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 5902 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 with 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 to 1.59), and the odds of doing any LTPA were 69% higher (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.33 to 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 5902 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 with 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 to 1.59), and the odds of doing any LTPA were 69% higher (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.33 to 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.
Authors: Jesus Soares; Jacqueline N Epping; Chantelle J Owens; David R Brown; Tina J Lankford; Eduardo J Simoes; Carl J Caspersen Journal: J Phys Act Health Date: 2015-06-16
Authors: Philippa S Yam; Ryan Morrison; Viki Penpraze; Carri Westgarth; Dianne S Ward; Nanette Mutrie; Pippa Hutchison; David Young; John J Reilly Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2012-03-19 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Carri Westgarth; Robert M Christley; Christopher Jewell; Alexander J German; Lynne M Boddy; Hayley E Christian Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2019-04-18 Impact factor: 4.379
Authors: Ryan Morrison; John J Reilly; Victoria Penpraze; Carri Westgarth; Dianne S Ward; Nanette Mutrie; Pippa Hutchison; David Young; Lindsay McNicol; Michael Calvert; Philippa S Yam Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2013-11-27 Impact factor: 3.295