Sports Participation In Adults Research Articles

The successes and spirit of gravel cycling: providing freedom, challenge, and connection

Gravel, a cycling discipline practiced primarily on unpaved, remote roads, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Accompanying this growth have been fervent debates about what gravel cycling is and how to define it. However, no research has yet been done to describe this discipline and its meanings to society and individuals. Thus, this case study aimed to understand individuals’ experiences and motivations for gravel participation. Through interviews and a reflexive thematic analysis, three themes were crafted: (1) gravel cycling encourages and provides a sense of freedom, (2) embracing the unknown: participants experience physical, mental, and emotional development through gravel cycling, and (3) gravel cycling provides connection through the convergence of self, community, and nature. We provide conclusions regarding gravel’s significance in light of current trends in adult sport participation and present practical implications for cycling event organizers, grassroots sport organizations, and the adult sport and leisure communities.

Analysis and prediction of older adult sports participation in South Korea using artificial neural networks and logistic regression models

BackgroundKorea’s aging population and the lack of older adult participation in sports are increasing medical expenses.AimsThis study aimed to segment older adult sports participants based on their demographic characteristics and exercise practice behavior and applied artificial neural network and logistic regression models to these segments to best predict the effect of medical cost reduction. It presents strategies for older adult sports participation.MethodsA sample comprising data on 1,770 older adults aged 50 years and above was drawn from the 2019 National Sports Survey. The data were analyzed through frequency analysis, hierarchical and K-means clustering, artificial neural network, logistic regression, cross-tabulation analyses, and one-way ANOVA using SPSS 23 and Modeler 14.2.ResultsThe participants were divided into five clusters. The artificial neural network and logistic analysis models showed that the cluster comprising married women in their 60s who participated in active exercise had the highest possibility of reducing medical expenses.DiscussionTargeting women in their 60s who actively participate in sports, the government should expand the supply of local gymnasiums, community centers, and sports programs. If local gymnasiums and community centers run sports programs and appoint appropriate sports instructors, the most effective medical cost reduction effect can be obtained.ConclusionsThis study contributes to the field by providing insights into the specific demographic segments to focus on for measures to reduce medical costs through sports participation.

The impact of early sports participation on body fatness in adulthood is not mediated by current physical activity.

The aim was to analyze the relationship between early sports participation (ESP) and body fatness (BF) in adults, as well as to identify whether this possible relationship is directly influenced by the current physical activity (PA) level. This cross-sectional study combined baseline data of two cohort. The BF estimated by DXA. The ESP, the subjects reported the engagement in sports during childhood (7-10 years) and adolescence (11-17 years) through two yes/no questions and current PA (described as steps) was device-measured using pedometers. Were identified as potential covariates and therefore adjusted the multivariate models: age, ethnicity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and sleep quality. Statistical analysis consisted of the chi-square test, analysis of variance/covariance, and structural equation modeling (software BioEstat version 5.0; p-value < .05). Adults engaged in ESP had lower BF; among women, the variance in BF explained by ESP was 25.5%; among men, it was 9.2%. Sports participation in early life (r = -.436 [95% CI: -0.527 to -0.346]) and current PA (r = -.431 [95% CI: -0.522 to -0.340]) were inversely related to BF, as well as positively related to each other (r = .328 [95% CI: 0.226 to 0.430]). In the mediation model, current PA partially mediated (18.5%) the impact of ESP on BF, while current PA and ESP remained relevant determinants of BF. Early sports participation and current PA have a significant impact on BF in adulthood, which is of similar magnitude and independent of each other.

