Effects of a joint outdoor exercise program for dog owners and dogs on physical activity, sedentary time and sleep-related behaviors

by Klara Smedberg, Anna Bergh, Erika Roman, Sören Spörndly-Nees, Jan W. Eriksson, Lena V.

Kallings, Josefin Söder Lack of physical activity (PA) is a rising health challenge in both humans and companion dogs. Therefore, One Health strategies to increase PA in both species have been suggested.

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a joint outdoor exercise program with jogging and circuit training sessions for dog-dog owner pairs (n = 15) on PA, sedentary time and sleep-related behaviors. Furthermore, the study aimed to assess fulfilment of global recommendations on PA in dog owners, and to compare accelerometer-derived and self-reported activity levels.

Body measurements were used as secondary outcomes. Results showed an increase of vigorous-intensity PA by 5 min per day ( P = 0.04) and a reduction of sedentary time by 41 min in dog owners ( P = 0.01).

Accelerometer data showed a high degree of fulfilment of recommendations for physical activity in dog owners at baseline. Self-reported PA and sedentary time were underestimated compared to accelerometer-derived data.