Relationship Between Regular Walking, Physical Activity, and Health-Related Quality of Life
in Journal of Physical Activity and HealthClick name to view affiliation
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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.
The authors are with the School of Physical Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3N4.
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