Associations of type, organization, and number of recreational activities with total activity.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to examine the associations between characteristics of recreational activity and total physical activity (PA).


METHODS
Recreational activity type and number were assessed for 3385 adult respondents to the population-based Exercise Recreation and Sport Survey and categorized as "no recreational activity," "walking only," "sport only," or "combined walking and sport." Total PA was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized as "low," "moderate," or "high."


RESULTS
Odds of high total PA were 1.7 times greater among walking-only participants, 2.9 times greater among sport-only participants, and 3.3 times greater among participants in combined walking and sport compared to no recreational activity participants. Greater number of recreational activities related to increased odds of high total PA. Similar associations were observed between recreational activity and moderate total PA.


CONCLUSIONS
Participants in more than 1 type of recreational activity were less likely to have a low-active lifestyle.
Bowles
Heather R
HR
Centre for Physical Activity and Health, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Merom
Dafna
D
Chey
Tien
T
Smith
Ben J
BJ
Bauman
Adrian
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003625:Data Collection; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D011998:Recreation; D013177:Sports; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*