Population Studies (Objective)
Purpose
The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute’s objective, population studies represents cross-sectional, nationally representative data. A cross-sectional study examines a population at a single point in time. In the case of the CFLRI, some data is collected based on parental reports on behalf of their children and youth (or self-reported for the oldest youth) but physical activity is measured objectively through the use of pedometers to measure steps taken in a day. Participants are recruited to the study through telephone interviewing, then a package is distributed to participants with the pedometer for the participants to use and collect data. The objectively measured population study is called Canada’s Physical activity Levels Among Youth Study (or CANPLAY study).
The primary research goals of objectively measured, population studies are to understand:
01
physical activity levels of children and youth
02
how associated factors influence participation
03
secular trends over time by comparing cross-sectional data at multiple periods over time
CANPLAY Study
What is it?
CANPLAY examines physical activity levels of children and youth, aged 5 to 19 objectively, using a pedometer to measure the number of steps taken daily. This landmark study provides provincial and territorial level data.
How was it developed?
Parental reports of children’s physical activity level can be challenging given the sporadic nature of activity levels and issues with recall. In response to the need for objective measurement, CANPLAY was designed in 2004.
How was data collected?
Between 2005 and 2016, approximately 3,000 to 10,000 children and youth per year have been randomly selected from across Canada and invited to participate. The study has employed the same physical activity measure and methods since 2005 and provided comparable estimates over time. A telephone-based survey was used for recruitment and included a brief telephone survey among parents responding on behalf of their children, or else older youth reporting on behalf of themselves. During the telephone interview, interviewers directly captured data on key factors using the CATI (computer-assisted telephone interviews) system. If respondents consented to participation in the pedometer portion of the study, they were sent a pedometer package by mail. Participants were asked to wear a pedometer for 7 days and to log their steps daily.
What types of information were collected?
CANPLAY collected steps taken each day over the course of a week (includes weekdays and weekend). Information has been collected about :
- average daily steps
- pursuits during the after-school time period
- parent’s views about the availability of after school programs
- sedentary activities after school
What are the benefits of the research?
These data are critical to assist policy makers and other key decision makers to develop long term solutions and programs for a more active and healthier younger generation. Key benefits also include:
- Ability to monitor trends over time
- Representative of various groups (example sex, age, geographic, and socio-economic)
- Use of standardized measures and methodology
- Consistent methods producing irreplaceable trend data, allowing for assessment of impact of strategies/policies
- Cost effective national and jurisdictional level data
- One of the only tools to provide jurisdictional level data which can be compared across the country
- Utilizes an ecological framework to understand relationships between various factors and physical activity or sport
- Informing the national knowledge base
- Credibility
- Flexibility.
