Cathleen D. Zick
Department of Family and Consumer Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2014, 11, 1057-1060
Daylight Savings Time (DST) as Policy Intervention
Proposed to encourage physical activity
Limited research on its effectiveness for adults
Data Source: American Time Use Survey (2003–2009)
Demographics: Residents of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, ages 18-64
Focus on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)
Unique setup: Arizona does not observe DST
Findings
Both bivariate and multivariate analyses:
No impact of shifting 1 hour of daylight from morning to evening on MVPA in the southwest
Possible effects of DST on the timing/location of recreational activities, but not significant for overall participation.
Implications of Findings:
DST does not serve as a broad-based mechanism for enhancing sports/recreation participation.
Future research needed for varying climates and situational contexts.
Sports, Recreation, Public Health Intervention
Previous Research:
Mixed outcomes regarding the effects of DST on health factors:
Connections to reduced automobile accidents.
DST potentially influences sports participation through timing (evening access) as noted by Hillman.
Studies indicate increased urban pedestrian activity post-DST introduction.
ATUS Overview:
Annual survey of Americans aged 15 and older
24-hour time diary method for time use assessment
Focus on activities yielding 3.0+ METs for MVPA assessment
Included activities such as outdoor cleaning, sports, active transport, etc.
Profile of Participants:
Average age: ~39 years old, employed, predominantly white, with children at home
MVPA participation: 27% of sampled respondents
Average time in MVPA: ~23 minutes (20 minutes for sports/recreation)
Demographics and Controls:
Consider sociodemographic factors, daylight hours, and temperature
Results indicate higher MVPA rates correlated with increased daylight hours, but no significant differences found by residential location between Arizona and other states.
Conclusions on DST Impact:
Findings suggest no substantial link between DST and increased MVPA.
Future studies needed to explore climate specificity and time of year variations.