title: Durations and domains of daily aerobic activity: evidence from the 2010 Canadian time-use survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study employs national time-diary data to evaluate how much aerobic activity Canadians engage in on a daily basis, how that activity is apportioned by activity domain, and how subgroups within the population vary in their aerobic attainment.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study employs time-use data from the 2010 General Social Survey of Canada, for 15,390 respondents aged 15 and older. To estimate effort levels, the authors harmonized survey codes with those in the Compendium of Physical Activities. Aerobic activity was defined as moderate or vigorous effort at 3.5 Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) or higher.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 4 activity domains, aerobic participation is highest in leisure activities, followed by chores, paid work, and active transportation (AT). Only a minority (42%) of respondents recorded at least 20 mins/day of aerobic activity. Aerobic totals were particularly low for women and those in poor or fair health, and low for students, 15- to 24-year-olds, and those residing in Quebec, Ontario, and larger cities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of Canadian adults are failing to meet recommended aerobic activity levels. However, there is considerable opportunity to increase aerobic participation for some groups, particularly women and young adults, especially in the leisure and AT domains.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Geography, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors.forename: Hugh
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Millward
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Spinney J
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009864:Ontario; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D013995:Time; D055815:Young Adult