title: Hours spent and energy expended in physical activity domains: results from the Tomorrow Project cohort in Alberta, Canada.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Knowledge of adult activity patterns across domains of physical activity is essential for the planning of population-based strategies that will increase overall energy expenditure and reduce the risk of obesity and related chronic diseases. We describe domain-specific hours of activity and energy expended among participants in a prospective cohort in Alberta, Canada.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Past Year Total Physical Activity Questionnaire was completed by 15,591 Tomorrow Project® participants, between 2001 and 2005 detailing physical activity type, duration, frequency and intensity. Domain-specific hours of activity and activity-related energy expenditure, expressed as a percent of total energy expenditure (TEE) (Mean (SD); Median (IQR)) are reported across inactive (<1.4), low active (1.4 to 1.59), active (1.6 to 1.89) and very active (≥ 1.9) Physical Activity Level (PAL = TEE:REE) categories.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In very active women and amongst all men except those classified as inactive, activity-related energy expenditure comprised primarily occupational activity. Amongst inactive men and women in active, low active and inactive groups, activity-related energy expenditure from household activity was comparable to, or exceeded that for occupational activity. Leisure-time activity-related energy expenditure decreased with decreasing PAL categories; however, even amongst the most active men and women it accounted for less than 10 percent of TEE. When stratified by employment status, leisure-time activity-related energy expenditure was greatest for retired men [mean (SD): 10.8 (8.5) percent of TEE], compared with those who were fully employed, employed part-time or not employed. Transportation-related activity was negligible across all categories of PAL and employment status.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For the inactive portion of this population, active non-leisure activities, specifically in the transportation and occupational domains, need to be considered for inclusion in daily routines as a means of increasing population-wide activity levels. Environmental and policy changes to promote active transport and workplace initiatives could increase overall daily energy expenditure through reducing prolonged sitting time.
authors: Department of Population Health Research, Alberta Health Services-Cancer Care, 1331-29 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. ilona.csizmadi@albertahealthservices.ca
authors: Ilona
authors: I
authors: Csizmadi
authors: Geraldine
authors: G
authors: Lo Siou
authors: Christine M
authors: CM
authors: Friedenreich
authors: Neville
authors: N
authors: Owen
authors: Paula J
authors: PJ
authors: Robson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000416:Alberta; D004651:Employment; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012179:Retirement; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014186:Transportation