Abstract
Background
Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sleep are positively associated with adults’ health, while the association with sedentary behaviour (SED) is negative. Light-intensity physical activity (LPA) is emerging as an independent predictor of improved cardiovascular health. The health impacts of each of these factors have been examined in isolation, but interest has increased in associations between health and movement behaviours collectively.
Data and methods
This analysis examines how reallocating time between movement behaviours is associated with obesity and with self-rated general and mental health. Data for 18- to 79-year-olds (n = 10,621) were collected from 2007 through 2015 as part of the Canadian Health Measures Survey. LPA, MVPA, and SED were measured using the Actical accelerometer. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were directly measured. Sleep and general and mental health were self-reported.
Results
Reallocation of 30 minutes from SED, LPA or sleep to MVPA was associated with a lower BMI and smaller WC, particularly for older and overweight/obese individuals. Time reallocation from SED to LPA was associated with lower BMI and smaller WC in respondents who were aged 50 or older or who were overweight/obese. Time reallocated from SED to any other movement behaviour was associated with decreased odds of reporting poor/fair rather than excellent general health. Time reallocation from SED to LPA or to sleep, but not to MVPA, was associated with decreased odds of reporting poor/fair rather than excellent mental health.
Interpretation
These findings confirm previous research indicating a strong association between MVPA and markers of obesity and health, particularly among older and overweight/obese individuals. This study also provides evidence that increasing LPA is an important health promotion message for these two subpopulations.
Keywords
Accelerometer, isotemporal substitution, physical activity, regression
Findings
Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sleep are positively associated with adults’ health, whereas the association with sedentary behaviour (SED) is negative. In addition, light-intensity physical activity (LPA) is emerging as an independent predictor of improved cardiovascular health. [Full Text]
Authors
Rachel C. Colley (rachel.colley@canada.ca) and Didier Garriguet are with the Health Analysis Division and Isabelle Michaud is with the International Cooperation and Corporate Statistical Methods Division at Statistics Canada, Ontario.
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What is already known on this subject?
- Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sleep are positively associated with adults’ health; the association with sedentary behaviour (SED) is negative; and light-intensity physical activity (LPA) is an independent predictor of improved cardiovascular health.
- The impact of each of these factors on health has been examined in isolation, but interest is growing in associations between health and movement behaviours collectively.
- Isotemporal substitution allows the effect of increasing a given movement intensity on a health outcome to be estimated while considering the intensity of movement being replaced.
What does this study add?
- Reallocation of 30 minutes from SED, LPA or sleep to MVPA was associated with a lower body mass index (BMI) and a smaller waist circumference (WC). The effect was greater for older and overweight/obese individuals.
- Reallocation of time from SED to LPA was associated with lower BMI and WC among people aged 50 or older and among those who were overweight/obese.
- Reallocation of time from SED to any other movement behaviour was associated with decreased odds of reporting poor/fair rather than excellent general health.
- Reallocation of time from SED to LPA or sleep, but not to MVPA, was associated with decreased odds of reporting poor/fair rather than excellent mental health.
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