Achieve Physical Activity Recommendations Research Articles

A Grassroots Initiative to Engage Classroom Teachers in Increasing Physical Activity

Purpose: Classroom-based physical activity (PA) provides students the opportunity to achieve PA recommendations. However, limited research has examined grassroots efforts for classroom-based PA. The purpose of this study was to share the story of a grassroots initiative to increase PA during school, titled the 150 Project. Methods: Narrative inquiry was used to draw on participants shared experiences to bring the story into existence. Individual interviews were conducted (n = 4, project developers; n = 9, elementary classroom teachers). Interview data were coded to reveal connections and relationships between the participants’ stories to form a narrative. Results: The narrative is told by explaining (a) challenge (achieve PA recommendations), (b) action steps (project design), (c) outcomes (student, teacher, and school), and (d) moral of the story (need valid data and increased advocacy for during-school PA). Discussion/Conclusion: The 150 Project successfully trained classroom teachers to increase PA and advocate for PE, but the project is unsustainable without additional support systems.

Promotion of physical activity-related health competence using digital workplace-based health promotion: protocol for a controlled before-and-after study

Physical activity (PA) has a high potential to prevent chronic diseases. At the same time, many people in Germany do not achieve PA recommendations due to trends such as digitalisation...

Differences and Associations between Physical Activity Motives and Types of Physical Activity among Adolescent Boys and Girls.

Interventions aimed at motivation for physical activity (PA) are mostly beneficial, but the effects on preventing the decrease in PA are not entirely clear, especially in girls. The main aim of this study was to identify the differences and associations between PA motives and types of PA in boys and girls and between low and high motivated boys and girls. Another aim is to identify the types of motivation and PA that increase the likelihood of achieving PA recommendations and to propose ways of increasing PA among low motivated adolescents. The research carried out before the COVID-19 pandemic (2010–2019) and involved 2,149 Czech and 1,927 Polish adolescents aged 15–19 years. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form was used to identify the level of PA types, while PA motivation was examined through the Motives for Physical Activities Measure-Revised. During the ten years, a decline was observed in enjoyment, fitness, and social motives. An increase in appearance motives was observed in girls, while no significant changes were seen in boys. Boys showed a higher motivation for PA than girls in enjoyment, competence, fitness, and social motives, while girls were high motivated in appearance motives. The greatest statistically significant differences between low and high motivated individuals were found in the associations between recreation/vigorous PA and between all types of motivation in boys and girls in both countries. The strongest associations in both genders were observed between enjoyment/competence motives and recreation/vigorous PA. Respecting and using the associations between the types of PA motives and types of PA in low and high motivated boys and girls can support feelings of PA enjoyment, increase PA, support the achievement of PA recommendations, and positively affect adolescents' healthy lifestyles.

Physical activity behavior in people with asthma and COPD overlap residing in Spain: a cross-sectional analysis

Objectives To identify levels of physical activity (PA) among the Spanish population with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap (ACO). A further aim was to analyze differences in PA levels by sex, age, education, marital status, cohabiting, smoking habits, alcohol consumption and body mass index (BMI). Methods In this cross sectional study, data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 were analyzed. A total of 198 people with ACO aged 15–69 years were included in the analyses. The short version of the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to measure total PA (MET·min/week). PA was further classified as low, moderate and high, and analyzed according to sample characteristics. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test and chi squared test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results People with ACO engaged in a mean volume of 2038.1 MET·min/week. Those aged 30–60 years and those with normal weight were significantly more active than those aged ≥60 and those with obesity. When classifying PA level in low, moderate and high, results showed no significant differences between sample characteristics. Overall, moderate and high levels of PA were the most and least frequent levels (48.0% and 16.2%, respectively). Conclusions More than three out of ten Spanish adults with ACO do not achieve PA recommendations. Therefore, it is recommended to implement programs that promote the importance and benefits of PA among the Spanish population with ACO, and such programs should focus on older adults and those who are obese.

Cycle more with virtual reality: a proof of concept study in an institutionalised able-bodied geriatric population.

