DST + activity

Author Information

  • 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

    • DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2012-0300

Background

  • Daylight Savings Time (DST) as Policy Intervention

    • Proposed to encourage physical activity

    • Limited research on its effectiveness for adults

Methods

  • 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

Results

  • 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.

Conclusions

  • 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.

Keywords

  • Sports, Recreation, Public Health Intervention

Literature Review Highlights

  • 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.

Statistical Analysis Details

  • 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.

Sample Characteristics (Table 1)

  • 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)

Variables Considered in Analysis

  • 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.

Final Remarks

  • 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.

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