A Review of Physical Activity Status in Canadian Indigenous Populations and Current Physical Activity Guidelines and Evaluation Methods

Abstract

Reports on health and physical activity status among Indigenous Canadians have highlighted the need for community-based and Indigenous led primary and secondary prevention programs that address the needs and cultural perspectives of Indigenous people. This student driven paper summarizes the patterns of and barriers to physical activity in Indigenous populations living in Canada and discusses concerns about cultural safety and appropriateness of current physical activity guidelines and methods of physical activity evaluation. Additionally, this paper highlights seven key practices to increase the effectiveness of future initiatives designed to improve physical activity behaviours in Indigenous communities. Future considerations for physical activity assessment and functional fitness testing in Indigenous communities are also discussed.