Palembang City Community Participation in Sports at Gelora Sriwijaya Jakabaring Stadium Palembang

This study aimed at determining the level of participation of Palembang society in doing sport at the Gelora Sriwijaya Jakabaring Palembang (GSJP) stadium. The sample was 90 people. The research method used a quantitative descriptive. The sampling in this study was carried out by probability sampling technique, called proportionate stratified random sampling using the Sports Development Index formula. From 90 people sampled divided into age groups: 30 teenagers (12-25 years), 30 adults (26-45 years) and 30 elderly (46-65 years) which is in each age group consisting of 15 males and 15 females. The results of this study concluded that the participation rate index of the people of Palembang city exercising at the GSJP stadium for teenagers got a result of 0.400. This showed that youth sports participation in the city of Palembang was high. For adults, to get a result of 0.533 showed that adult sports participation in the city of Palembang was high. For the elderly, to get a result of 0.333 showed that elderly sports participation in the city of Palembang was high. Overall, this 0.422 result showed that the sports participation of Palembang society was high. One of the SDI indicators that has been studied showed a number in the range of 0.000 - 0.260, meaning that community participation in the city of Palembang was high. So, the community can be consistent and participate in sports by maximizing the use of the GSJP stadium.

Types of Sports and Exercise Group Participation and Sociopsychological Health in Older Adults: A 3-Yr Longitudinal Study.

This study aimed to identify the association between a specific sports type and exercise group participation and longitudinal changes in sociopsychological health among community-dwelling older adults. Three years of data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study were used, comprising a total of 33,746 men and 36,799 women age ≥65 yr. To determine the relationship between 20 types of sports and exercise group participation in 2016 (baseline) and changes in depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)), self-rated health (4-point scale), subjective well-being (11-point scale), and frequency of laughter (days per month) from 2016 to 2019, we performed linear regression analyses with conducting a multivariate adjustment for potential confounders using an inverse probability weighting method. The mean changes over 3 yr were +0.32 and +0.28 in GDS-15, -0.06 and -0.05 in self-rated health, -0.08 and -0.06 in subjective well-being, and -1.21 and -1.19 in frequency of laughter, in men and women, respectively. Men playing golf in a group were more likely to suppress an increase in the GDS-15 ( B = -0.11, 95% confidence interval, -0.18 to -0.05) and decreases in self-rated health (0.04, 0.02 to 0.06), subjective well-being (0.07, 0.02 to 0.12), and frequency of laughter (0.45, 0.11 to 0.80). Women participating in walking, weight exercises, and hiking groups were more likely to prevent an increase in the GDS-15 (-0.12, -0.19 to -0.04; -0.09, -0.18 to -0.01; and -0.16, -0.30 to -0.03, respectively) and decreases in self-rated health (0.03, 0.01 to 0.05; 0.03, 0.01 to 0.06; and 0.08, 0.04 to 0.12, respectively). Golf in older men and walking, weight exercises, and hiking in older women could be recommended as an effective program for promoting sociopsychological health among older adults in Japan.

The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on perceived health and wellbeing of adult Australian sport and physical activity participants

Individuals’ access to sport and physical activity has been hampered due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. In Australia participation in community sport was cancelled during lockdowns. There is limited research on the impact of sport participation restrictions on the health and wellbeing of adults.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the perceived health and wellbeing of a sample of predominantly active Australian adults, both during COVID-19 and in comparison with one year earlier (pre COVID-19).MethodsA survey was conducted during the first COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns in Australia in May–June 2020. It was distributed by national and state sporting organisations and through researchers’ social media accounts. This particular paper focuses on adults aged 18–59 years. The survey collected information on participant demographics, the sport and physical activity patterns pre- COVID-19, and health and wellbeing outcomes during COVID-19 lockdown and compared to one year earlier. The health measures were cross-tabulated against the demographic and sport and physical activity variables, and group profiles compared with chi-square tests. Scales were derived from three wellbeing questions, and group differences were analysed by t-tests and F-tests.ResultsThe survey sample included 1279 men and 868 women aged 18–59 years. Most (67%) resided in metropolitan cities. The great majority (83%) were sport participants. During COVID-19 lockdown men were significantly more likely than women to report worse or much worse general (p = 0.014), physical (p = 0.015) and mental health (p = 0.038) and lower life satisfaction (p = 0.016). The inactive adults were significantly more likely to report poorer general health (p = 0.001) and physical health (p = 0.001) compared to active adults. The younger age cohort (18–29 years) were significantly more likely to report poorer general wellbeing (p < 0.001), and lower life satisfaction (p < 0.001) compared to the older age groups.ConclusionIt seems that the absence of playing competitive sport and training with friends, teams and within clubs has severely impacted males and younger adults in particular. Sports clubs provide an important setting for individuals’ health and wellbeing which is why clubs require the capacity to deliver sport and individuals may need to regain the motivation to return.

