2016 National Kinesiology Week

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 11, 2016) - Even though the number of messages urging people to be more active has increased over the years, a survey recently showed that 54% of Canadians report practising no physical activity whatsoever or practising less than 90 minutes a week¹. Unfortunately, according to the World Health Organization, this state of inactivity is the fourth highest risk factor for mortality worldwide, just after high blood-pressure, smoking and sugar consumption². As part of the National Kinesiology Week taking place from November 14 to 20, the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance (CKA) wants to remind Canadians that help is available to those struggling to achieve the minimum level of recommended physical activity.

"If the adoption of an active lifestyle seems obvious, the fact that only one in two Canadians actually succeed in doing so³ tells us that, for various reasons such as lack of time or lack of knowledge, it can be hard to do it on a regular basis, states Marie-Claude Leblanc, president of the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance. This is why Kinweek is a great opportunity for people to meet kinesiologists and take the time to better explain how they can help increase their motivation level and achieve their health goals."

EVERYONE CAN BENEFIT FROM A KINESIOLOGIST

"Even though it is true that many high-performance athletes work with kinesiologists on a regular basis, these specialists are also the best resource for those who are struggling with health problems such as diabetes, back pain or problems with blood pressure to determine the best strategy needed to put in place a customized training plan and improve their health," explains Ms. Leblanc.

Experts agree that Canadians should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week in order to improve their health. This is the equivalent of a daily 20-minute brisk walk. But kinesiologists can also help people raise their game to fully benefits from the positive impacts of having an active lifestyle. Several studies recommend increasing the duration of moderate intensity endurance activity to reach 300 minutes per week (such as taking a brisk walk or biking), or doing 150 minutes a week of sustained intensity activity (such as jogging or swimming). This increase can have a tremendous impact on preventing serious health conditions such as cancer or heart diseases. Since this recommendation can seem difficult to follow for many, getting the ongoing support of a kinesiologist can help achieve this health goal.

OTHER INFORMATION FROM THE SURVEY

• Active people are fewer in proportion to suffer from a chronic disease (44% versus 60%).
• Men are more likely than women to be very active (34% versus 23%).
• People with university degrees are more likely in proportion to do frequent (4-7 times a week) physical activities (50% versus 40% for people with a high school diploma or less).
• Having children has no influence on the frequency of physical activity.
• It is in British Columbia that people are active the most frequently (57% practice a form of physical activity 4 to 7 times a week) and it is in Quebec that they are the least likely to practise physical activity on such a frequent basis (39%).
• Even though a quarter (25%) of Canadians have worked with a kinesiologist or are currently doing so, more than a third of the population has never heard of that profession.

2016 KINWEEK

Various activities will be offered across the country during KinWeek to promote the importance for Canadians to get help for an active lifestyle. Find a Kin or events near you, visit www.CKA.ca or call 844-kinesio (546-3746).

ABOUT THE CANADIAN KINESIOLOGY ALLIANCE

Kinesiologists are human movement specialists. They work at different levels such as health promotion, athletic training, rehabilitation, workplace health and safety, ergonomics, disability management, research and sports medicine. The Canadian Kinesiology Alliance (CKA) represents Kinesiologists on a national level by promoting and by providing advocacy of the profession of Kinesiology in Canada. The Alliance counts over 4,000 members across the country.

To follow the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance:

Website: www.cka.ca

Twitter: @CdnKinesiology

Facebook: facebook.com/CanadianKinesiologyAlliance

1	Based on a Web survey conducted by Leger from November 2 to 4, 2015 among a representative sample of 1,555 adult Canadians. A random sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of ± 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
2	WHO, Global Health Recommendations on Physical Activity, 2010.
3	Nino, G., Psychological benefits of adapted physical activity in chronic diseases. Science & Sports, 2013. 28 : p. 1-10.