Physical activity (PA) has significant benefits for older adults. However, the recommended PA is rarely achieved in nursing homes. In this proof of concept study, we assessed whether virtual reality (VR) could help to increase spontaneous PA during a stationary cycling session. Prospective crossover proof of concept study. Nursinghome. Twelve participants (10 men) aged 63-88, able-bodied but with moderate cognitive impairment. TWO stationary cycling sessions with and withoutVR. Cycling distance, pedalling duration, average speed, mean pedalling cadence and the modified Borg rating of perceived exertion scale. Cycling distance and duration were significantly higher in the VR condition. Most participants would rather repeat cycling sessions with VR than without. The use of VR seems feasible to help achieve PA recommendations for able-bodied people living in nursing homes, even with moderate cognitive impairments.

Feasibility and impact of a 1-minute daily functional exercise regimen prescribed to older adults by their primary care physician.

Despite the inverse relationship between physical activity (PA) and physical function, few older adults achieve PA recommendations. In response to observations that "lack of time" underlies reduced PA among older adults, recent work suggests even short bouts of PA can improve health and fitness. In addition, because they are frequently visited by older adults, an important conduit for PA promotion could be the primary care physician (PCP). However, most PCPs receive little training related to PA, rendering it difficult for them to offer meaningful counseling. Therefore, we explored the feasibility and impact of a PCP-prescribed one-minute daily functional exercise program, consisting of 30s each of bodyweight push-ups and squats, among 24 patients 60years of age or older. 42% of patients who were contacted started the exercise prescription and, over 24-weeks, completed approximately 114 sessions, while 75% completed at least half of the possible daily exercise sessions. As a group, the patients demonstrated increases in both maximal push-up and squat performance, though these increases plateaued following week-12. These preliminary results suggest that a PCP prescription of one-minute of daily functional exercise among older adult patients was feasible, acceptable, and effective for improving functional physical fitness. Given these findings, formal controlled research with recruitment from multiple clinics, random assignment to treatment conditions, and blinded assessments of objective functional physical performance should be pursued.

Levels of Physical Activity in Spanish Asthmatics: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and objectives: 339 million people in the world suffer from asthma. Regular physical activity (PA) could help in its control. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the level of PA in Spanish people with asthma considering variation by, age, sex, education, marital status, living together, smoking habits, alcohol intake and body mass index (BMI). Materials and Methods: 1014 Spanish people from 15 to 69 years were included in the study. Data of the Spanish Health Survey (year 2017) were analysed. PA levels were measure with the international physical activity questionnaire short version (IPAQ-SF). PA was categorized as low, moderate and high, and analyzed by sample characteristics. Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskall Wallis H and crosstabs were used to calculate statistical significance (p < 0.05). Results: On average, Spanish asthmatics engaged in a weekly volume of 2228.9 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)·min/week. Males revealed significantly higher PA than females (2516.8 vs. 2019.5 MET·min/week; p = 0.005), younger participants (<30 years) compared to people aged 30–60 years and older than 60 years (2699.0; 2243.2; 1619.3 MET·min/week; p < 0.001) and those with tertiary level of education than those without secondary (2368.3 vs. 2168.3 MET·min/week; p = 0.001). Level of PA was lower in those married (p = 0.001) and/or living together (p = 0.010). Alcohol consumers showed a higher level than the participants who did not drink (2378.3 vs. 1907.9 MET·min/week; p = 0.001), but no significant differences were found within current, past and never smokers (p = 0.890). Obese asthmatics engaged in less PA than their normal weight and overweight peers (p < 0.001). Overall, moderate level was significantly the most frequent (47.7%), but 31.6% showed a low level. Conclusions: Three out of ten Spanish people with asthma do not achieve PA recommendations, so PA programs should be executed to make people aware of its benefits in asthma control, focusing on those groups with lower PA levels.

Smartphone Apps Targeting Physical Activity in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Quality Appraisal and Content Analysis.

