The Impact of Dog Walking On Leisure-Time Physical Activity: Results From a Population-Based Survey of Michigan Adults
Submitted on Mar 28, 2011 (Original item from 2011)
Companion Animals | Health, Personal Health | Pet Ownership
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Short Description:
Research conducted by Michigan State University finds that people who own dogs are 34% more likely to get the recommended minimum amount of exercise each week and 69% more likely to get any leisure-time activity at all over people who do not own dogs.
Abstract:
Article Abstract:
"Background: The extent to which dog walking promotes leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) remains unresolved. We describe the characteristics of people who walk their dog, and assess the impact on LTPA. Methods: Information on dog ownership, dog walking patterns, total walking activity and LTPA were assessed in the 2005 Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey. Multiple logistic regression was used to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for the effect of dog walking on total walking and LTPA. Results: Of 5,902 respondents 41% owned a dog, and of these, 61% walked their dog for at least 10 minutes at a time. However, only 27% walked their dog at least 150 minutes per week. Dog walking was associated with a significant increase in walking activity and LTPA. Compared to non-dog owners, the odds of obtaining at least 150 minutes per week of total walking were 34% higher for dog walkers (AOR= 1.34, 95% CI = 1.13-1.59), and the odds of doing any LTPA were 69% higher (AOR= 1.69, 95% CI = 1.33-2.15). Conclusions: Dog walking was associated with more walking and LTPA, however a substantial proportion of dog owners do not walk their dog. The promotion of dog walking could help increase LTPA."
"Background: The extent to which dog walking promotes leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) remains unresolved. We describe the characteristics of people who walk their dog, and assess the impact on LTPA. Methods: Information on dog ownership, dog walking patterns, total walking activity and LTPA were assessed in the 2005 Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey. Multiple logistic regression was used to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for the effect of dog walking on total walking and LTPA. Results: Of 5,902 respondents 41% owned a dog, and of these, 61% walked their dog for at least 10 minutes at a time. However, only 27% walked their dog at least 150 minutes per week. Dog walking was associated with a significant increase in walking activity and LTPA. Compared to non-dog owners, the odds of obtaining at least 150 minutes per week of total walking were 34% higher for dog walkers (AOR= 1.34, 95% CI = 1.13-1.59), and the odds of doing any LTPA were 69% higher (AOR= 1.69, 95% CI = 1.33-2.15). Conclusions: Dog walking was associated with more walking and LTPA, however a substantial proportion of dog owners do not walk their dog. The promotion of dog walking could help increase LTPA."
Spot Check Number:
1646
Sponsor:
Michigan State University
Animal Type:
Dogs
Record Type:
Journal Article
Research Method:
Experimental/Modeling/Applications
Geographic Region:
United States National
Number of Participants:
5,902
Population Descriptors:
Michigan adults
Year Conducted:
2011
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