Long-term effects of adolescent sport experience, DRD2 and COMT genes, and their interaction on sport participation in adulthood.

BackgroundThe present study investigated the joint impact of adolescent sport experience and dopamine‐related genes (i.e., DRD2 and COMT genes) on sport participation in adulthood.MethodsUsing the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) data, the hierarchical multivariable logistic regression models for predicting sport participation in wave 3 (around 20 years of age) and wave 4 (around 30 years of age) were conducted separately by gender (male and female) and gene (DRD2 and COMT genes).ResultsAdolescent sport experience significantly interacted with the number of DRD2 A1 alleles and COMT Met alleles in affecting wave 3 sport participation among male adults. The interaction between adolescent sport experience and DRD2 gene significantly affected wave 4 sport participation in opposite direction to that affected wave 3 sport participation among male participants. Among female participants, there were no significant interaction effects between dopamine‐related genes and adolescent sport experience on sport participation in both wave 3 and 4.ConclusionsSince adult sport participation is most likely to be influenced by the joint impact of environmental and genetic factors, it is important to consider gene‐by‐environment interactions when designing policies or programs to promote adult sport participation.

Staying safe while staying together: the COVID‐19 paradox for participants returning to community‐based sport in Victoria, Australia

ObjectiveTo identify the challenges adult community sport participants anticipate when returning to sport in Victoria, Australia, post a COVID‐19 shutdown. MethodsUsing online concept mapping, participants brainstormed challenges to returning to community sport, sorted them into groups and rated them for impact and ability/capacity to overcome. Analysis included multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. ResultsForty‐five community sport participants representing 24 sports identified 69 unique challenges to returning to sport. Eight clusters/questions participants need answered emerged from the sorting data (mean cluster impact and ability/capacity rating out of 5): Will we have enough participants? (3.32, 2.89); How do we stay safe? (3.31, 3.35); How will our sport change? (3.17, 2.85); How can we stay together? (3.15, 3.01); Will I be physically ready? (3.15, 3.05); What about the money? (2.86, 2.53); What about me? (2.65, 3.13); and What about the facilities? (2.49, 2.45). ConclusionsParticipants perceived paradoxical challenges to returning to sport after COVID‐19 shutdown, which revolved around staying safe, staying connected and accessing meaningful sport activities. Implications for public healthSport organisations and public health practitioners should address the participant‐centred challenges identified in this study to maximise the public health benefits of participants returning to community sport.

Marketing Up the Wrong Tree? Organisational Perspectives on Attracting and/or Retaining Older Adults in Sport.

Community sport is seen as a suitable setting for physical activity for different population groups. Older adults (aged 50+ years) are a rapidly growing population group. Physical activity is critical for healthy ageing, however sport participation rates for older adults are very low. The aim of this study was to investigate how sporting organisations perceive sport for older adults. This cross-sectional study surveyed 171 representatives from Australian National and State Sporting Organisations. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the results and the three sporting organisation categories' (high, medium, and low participation) responses were compared using non-parametric statistics. Contextualised in the perspective of organisational change, a framework for marketing to the ageing consumer was used to interpret the results. Older adults are not a high priority group for most sporting organisations, however the benefits of engaging older adults were recognised, particularly in context of increasing participation numbers. A lack of age-appropriate programmes was perceived to be a major barrier of engaging older adults. This lack of programmes stems from older adults being deemed as a less attractive segment than other age groups for sporting organisations. Modifications that sports felt they could make to attract and/or retain older adults included specific marketing and age appropriate opportunities. There was widespread consensus across sporting organisations, suggesting that perceptions of older adult sport participation were comparable across the sector, such as increasing participation numbers and engaging their older fan base. In the context of attracting, and retaining, older adults in sport clubs, it was concluded that most sporting organisations are not (yet) ready to build “age friendly” sporting environments. There is very limited literature on the organisational perspective of older adults and sport, meaning this study is unique in the field. Although sport policy encourages organisations to grow their participation, most organisations do not actively and strategically engage older adults. This research provides an understanding of why this untapped market is not a priority target and provides comprehensive insights for policy makers to better engage with this population group.

