Canada’s physical activity guide recommendations are a low benchmark for Manitoba adults

Abstract

Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living (CPAG) is the national reference for messaging on physical activity for health benefits, yet few studies have examined population activity levels in relation to its recommendations. As part of the province-wide in motion initiative, we obtained a baseline measurement of the physical activity levels of adult Manitobans. Physical activity levels were benchmarked against CPAG recommendations and were compared with criteria used in previous surveys. A stratified random sample of adults from the 9 Regional Health Authorities outside of Winnipeg, and from the 12 Community Areas within the Winnipeg Health Region, was surveyed by telephone. Respondents (n = 6,536) reported all light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity of 10 min or more in the previous week. Intensity levels were corrected to reflect standard MET equivalents, using the Ainsworth Compendium. A total of 69.5% of respondents met the minimum CPAG requirements; however, only 29.1% of those did so with vigorous activity. Relative to energy expenditure, 18.3% were classified as inactive (<1.50 kcal.kg-1.day-1 (KKD)), 16.4% as moderately active (1.50 to 2.99 KKD), and 65.3% as active (>or=3.00 KKD). When assessed against the CPAG recommendations, which promote integration of physical activity into one's daily routine, a higher proportion of Manitobans met recommended physical activity levels than that reported in previous surveys, which focused on leisure activity. Given the corresponding increase in levels of obesity and chronic disease, and equivocal nutrient intake data, we recommend that the CPAG recommendations be reviewed, especially with respect to the inclusion of routine baseline activities of daily living.

Physical Activity Supports Provided by Healthcare Providers to Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

“…Thus, it appears that the overall mean physical activity level is skewed by a few select individuals who do a lot of activity. Interesting to note however, is that 64% of individuals met the CPAG guidelines with at least light activity, which is similar to other self-report studies which also included both occupational and leisure time physical activity in their analysis (Ready et al, 2009). Had we used the new physical activity recommendations for Canadians (CSEP and Participaction, 2010) which do not include light activity, we would have seen a much smaller proportion of people meeting the guidelines.…”

“…While the current study found that the majority of people met the guidelines through light activity, Ready et al, (2009) found that the main way to meet the CPAG guidelines was through moderate activity, which perhaps suggests a difference in activity choices between those with type 2 diabetes and those without. While recent research has shown that health benefits are the same for low to moderate exercise as compared to moderate to vigorous exercise when matched for energy expenditure (Hansen et al, 2009), other research reports greater health benefits from more intense exercise.…”

“…A 2009 study by Ready and colleagues found that 70% of Manitoba adults actually met the minimum CPAG recommendations, despite the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases in the province. This suggests that perhaps the guidelines are set too low when all daily activity is included, not just leisure time activity (Ready et al, 2009). Furthermore, citizen awareness of CPAG is also very low (Spence et al, 2002).…”

“…given that they include light daily activities (Ready et al, 2009 and found that 70% of individuals were in fact meeting the CPAG guidelines in one way or another, despite growing obesity and type 2 diabetes rates in Manitoba. While the current study found that the majority of people met the guidelines through light activity, Ready et al, (2009) found that the main way to meet the CPAG guidelines was through moderate activity, which perhaps suggests a difference in activity choices between those with type 2 diabetes and those without.…”

Individuals Underestimate Moderate and Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity

“…A wealth of evidence clearly demonstrates the benefits of participating in PA [1], [4], [27], [28], however despite this research, the majority of Canadians are still physically inactive [5], [6]. In a recent publication with accelerometer data from Canada’s Health Measures Survey, only 15% of Canadians are participating in 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA per week in 10 minute bouts and only 53% of Canadians participate in 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA at least one day per week [6], meaning that the majority of Canadians are not active enough for minimum health benefits.…”