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling, inflammatory joint condition affecting 0.5%-1% of the global population. Physical activity (PA) and exercise are recommended for people with RA, but uptake and adherence tend to be low. Smartphone apps could assist people with RA to achieve PA recommendations. However, it is not known whether high quality, evidence-informed PA apps that include behavior change techniques (BCTs) previously identified as effective for PA adherence are available for people with RA.ObjectiveThis study aims to systematically identify apps that include goals to facilitate PA for adults with RA and assess app quality and content for the inclusion of relevant BCTs against recommendations for cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility, and neuromotor PA and exercise.MethodsA systematic search of the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the United Kingdom was conducted to identify English language apps that promote PA for adults with RA. Two researchers independently assessed app quality (mobile app rating scale [MARS]; range 0-5) and content (BCT Taxonomy version 1, World Health Organization, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the European League against Rheumatism recommendations for PA). The completeness of reporting of PA prescription was evaluated using a modified version of the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT; range 0-14).ResultsA total of 14,047 apps were identified. Following deduplication, 2737 apps were screened for eligibility; 6 apps were downloaded (2 on the Apple App Store and 4 on the Google Play Store), yielding 4 unique apps. App quality varied (MARS score 2.25-4.17). Only 1 app was congruent with all aspects of the PA recommendations. All apps completely or partially recommended flexibility and resistance exercises, 3 apps completely or partially advised some form of neuromotor exercise, but only 2 offered full or partial guidance on cardiorespiratory exercise. Completeness of exercise reporting was mixed (CERT scores 7-14 points) and 3-7 BCTs were identified. Two BCTs were common to all apps (information about health consequences and instruction on how to perform behavior). Higher quality apps included a greater number of BCTs and were more closely aligned to PA guidance. No published trials evaluating the effect of the included apps were identified.ConclusionsThis review identifies 4 PA apps of mixed quality and content for use by people with RA. Higher quality apps were more closely aligned to PA guidance and included a greater number of BCTs. One high-quality app (Rheumatoid Arthritis Information Support and Education) included 7 BCTs and was fully aligned with PA and exercise guidance. The effect of apps on PA adherence should be established before implementation.

Role Of Leisure Centers Supporting Active Living: Data Shows Impact And A Significant Gender Challenge

Physical inactivity is one of the most important public health problems of the 21st century, being a key contributor to the increased risk of several chronic conditions. However, the number of people failing to achieve the minimum recommended amount of physical activity (PA) is still too high. In this context, leisure centers could play a potential positive role supporting inactive individuals to achieve PA recommendations. PURPOSE: To compare physical activity levels reported by paying members of Spain’s largest operator of leisure centers´ GO fit, against the 2018 Physical Activity and Sport Special Eurobarometer data from Spain. METHODS: Data from the seven questions of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were collected from all consenting GO fit members’ annual survey (n = 4,062). Data were analyzed and compared through Z-Score tests for two population proportions considering the Spain’s 2018 Eurobarometer data (n = 1,001) regarding physical inactivity for the whole sample, and men and women separately. Additionally, sex differences were also analyzed through Z-Score tests for two population proportions comparing women and men in each sample. RESULTS: Prevalence of physical inactivity of leisure centers´ members (14.9%) was lower in comparison with the general Spanish population (34%) for the whole sample (Z-score: 13.88; p-value < 0.001) and women (17.4%, 37.2%; Z-score: 10.06; p-value < 0.001) and men (12.1%, 30.0%; Z-score: 9.42; p-value < 0.001), separately. Additionally, higher prevalences were observed in in women in comparison with men in both samples (GO fit: Z-score: 4.77; p-value < 0.001; Spanish population: Z-score: 2.39; p-value = 0.0017), but these differences were lower in GO fit (+5.3 percentual points) than in the Spanish sample (+7.2 percentual points). CONCLUSIONS: GO fit members showed a lower prevalence of physical inactivity for both women and men and higher levels of PA in comparison with the general Spanish population. These findings indicate the suitability of Spanish leisure centers in promoting an active lifestyle, so policymakers should consider leisure centers when searching for effective partners tackling physical inactivity tide introducing specific actions to support women active behaviors during leisure time.

Apoio social e prática de atividade física no lazer em adolescentes: um estudo de base populacional

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a associação entre a prática de atividade física (AF) no lazer e o apoio social em adolescentes de 10 a 19 anos. O estudo transversal, de base populacional, foi realizado em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Foram considerados ativos os adolescentes que realizavam no mínimo 300 minutos semanais de AF no lazer. O apoio social foi estudado através da Escala de Apoio Social para a Atividade Física. Foram entrevistados 743 adolescentes. A proporção de ativos no lazer foi de 28,2% (IC 95%: 24,6-31,3). Meninos com maior apoio social de amigos apresentaram uma probabilidade de 112% (IC 95%: 41,0-183,0) maior de serem ativos em comparação a seus pares com menor apoio social. Meninas com apoio social elevado de familiares tiveram uma probabilidade de 102% (IC 95%: 12,0-193,0) maior de serem ativas. O percentual equivalente entre os meninos foi de 44% (IC 95%: 8,0-103,0). O incentivo de familiares e amigos exerce influência na prática de AF e apresenta questões culturais, como a indução de meninas para caminhadas e meninos para outras AF, especialmente dos amigos.