Applying ideation-to-action theories to predict suicidal behavior among adolescents

BackgroundAlthough many risk factors for adolescent suicidal behavior have been identified, less is known about distinct risk factors associated with the progression from suicide ideation to attempts. Based on theories grounded in the ideation-to-action framework, we used structural equation modeling to examine risk and protective factors associated with the escalation from suicide ideation to attempts in adolescents. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, data from the 2013 and 2015 Hawaii High School Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (N = 8,113) were analyzed. The sample was 54.0% female and racially/ethnically diverse. Risk factors included depression, victimization, self-harm, violent behavior, disinhibition, and hard substance use, and protective factors included adult support, sports participation, academic achievement and school safety. ResultsOne in 6 adolescents (16.4%) reported suicide ideation, and nearly 1 in 10 (9.8%) adolescents had made a suicide attempt. Overall, disinhibition predicted the escalation to attempts among adolescents with suicide ideation, and higher academic performance was associated with lower suicide attempt risk. Depression and victimization were associated with suicide ideation. LimitationsThis study examined data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and other known risk factors such as anxiety and family history of suicide were not available in these data. ConclusionsFindings provide guidance for targets for clinical interventions focused on suicide prevention. Programs that incorporate behavioral disinhibition may have the greatest potential for reducing suicide attempt risk in adolescents with suicidal thoughts.

Evaluating Adult Decision-Making Modifiers in Support of Youth Contact-Sport Participation.

Nearly 44 million youth participate in organized youth sports programs in the United States each year. However, approximately 25% of parents have considered removing their children from sports due to the fear of concussion. To determine which adult decision-making modifiers (eg, gender, educational attainment, career type) influenced support for youth contact-sports participation. Cross-sectional study. Midwestern university and medical center. Convenience sample of staff and faculty (N = 5761; 73.9% female) from 2017 to 2018. Support for youth contact-sports participation using multivariate binary logistic regression to calculate odds ratios and 95% CIs. The sample was split between adults with children (AWCs; n = 3465, age = 45.39 ± 13.27 years, 76.72% female) and adults without children (AWOCs; n = 2296, age = 30.84 ± 9.01 years, 70.26% female). Among AWCs, those who obtained a bachelor's degree or higher were more likely to support contact-sports participation. Females were more inclined to allow all contact sports, specifically football (odds ratio [OR] = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.64, 3.01) and ice hockey (OR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.42, 2.78). Overall, previous adult sport participation, increasing number of children, and child gender were significant modifying variables in greater support of youth contact-sports participation among AWCs (P < .001). Among AWOCs, previous sport participation in football (OR = 3.27; 95% CI = 2.14, 4.87), ice hockey (OR = 4.26; 95% CI = 2.23, 8.17), or soccer (OR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.48, 3.54) increased the likelihood of an adult supporting contact-sports participation. Lastly, all adults were less inclined to support a daughter participating in any contact sport than a son. These results reveal adult- and child-specific variables that may influence youth contact-sports participation. These decisions may be developed through the lens of certain gender role beliefs and may lead adults to perceive certain sports as more appropriate for sons than daughters.

