Health effects of physical activity.
OBJECTIVE
This article examines the potential protective effect of leisure-time physical activity on the incidence of heart disease and depression.


METHODS
The data are from the household longitudinal component of the 1994/95 and 1996/97 cycles of the National Population Health Survey, conducted by Statistics Canada. Results are based on two subsamples: 7,158 respondents aged 20 or older who were healthy and free of heart disease in 1994/95, and 7,593 respondents aged 12 or older who were healthy and free of depression in 1994/95.


METHODS
Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the effects of leisure-time physical activity on the incidence of heart disease and depression, while controlling for selected characteristics.


RESULTS
Individuals who were healthy and free of heart disease or depression in 1994/95 and who engaged in regular physical activity at a moderate level of energy expenditure had lower odds of reporting a diagnosis of heart disease or an episode of depression in 1996/97 than those who were less active.
Chen
J
J
Health Statistics Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa K1A 0T6. chenjia@statcan.ca
Millar
W J
WJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension; D015994:Incidence; D007182:Income; D007899:Leisure Activities; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012907:Smoking