Gender Differences in Predictors of Physical Activity among Korean College Students Based on the Health Promotion Model.

Aim: Despite the numerous physical and psychological benefits of physical activity (PA), the prevalence of achieving PA recommendations decreases in college students. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify factors influencing PA in male and female college students based on the Health Promotion Model. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was used to investigate factors influencing PA among male and female college students. A convenience sample of 264 Korean students was recruited from three colleges. Participants completed measures of physical activity, perceived benefits/barriers to PA, PA self-efficacy, activity-related affect, and peer support. Results: A multiple regression analysis indicated that the factors affecting PA in male college students were PA self-efficacy and subjective economic status, while the factors affecting PA in female students were PA self-efficacy, subjective health status, activity-related affect, and peer support. Conclusions: School health centers or wellness centers need to develop exercise self-efficacy enhancement programs to provide motivation for PA among college students. It might also be necessary to develop a customized PA program that considers gender differences.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Frailty in Older Migrant Women From Ethnically Diverse Backgrounds: A Mixed-Methods Study.

There is limited evidence examining the association between physical activity (PA), sedentary time (ST), frailty, and factors influencing PA behaviors in migrant older women from ethnically diverse backgrounds. The aims of this mixed-methods study were to: 1)examine PA levels and ST across frailty status; 2)identify any differences in PA/ST between ethnic and religious groups; and 3)qualitatively explore factors influencing PA among older (≥60 years) migrant women (n = 60). PA/ST were assessed using accelerometry and frailty status using the frailty phenotype. Key factors influencing PA were explored via semi-structured interviews (n = 36) and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants were highly sedentary irrespective of frailty status. Moderate-to-vigorous-physical activity (MVPA) was independently associated with frailty. Participants spent 69% of waking time in ST, with only 15% meeting current weekly PA recommendations. Health-related and socio-cultural factors were reported as common barriers to achieving PA recommendations. Maintaining independence, preventing physical decline and depression were key factors promoting PA. Understanding the challenges and needs of this population can help to inform strategies to promote PA and thus optimize physical function.

Metabolic Indicators and Energy Expenditure in Two Models of Gym Classes

Daily energy expenditure is influenced by several factors and physical activity (PA) is the most variable (Foureaux et al., 2006). However, depending on activity’s intensity, different substrates can be metabolized to consume energy. PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyse differences in metabolic indicators and energy expenditure in two different types of fitness classes: Aerobic Dance (AD) and Localized Fitness (LF). METHODS: Participants were 15 adult women aged 33,3±8,3 years with a minimum of six months experience in AD and LF. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximum heart rate (HRmax) were measured directly during a maximal treadmill test. During exercise sessions (AD and LF), heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER) metabolic equivalents (MET), percentage of fat oxidation (%FAT), percentage of carbohydrates oxidation (%CHO) and energy expenditure (EE), were assessed using a portable gas analyser (K4b2, Cosmed, Italy). Paired samples Student’s T-test was used to analyse differences between AD and LF. Significance level as set at 5%. RESULTS: Results indicated greater values during the AD session in comparison to the LF session on the following variables: VO2 (35.7±4.7 vs. 20.2±3.4 ml.kg-1.min-1; P<0.001), HR (160.9±13.2 vs. 133.9±19.4 bpm; P<0.001); MET (10.2±1.3 vs. 5.8±1.0 MET; P<0.001), EE (608.9±73.7 vs. 350.3±64.5 kcal.h-1; P<0.001), total fat oxidation (5.6±4.6 vs. 2.7±2.0 g.h-1; P<0.001) and total CHO oxidation (139.9±14.1 vs. 81.6±16.5 g.h-1; P<0.001). No differences were found for RER, %FAT and %CHO. During AD sessions, %CHO was higher than %FAT (92.3±6.2 vs. 7.9±6.4%; P<0.001). During LF sessions, %CHO was higher than %FAT (92.9±5.43 vs. 7.2±5.4%; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that AD induces greater metabolic demands and energy expenditure than LF. However, engaging AD or LF 3 to 5 times a week seems enough to achieve PA recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity activities per week (WHO, 2010), promoting several health benefits (ACSM, 2011). Although, AD and LF are equivalents on the percentage of fat and carbohydrate oxidation, carbohydrate is the main energy supply for both fitness classes.