Exercise and Sports Participation in Adolescents and Young Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Exercise and Sports Participation in Adolescents and Young Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Participation profiles of current masters swimmers and their (lack of) retrospective associations with youth experiences

National athlete development models often give little consideration to the multiple ways in which adults might participate in sport (i.e., recreationally or competitively, through sampling or specialization), or their trajectories into specific patterns of adult sport participation. Using adult swimmers' current and retrospective (youth swimming) data, the purpose of this study was threefold: a) to identify profiles of masters swimmers based on participation characteristics, b) to explore demographic differences between profiles, and c) to retrospectively examine these profiles for meaningful associations with youth swimming experiences. Survey data were collected from 205 Canadian masters swimmers with previous competitive youth swimming experience (M age = 44.4, range = 18–85; 60% women, 40% men). Two-step clustering analysis of masters' current swimming participation resulted in three distinct profiles: 1) “low-competitive specializers,” 2) “high-competitive specializers,” and 3) “samplers.” These profiles were not significantly associated with any demographic variables in adulthood, nor did they differ in terms of youth swimming experiences and time to transition into masters swimming. The remarkable homogeneity of social-demographic variables suggests that further work is needed to make masters swimming more inviting to diverse adult populations. Retrospective data revealed disengagement and later re-engagement in swimming that was consistent across masters profiles. Implications of these findings for coaches and programmers, as well as the need to account for adults' potentially complex re-entries into sport after time away, are discussed.

Methods of the Michigan State University Motor Performance Study

ABSTRACT The Michigan State University Motor Performance Study (MPS) was initiated in 1967 and lasted 32 years. Three central components existed: 1) Educational component, in which students experienced applied work with youth; 2) Instructional component, whereby enrolled youth received sport-specific skill instruction; and 3) Research component. The primary goals of the research component of the MPS were to examine: 1) the changes over time that occur in the physical growth, biological maturity, and motor skill acquisition of children and youth; 2) the processes involved in the attainment of basic and complex motor skills; and 3) the influence of changes in the learners’ environment on their rates of motor skill acquisition. Several growth and maturation, motor competence, and physical performance/fitness variables were collected, and a follow-up study examined participants’ adult physical activity, sport participation, and health outcomes. This manuscript describes methods used in the research component of the MPS and the follow-up.

Promoting sport participation during early parenthood: a randomized controlled trial protocol

BackgroundAdult participation in sport is associated with important positive psychosocial outcomes. Despite the multitude of benefits that have been linked to sport participation, adult participation rates in Canada remain low. Parents with young children represent a demographic that may benefit considerably from sport participation, given the prevalence of inactivity coupled with increased levels of psychosocial distress among this group. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of two types of sport participation (individual sport and team sport) on key psychosocial outcomes compared with a “personal time” control condition among parents with young children.Methods/designThe three-arm, parallel design, single-blind, randomized controlled trial will compare a team sport condition, an individual sport condition, and a “personal time” control condition over 3 months. Parents are eligible if they have a child under 13 years of age, are not participating in a sport at baseline, and are not meeting Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. Psychosocial variables (quality of life, relationship satisfaction, social functioning, parental stress, and enjoyment) will be assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months. A total of 161 parents have been recruited thus far from the Greater Victoria region in British Columbia, Canada. The study is ongoing with a target goal of 240 participants and an anticipated completion date of December 2021.DiscussionThis protocol describes the implementation of a randomized controlled trial that evaluates the effectiveness of sport participation for increasing positive psychosocial outcomes. This information could prove useful for future adult sport participation and potentially inform public health initiatives involving parents and families.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02898285. Registered 13 September 2016.

Sports Participation and Health Care Costs in Older Adults Aged 50 Years or Older.

The objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between sports participation and health care costs in older adults. The sample was composed of 556 participants (145 men and 411 women) who were followed from 2010 to 2014. The engagement in sports considered three different components (intensity, volume, and previous time). Health care costs were assessed annually through medical records. Structural equation modeling (longitudinal relationship between sport and costs) and analysis of variance for repeated measures (comparisons over time) were used. Health care costs increased significantly from 2010 to 2014 (analysis of variance; p value = .001). Higher baseline scores for intensity were related to lower health care costs (r = -.223, 95% confidence interval [-.404, -.042]). Similar results were found to volume (r = -.216, 95% confidence interval [-.396, -.036]) and time of engagement (r = -.218, 95% confidence interval [-.402, -.034]). In conclusion, higher sports participation is related to lower health care costs in older adults.

