Olympic year impact on leisure-time physical activity rates within and across Canadian provinces and territories

Aims: This study examined the relationship between Olympic years and leisure-time physical activity levels across Canadian provinces and territories, as well as between genders. Methods: Analysis of long-term regional and national data on physical activity patterns confirmed that average activity rates were significantly higher (X2 (1) = 8.52, p < .01) for Winter vs. Summer Olympic Years. Results: Results indicate significant long-term temporal, sex and geographic trends which establish a reoccurring increase in physical activity amongst moderately active Canadian males (leisure-time physical activity rates were somewhat lower amongst females) across all provinces and territories during Winter Olympic years. This suggests that the Olympic Games, particularly the Winter Olympics, may act as a catalyst for increasing Canadian leisure-time physical activity rates - predominately amongst males. Subsequently, this paper recommends that greater media campaigns be directed toward Canadian females in an attempt to increase their leisure-time activity levels. Furthermore, greater emphasis should be placed on providing fitness programs for employees at their workplace - facilitating ease and convenience for increased leisure time physical activity in general.