A Physical Activity Practice Index for Older Students and Adults

Abstract

This article puts forward a physical activity practice (PAP) index that could be used by older students (high school and college level) and adults who wish to monitor their PAP in order to regulate it. Authors explain the origin of the PAP index, identify PAP aspects such as frequency, duration, intensity and diversity as they relate to the index and describe the simple mechanics of its computation. Then, they discuss physical literacy (PL) awareness in terms of competence, knowledge and understanding, motivation toward PAP, and actual physical activity (PA) engagement. Regulation scenarios are presented in association with individuals’ PAP awareness. Finally, a few suggestions are added with regard to tailored PAP monitoring for more engaged physical literate persons. The PAP index described is intended to help individuals monitor their PAP over time, taking simultaneously into account its intensity and volume whatever the selected activity(ies). Willingness to monitor one’s PAP implies at least a minimal level of PL awareness. Besides reflecting on their PA-related knowledge and PA competency and capacities, individuals ought to understand their reasons for engaging into the regular practice of PA. Based on their answers to such questions, they can then engage into regulation scenarios with the help of monitoring instruments such as the one discussed in this article. Keywords: physical literacy, physical-literacy awareness, physical-activity-practice awareness, FITT formula, PAP monitoring