Facilitative Factors on Career Patterns of Sports Participation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Comparative Study

Facilitative Factors on Career Patterns of Sports Participation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Comparative Study

Understanding the experiences in adult introductory sport programmes: a case study of learn-to-curl leagues

ABSTRACT Little is known about the experiences of adults as they try a new sport. In this paper, we present findings from a qualitative case study where we sought to understand the experiences of adults trying the sport of curling in two introductory leagues in a central Canadian city. Findings indicate curling, as experienced by participants in these introductory leagues, can be effective in terms of building community and meeting the diverse needs of adults (e.g. providing opportunities to meet other adults). In particular, we identified the following themes: (1) bridging and expanding social connections; (2) valuing, acquiring, and improving skills; and (3) belonging as a curler? These findings represent primary characteristics that the league participants in this study valued and were searching for. This study builds on the existing adult sport participation literature by engaging Green’s (2005) theory of normative sport development to demonstrate important qualities programmers should consider in designing introductory sport and leisure programs.

Gain-Framed Messaging for Promoting Adult Sport: Examining the Effects of Efficacy-Enhancing Information.

Sport is a potential venue for more middle-aged adults to engage in sufficient physical activity for health benefits. Little is known about whether messaging interventions can motivate sport activity. This experiment tested the impact of gain-framed messaging (i.e., information about the benefits of doing adult sport) based on the inclusion (or lack thereof) of efficacy-enhancing information. Adults (30–69 years-old) were randomly assigned to experimental (a 4-min online video of “Gain-framed messages alone,” or “Gain-framed plus efficacy-enhancing messages”) or control conditions. Participants (N = 232; 62.5% female) completed baseline measures for intentions, barrier and scheduling self-efficacy, outcomes expectancies (OEs), sport behavior and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, received their condition 1-week later, reported measures immediately after, and 1-month later. Results showed no differences between the experimental conditions, indicating there was no advantage of supplemental efficacy-enhancing information compared to gain-framed messages alone. When the two messaging groups were collapsed, they showed significant increases for OEs related to travel, social affiliation, and stress relief immediately following experimental exposure, compared to the control group. Overall, there were few benefits attributed to messaging and no effects on self-reported sport registration or sport behavior. Discussion focuses on future messaging considerations that may more effectively motivate adult sport participation.

Perceived Stress Level and Sports Participation in Deaf Adolescents and Young Adults

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of sports participation on perceived stress level in deaf adolescents and young adults. A total of 110 deaf people aged between 14 and 25 years participated in the study. The Turkish version of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to assess perceived stress level of the participants. The scale is a 5-item Likert scale and 10-item scale. The scores of PSS-10 consist of 0-40.44 (40.0%) of the participants were female and 66 (60.0%) were male. The mean age of female participants were 16,66 ± 1,36 years and male participants were 17,74 ± 1,65 years. Of the participants, 85 (77.3%) had antenatal and 25 (22.7%) had post-partum hearing impairment. Of the participants, 67 (60.9%) did participate sports and 43 (39.1%) did not participate in sports. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of sex, hearing disability level and having congenital or acquired disability (p&gt; 0.05). The total score of PSS of the athletes were 22,33 ± 6,33 and the total score of the non-athletes were 26,74 ± 3,46. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p &lt;0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was found in terms of gender, the grades of hearing disability, and having congenital or acquired disability (p&gt; 0.05). The results of our study showed that the perceived stress levels of deaf adolescents and young adults who participate in sports were lower than compared who did not participate in sports. This study demonstrated sports participation might recommend to adolescents and young adults with hearing impairment for reducing stress.