2010 Report Card Overview

Report Card Settings and Indicators: How do the pieces of the puzzle fit together?

In an attempt to clarify the relationships among the many influences and outcomes of physical activity, we have developed the above diagram. The first thing to take note of is the primary outcome: the physical activity levels of Canadian children and youth. The main source of information to assess physical activity levels comes from a Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (CFLRI) study that collects pedometer data and provides us with average number of steps taken per day and the proportion of children and youth meeting Canadian physical activity guidelines. It is important to remember that specific behaviours undertaken throughout the day have the ability to either increase or decrease the overall steps taken. Participation in organized sport and physical activity programs, active play and active transportation are all factors that contribute to the overall level. By contrast, screen time is generally a negative contributor to daily physical activity levels. The challenge with interpreting screen time is the emergence of active video gaming and its potential to shift the playing of video games, which historically has been exclusively sedentary, toward an activity that may potentially contribute to physical activity levels moving in a positive direction. This issue is discussed in more depth in the Screen Time section. All of these factors, including the physical activity levels, are graded in this year’s Report Card.

Visit the link to download this year's version of the Report Card.