Associations of type, organization, and number of recreational activities with total activity.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between characteristics of recreational activity and total physical activity (PA). METHODS: Recreational activity type and number were assessed for 3385 adult respondents to the population-based Exercise Recreation and Sport Survey and categorized as "no recreational activity," "walking only," "sport only," or "combined walking and sport." Total PA was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized as "low," "moderate," or "high." RESULTS: Odds of high total PA were 1.7 times greater among walking-only participants, 2.9 times greater among sport-only participants, and 3.3 times greater among participants in combined walking and sport compared to no recreational activity participants. Greater number of recreational activities related to increased odds of high total PA. Similar associations were observed between recreational activity and moderate total PA. CONCLUSION: Participants in more than 1 type of recreational activity were less likely to have a low-active lifestyle.