type 2 diabetes (N = 20), and osteoporosis (N = 2). Overall, the current literature supports clearly the dose-response relationship between physical activity and the seven chronic conditions identified. Moreover, higher levels of physical activity reduce the risk for premature all-cause mortality. The current Canadian guidelines appear to be appropriate to reduce the risk for the seven chronic conditions identified above and all-cause mortality.

Evidence-based scientific exercise guidelines for adults with spinal cord injury: an update and a new guideline

“…Over the past decade, national and international agencies have developed and disseminated PA guidelines for the general population [2][3][4][5], derived from systematic reviews of dose-response evidence regarding the amount of PA required to reduce morbidity or mortality rates (e.g., ref. [3,6]). The World Health Organization (WHO), for instance, recommends at least 150 min/week of moderateintensity aerobic activity (or 75 min/week of vigorousintensity aerobic activity), plus muscle-strengthening activities twice per week [3].…”

“…Not only were studies of people with SCI essentially excluded from the systematic reviews underpinning public health PA guidelines (e.g., ref. [6]), but the potential risks of SCI-specific adverse events (e.g., upper-body over-use injuries [9], skin breakdown [10], autonomic dysreflexia [11], over-heating [12]) were not considered in relation to performing the 150 min/week guideline. Likewise, no consideration was given to the feasibility of the guideline in the SCI population.…”

Health and Economic Costs of Physical Inactivity

“…Moreover, there is convincing evidence that regular physical activity of longer duration or greater intensity provides additional health benefit (Warburton et al, 2010). According to this recommendation, the term "physical inactivity" refers to any individual that does not meet the WHO level of physical activity required for good health, i.e.…”

“…The paper also shows the strong increase of deaths due to physical inactivity compared with 2002 (5.3 million vs 1.9 million) in 2008. Moreover, physical inactivity is also a high risk factor for high blood cholesterol, overweight, obesity, atherosclerosis, musculoskeletal disorder, falls, anxiety and depression (Warburton et al, 2007;WCRF/AICR, 2007;McTiernan, 2008;Friedenreich et al, 2010a;Winzer et al, 2011;Loprinzi et al, 2012;Nunan et al, 2013).…”

A Review of Implementation Outcome Measures of School‐Based Physical Activity Interventions

“…Physical inactivity is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and other chronic diseases among adults 1. Although obesity rates are rising across all age groups, childhood obesity is increasingly associated with these negative health outcomes in later stages of life 2.…”