摘要：Physical activity is an integral contributor to health and well-being. Evidence points to a decline in physical activity levels globally and in Canada. (1-3) This trend has a strong relationship with the increasing prevalence of obesity and non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and certain cancers. (4) According to the 2016 ParticipACTION report card on the physical activity of children and youth, fewer than 10% of Canadian children and youth are meeting the physical activity guidelines recommending 60 minutes/day moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). (3) Specifically in the province of Saskatchewan, fewer than 15% of 5-11 year olds are meeting these guidelines. (5) Furthermore, only 15% of adults nationwide are getting the recommended 150 minutes/week MVPA necessary for health benefits. (6) The proportion of Saskatchewan residents [greater than or equal to] 12 years of age engaging in moderate physical activity during their leisure time falls below the national average, (7) and the prevalence of obesity among Saskatchewan residents [greater than or equal to] 18 years of age (25.1%) is also higher than the national average (20.2%). (8)
The obesogenic environment model suggests that the direct relationship between physical inactivity and the obesity epidemic may be partly ascribed to environmental factors. (9) Environmental changes may be as effective as policy changes, but research has shown these factors to be interdependent. (10) Therefore, policy change is necessary around many built environment settings in order to significantly impact the lifestyles of the population. (10) Factors that enhance active transportation such as walking and cycling, and increased access to public transit may be positive contributors to population physical activity levels, as these forms of active transportation can replace passive automobile transit. (11-13) Land-use mix, housing density, and compact building designs have also been associated with improved walkability. (14) Active and safe routes to school have been highlighted as a means to empower Canadian children in meeting the recommended daily physical activity levels. (15) In a systematic review, 70% of the included studies reported a positive relationship between physical activity levels and active compared to passive commuting. (16) Parks and recreation settings, open spaces, and neighbourhood designs, especially in terms of walkability, have also been directly positively associated with higher physical activity. (17) It is clearly important for national, provincial and municipal governments and organizations to create and implement strategies to improve the quality of life of residents by influencing the school, work, residential, commercial and recreational environments. (18)