Physical activity, healthy lifestyle behaviors, neighborhood environment characteristics and social support among Australian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal adults

Physical inactivity is the third leading cause of the burden of disease for Australian Aboriginal adults. The neighborhood environment and social support are known to influence physical activity (PA) participation. This study examined these factors in relation to achieving PA recommendations in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. Cross-sectional data from the 2010 Social, Economic, and Environmental Factor (SEEF) Study in New South Wales, Australia were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) for Aboriginal versus non-Aboriginal participants for PA-related attributes, including achieving PA recommendations. ORs for achieving PA recommendations were estimated in both groups. Overall, 63.1% of Aboriginal (n = 314) and 65.4% of non-Aboriginal (n = 59,175) participants met PA recommendations. Odds of healthy sleep duration were lower, and receiving GP advice to be active was higher, among Aboriginal versus non-Aboriginal participants. Aboriginal respondents had higher odds of reporting that the crime rate made it unsafe to walk and that local public transport was inaccessible. They had higher odds of disagreeing they have local shops, footpaths or free/low cost recreation facilities. PA correlates were similar in both groups. The factors relating to PA were similar in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Neighborhood and social features were less PA-favorable for Aboriginal participants suggesting multiple possible avenues for increasing PA in this older population group.

Objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time in south Asian women: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundSouth Asian (SA) women in the United Kingdom (UK) are known to be at high risk for developing chronic diseases, and to have low levels of physical activity (PA). Increasing levels of PA and reducing sedentary time (ST) are recognized as factors to target in an effort to curb chronic disease morbidity and mortality. There is limited evidence documenting objectively measured PA/ST and their correlates in SA women. Therefore the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to objectively measure and report patterns of PA/ST among SA women in the UK and examine potential socio-demographic correlates of PA/ST.Methods140 UK SA women (Pakistani and Bangladeshi) wore an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Anthropometric measurements and self-reported socio-demographic information were taken.ResultsMean daily moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was 34.66 ± 21.52 minutes and mean daily ST was 530.20 ± 81.76 minutes, with an inverse correlation (r = -.270, N = 140, p < .001) showing that higher ST was associated with lower MVPA. The same was seen for light intensity PA (LPA) (r = -.610, N = 140, p < .001). MVPA was significantly higher for younger women (18–64.5 yrs), with 64.7% of older women (≥65 yrs) failing to meet PA guidelines (t = 3.101, p < 0.05). Overweight/obese women had lower levels of LPA, MVPA and higher ST (p < .001). Multiple linear regression analyses indicated 14.9% of the variance in MVPA was explained by age and waist circumference (F(2,138) = 6.41, p < 0.002). LPA and ST were significantly higher on weekend days than weekdays (p < .001), and MVPA was significantly higher on weekdays than weekend days.ConclusionsResults indicate higher levels of PA in this sample than previously assumed. High levels of LPA in this sample indicate the need for health promotion interventions to target not only duration, but also intensity of activity in this population to achieve PA recommendations.

Portuguese adults' physical activity during different periods of the year

This study aims to describe the daily physical activity (PA) of a sample of adults over the course of 1 year and to examine if there are any changes in achieving PA recommendations when assessed at different periods of the year. Participants, 257 women (age: 58.99±18.93 years, BMI: 26.75±4.57 kg m−2) and 178 men (age: 49.22±20.39 years, BMI: 26.81±3.51 kg m−2), wore an accelerometer 4–7 days. Periods of data collection were defined as T1 (September to December), T2 (January to April) and T3 (May to July). From T1 and T2, men from 20 to 39 years significantly increased values of daily average ct.min−1 (U=506, p=0.012), due to an increase in moderate-to-vigorous PA by 15.96 min (U=455, p=0.003). Achievement of the two PA recommendations varied throughout the year and among the gender/age groups. Results from this study showed that women generally maintain their level of PA throughout the year, whereas men show some variation, and that there are periods of the year when individuals are more likely to be involved in PA, or perform lower-intensity activities, especially older age groups. Also, recommendations of minimum PA are not accomplished in a constant way throughout the year. PA interventions should be conducted while being mindful of the time of year in which they will take place in order to help maintain a consistent PA level throughout the year to ensure health benefits from PA.

