Abstract
BackgroundDespite known benefits of regular physical activity for health and well-being, many studies suggest that levels of physical activity in young people are low, and decline dramatically during adolescence. The purpose of the current research was to gather data on adolescent youth in order to inform the development of a targeted physical activity intervention.MethodsCross-sectional data on physical activity levels (using self report and accelerometry), psychological correlates of physical activity, anthropometic characteristics, and the fundamental movement skill proficiency of 256 youth (53% male, 12.40 ± 0.51 years) were collected. A subsample (n = 59) participated in focus group interviews to explore their perceptions of health and identify barriers and motivators to participation in physical activity.ResultsFindings indicate that the majority of youth (67%) were not accumulating the minimum 60 minutes of physical activity recommended daily for health, and that 99.5% did not achieve the fundamental movement skill proficiency expected for their age. Body mass index data showed that 25% of youth were classified as overweight or obese. Self-efficacy and physical activity attitude scores were significantly different (p < 0.05) between low, moderate and high active participants. Active and inactive youth reported differences in their perceived understanding of health and their barriers to physical activity participation, with active youth relating nutrition, exercise, energy and sports with the definition of ‘being healthy’, and inactive youth attributing primarily nutritional concepts to ‘being healthy’.ConclusionsData show a need for targeting low levels of physical activity in youth through addressing poor health related activity knowledge and low fundamental movement skill proficiency. The Y-PATH intervention was developed in accordance with the present study findings; details of the intervention format are presented.
Highlights
Despite known benefits of regular physical activity for health and well-being, many studies suggest that levels of physical activity in young people are low, and decline dramatically during adolescence
Evidence suggests that habitual physical activity (PA) amongst young people is declining
In their policy guidelines aligned to the Health Behviour in School-aged Children 2012 results, the World Health Organisation (WHO) [13] supported the need for policy interventions to increase Physical activity (PA)
Summary
Despite known benefits of regular physical activity for health and well-being, many studies suggest that levels of physical activity in young people are low, and decline dramatically during adolescence. Despite the known importance and associated benefits of regular PA in promoting lifelong health and well being, studies suggest that levels of PA decline dramatically during adolescence [8,9], with males significantly more active than females [10,11,12,13]. Evidence emphasises the need for research to generate sound knowledge on models of successful intervention in PA [4]. In their policy guidelines aligned to the Health Behviour in School-aged Children 2012 results, the World Health Organisation (WHO) [13] supported the need for policy interventions to increase PA. Some of the factors listed as ensuring equitable access in this report include “providing a range of activities that appeal to girls, ensuring activities are free or affordable, with provision of free or low-cost transportation to the venue, and involving young people in programme design to identify barriers to participation.” (pp 137) [13]
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