Linking fitness and holistic medicine: Using growth models to correlate adult Canadians' individual physical activity and use of holistic medicine

The use of holistic medicine (HM) is increasing dramatically in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2005; Tzu Chi Institute, 2004; de Bruyn, 2001). While some researchers attribute this growth primarily to a disenchantment with biomedicine that pushes users to try HM, others propose that compelling aspects of HM are pulling users who engage in a variety of health-aware behaviours. In particular, fitness culture and HM are thought to share core elements such that people who embrace the ideals of fitness more readily rationalize using HM (Goldstein, 2000). This study tests this theory using four waves of longitudinal data collected on a nationally representative sample of Canadian adults (N=9343) participating in the National Population Health Survey. Results from growth curve analysis indicate that leisure-time physical activity is positively associated with both initial and changing HM use. In an era of health promotion initiatives that encourage physical activity, these findings suggest that the relationship between fitness and HM could impact the individualization of health care and the integration of HM and biomedicine.