Hours spent and energy expended in physical activity domains: Results from The Tomorrow Project cohort in Alberta, Canada

Abstract

BackgroundKnowledge of adult activity patterns across domains of physical activity is essential for the planning of population-based strategies that will increase overall energy expenditure and reduce the risk of obesity and related chronic diseases. We describe domain-specific hours of activity and energy expended among participants in a prospective cohort in Alberta, Canada.MethodsThe Past Year Total Physical Activity Questionnaire was completed by 15,591 Tomorrow Project® participants, between 2001 and 2005 detailing physical activity type, duration, frequency and intensity. Domain-specific hours of activity and activity-related energy expenditure, expressed as a percent of total energy expenditure (TEE) (Mean (SD); Median (IQR)) are reported across inactive (<1.4), low active (1.4 to 1.59), active (1.6 to 1.89) and very active (≥ 1.9) Physical Activity Level (PAL = TEE:REE) categories.ResultsIn very active women and amongst all men except those classified as inactive, activity-related energy expenditure comprised primarily occupational activity. Amongst inactive men and women in active, low active and inactive groups, activity-related energy expenditure from household activity was comparable to, or exceeded that for occupational activity. Leisure-time activity-related energy expenditure decreased with decreasing PAL categories; however, even amongst the most active men and women it accounted for less than 10 percent of TEE. When stratified by employment status, leisure-time activity-related energy expenditure was greatest for retired men [mean (SD): 10.8 (8.5) percent of TEE], compared with those who were fully employed, employed part-time or not employed. Transportation-related activity was negligible across all categories of PAL and employment status.ConclusionFor the inactive portion of this population, active non-leisure activities, specifically in the transportation and occupational domains, need to be considered for inclusion in daily routines as a means of increasing population-wide activity levels. Environmental and policy changes to promote active transport and workplace initiatives could increase overall daily energy expenditure through reducing prolonged sitting time.

Are Physical Activity Levels Linked to Nutrient Adequacy? Implications for Cancer Risk

“…The gradual incorporation of nonexercise physical activities into daily occupational (31), transportation (32,33), and household routines could be the most feasible strategy for increasing energy expenditure for large numbers of individuals. Indeed, we observed that amongst those who are most active in the Tomorrow Project, nonleisuretime activities, primarily occupational, contributed the largest portions of energy expenditure to activity-related energy expenditure (34). Others have reported similar findings (35) and it has been suggested that nonexercise energy expenditure can vary by as much as 2000 kcal per day between individuals of similar weight (36).…”

Alberta’s Tomorrow Project: adherence to cancer prevention recommendations pertaining to diet, physical activity and body size

“…One challenge in understanding the effects of activity on health is that there is little consensus on how to assess activity in free-living people. Previous research on a subgroup of the ATP cohort has demonstrated relatively low levels of leisure-time activity compared with occupational and household activities ( 51 ) , and it has also been reported previously that ATP participants take part in insufficient leisure-time activity for cancer risk reduction ( 52 ) . Although the personal recommendation does not specify types of activity, the WCRF/AICR Panel did note that all forms of physical activity protect against some cancers.…”

Women Workers and Women at Home Are Equally Inactive

“…Similarly, most physical activity questionnaires do not accurately assess the various work related activities typically involved in homemaking or work outside the home (24). Based on self-report, previous studies suggest that homemakers obtain less total physical activity (24), have lower overall activity-related energy expenditure (7), and are less likely to participate in vigorous leisure-time physical activity (25), than EW. A recent study conducted by the PEW Research Center found that stay-at-home mothers reported spending more time on childcare, housework, leisure activities, and sleep more than working mothers (6).…”