Telephone Support Oriented by Accelerometric Measurements Enhances Adherence to Physical Activity Recommendations in Noncompliant Patients After a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Guiraud T, Granger R, Gremeaux V, Bousquet M, Richard L, Soukarié L, Babin T, Labrunée M, Sanguignol F, Bosquet L, Golay A, Pathak A. Telephone support oriented by accelerometric measurements enhances adherence to physical activity recommendations in noncompliant patients after a cardiac rehabilitation program. ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of a strategy, based on telephone support oriented by accelerometer measurements, on the adherence to physical activity (PA) recommendations in cardiac patients not achieving PA recommendations. DesignProspective and randomized study. SettingA cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) at a clinic. ParticipantsStable, noncompliant cardiac (coronary artery disease, heart failure, post–cardiovascular surgery) patients (weekly moderate-intensity PA <150min) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=19) or a control group (n=10). InterventionsThe intervention group wore an accelerometer for 8 weeks. Every 15 days, feedback and support were provided by telephone. The control group wore the accelerometer during the 8th week of the intervention only. Main Outcome MeasuresActive energy expenditure (EE) (in kilocalories) and the time spent doing light, moderate, or intense PA (minutes per week). ResultsIn the intervention group, the time spent at moderate-intensity PA increased from 95.6±80.7 to 137.2±87.5min/wk between the 1st and 8th week (P=.002), with 36.8% of the sample achieving the target amount of moderate-intensity PA. During the 8th week, the EE averaged 543.7±144.1kcal and 266.7±107.4kcal in the intervention group and control group, respectively (P=.004). ConclusionsTelephone support based on accelerometer recordings appeared to be an effective strategy to improve adherence to PA in noncompliant patients. This intervention could be implemented after a CRP as an inexpensive, modern, and easy-to-use strategy.

Using Pedometers to Promote Physical Activity Among Clinical Populations

Using Pedometers to Promote Physical Activity Among Clinical Populations

Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle Behaviors in a Portuguese Sample of Adults: Results From the Azorean Physical Activity and Health Study

The aims of this study were to describe physical activity (PA) prevalence and compare it with other countries and to investigate possible associations between PA and other lifestyle behaviors in Azorean adults. 9991 adults (5723 women), aged 37.8 +/- 9.5 years, of the 2004 Azorean Physical Activity and Health Study. IPAQ assessed PA. All other lifestyle behaviors (age, gender, education level, income, employment, marital status, number of children, meal frequency, sleep time, sitting time, body mass index and alcohol and tobacco consumptions) were also self-reported. 57.1% of the participants met current PA recommendations and 32.2% were categorized as Health Enhancing PA (HEPA). Women were less likely to achieve PA recommendations, as well as the HEPA level. In both genders, higher education level, employment status, higher income, and sitting for more than 3h/day were negative predictors of HEPA; and, having at least 5 meals/day was positive predictor for the same PA level. There is a significant proportion of Azoreans, particularly women, that does not do enough PA. Targeted programs for Azoreans aimed to increase PA levels should pay special attention on women, and consider a multifactorial approach, once several lifestyle behaviors seem to interact with PA levels, in this population.

Sixth-Grade Boys' Perceived Benefits of and Barriers to Physical Activity and Suggestions for Increasing Physical Activity

Interventions are needed to reduce the high overweight prevalence noted among boys in early high school. Because decreased physical activity (PA) is a factor for weight gain and a decline in boys' PA occurs across the middle school years, a need exists to intervene, as soon as boys reach middle school, to help them get adequate PA. The purpose of this study was to explore perceived benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, enjoyment or activity preferences, and situational or environmental influences related to PA among sixth-grade boys (N = 40). Each boy participated in one of seven focus groups. Having an average weight was the most important benefit. The most prominent personal barrier focused on being unmotivated. Environmental barriers included lacking equipment and places for PA. Suggestions for increasing boys' PA were identified. Findings have implications for nurses interested in designing interventions to assist boys of this age in achieving PA recommendations.