Physical activity, musculoskeletal fitness, and weight gain in the Canadian population

Background. Understanding population patterns for physical activity (PA) and musculoskeletal fitness (MSF) is important for public health interventions. PA requires further study as a potential predictor of changes in body mass, adiposity, and MSF. Objective. To examine the stability of PA and MSF over 7 y in the Canadian population, and to determine if either baseline PA, follow-up PA, and/or changes in PA can predict 7-y changes in body mass, adiposity, or MSF. Design. Data from the 1981 Canada Fitness Survey and its 7-y follow-up, the Campbell's Survey, were analyzed. A sample of 951 males and 958 females, aged 11–69, were divided into 2-y age groups in childhood (11–18y) and 10-y age groups in adulthood (19–69) for the stability analyses. For the prediction analyses, the sample consisted of 602 males and 644 females, aged 20–69. Measurements. PA measures were activity energy expenditure (AEE), time on activity, and PA intensity. MSF indicators were sit-ups, push-ups, grip strength, and sit-and-reach flexibility. Anthropometric measures were comprised of body mass, the sum of five skinfolds (SF5), and waist circumference (WC). (Abstract shortened by UMI.)