SEASONAL-VARIATION IN PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY IN OLDER ADULTS

This study aimed to determine the seasonal variation patterns in the physical activity of older subjects from two different studies in Canada and the United States. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for total participation time by four seasons for the US sample. Analysis revealed a significant main effect for season, with the four activities that accounted for the majority of physical activity participation time largely responsible for extreme swings in the total participation time across season. Repeated measures ANOVA also was used to analyze total participation frequency in the Canadian (Saskatchewan) sample. Analysis again confirmed a significant main effect for season. As in the US sample, activities largely dependent on tolerable weather conditions were most affected by cold seasons.