Relationship between regular walking, physical activity, and health-related quality of life.
BACKGROUND
The current physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) literature warrants further investigation with general population samples. The exploratory-focused purpose of this study was to compare total PA-HRQoL and walking-HRQoL relations, include a measure of general happiness, and to evaluate potential activity-HRQoL demographic moderators.


METHODS
A random sample of 351 adults completed an adapted Godin Leisure Time Questionnaire, the SF-36, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale.


RESULTS
Partial correlations revealed small-to-moderate associations between walking/total PA and general health, vitality, and social functioning after controlling for key demographics (P < 0.05). A dependent t-test determined walking and PA as equally related to vitality and social functioning. Multiple regression revealed annual income as a moderator of the total PA/walking-social functioning relationship [F(3,315) = 9.71 and F(3,316) = 12.03, P < 0.01, respectively].


CONCLUSIONS
HRQoL may be considered with walking interventions and annual income. The contribution of PA to overall happiness appears to be minor.
Blacklock
Rachel E
RE
School of Physical Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3N4.
Rhodes
Ryan E
RE
Brown
Shane G
SG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006240:Happiness; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007899:Leisure Activities / Q000523:psychology; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011788:Quality of Life; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology