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

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. No major changes in activity patterns in dogs were detected, but there was a slight but significant reduction of median body condition score. Sleep-related data indicated satisfactory nighttime sleep patterns in both species, with no considerable effects of the program. Both dog owners and dogs spent the main part of the daytime period sedentary. The exercise program may be useful for increasing vigorous PA and reducing sedentary time in dog owners. The high levels of PA in dog owners are in line with previous findings, and the underestimation of self-reported moderate-intensity PA suggests a strong integration of dog walking into daily routines. However, the high levels of sedentary time underline the importance of assessing sedentary behavior in addition to PA in both species in future studies. The findings should be confirmed in randomized controlled studies with larger sample size and long-term follow-up.