Correlates Of Leisure-time Physical Activity Research Articles

Psycho-social correlates of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among older adults: a multivariate analysis

BackgroundStill, a considerable number of older adults hardly meet the daily physical activity recommendation. The current study examined how the elderly’s attitudinal and perceptional aspects were associated with their Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA) participation in order to provide insight into the physical activity promotion.MethodsStudy used a total sample of 10,700 older adults aged 65+ drawn from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) 2014–2015 in USA. Multiple questionnaire items were employed to assess older adults’ attitudes and outlook across different life domains. LTPA participation was measured using two indicators—walking and sports/exercise. A technique of adjusted multivariate analysis was employed to examine the relationships between predictors and outcome variables.ResultsResults indicated that psychosocial indicators were significantly associated with older adults’ LTPA: self-perception of ageing, self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, spiritual engagement, perceived social tie and neighbourhood safety; while measures of perceived social relations and neighbourhood safety demonstrated different associations with walking and sports/exercise on its intensity.ConclusionsHealth professionals should be well-informed about psychosocial roles, either as facilitators or constraints, in older adults’ physical activity participation. Incorporation of psychosocial intervention into physical activity promotion can help older adults develop positive attitudes and inner strength linked to their health behaviour.

A Physical Education Intervention Effects on Correlates of Physical Activity and Motivation.

The purpose of this study was to measure effects of a modified physical education (PE) unit on leisure time physical activity (LTPA), relative autonomy, and known correlates of LTPA in seventh-grade boys and girls. A seventh-grade mountain biking unit was modified to include instructional activities targeting known correlates of PA behavior following principles of Physical Education Dedicated to Physical Activity for Life (PEDAL). A three-group design (intervention, standard PE, no PE) was employed. Participants completed a survey at baseline, postintervention, and follow-up at 4 weeks. A total of 300 seventh graders (girls = 151) from two schools completed the surveys. Data suggest PE may influence certain correlates of and autonomous motivation for PA although results revealed no intervention main effects for continuous and noncontinuous dependent variables. Results also provide evidence of sport-specific skill being improved through physical education. While results of this study showed no main effects from the intervention, data suggest PE may influence certain correlates of and autonomous motivation for PA. This warrants attention toward autonomy supporting PE environments and instruction sensitive to autonomous motivation. Future studies should examine PEDAL-designed PE programs over an entire year or more.

The correlates of physical activity among adult Métis

ABSTRACTObjectives: Métis, with a population of close to 390,000 people, are a culturally distinct and constitutionally recognized Aboriginal group in Canada that suffers from poorer overall health than non-Aboriginal Canadians. One important predictor of good health is physical activity. Guided by frameworks based on social and Aboriginal-specific determinants, we investigated the correlates of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and active transportation (walking) among adult Métis, with a particular focus on how culturally specific variables were associated with these two types of activity. We also examined how demographic, geographic, socioeconomic and health-related factors were associated with physical activity.Design: We used data from Statistics Canada’s 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey and Métis Supplement to analyze the correlates of physical activity among Métis aged 20–64, using a series of logistic regression models.Results: Having attended a Métis cultural event in the past year was positively associated with LTPA, as was a high level of spirituality. Similarly, those who had attended a cultural event in the last year were more likely to report a high level of active transportation. Speaking an Aboriginal language and being a member of a Métis organization were not independently associated with the two types of physical activity. Self-perceived health, being male and household income were other correlates positively associated with LTPA, whereas age, body mass index and smoking were negatively associated with this type of activity. Active transportation was positively associated with self-perceived health and being female, while negatively associated with age and body mass index.Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that interventions aimed at increasing physical activity among adult Métis might be more successful if they are connected to cultural activities and spirituality. This research also suggests that demographic, socioeconomic and health-related factors are important considerations when designing initiatives to increase physical activity among adult Métis.

Interacting psychosocial and environmental correlates of leisure-time physical activity: A three-country study.

The main study objective was to examine the moderating effects of perceived enjoyment, barriers/benefits, perceived social support and self-efficacy, on the associations of perceived environmental attributes with walking for recreation and leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and whether these potential moderating effects differed by gender and study site. Data from three observational studies in the United States (Seattle and Baltimore), Australia (Adelaide), and Belgium (Ghent) were pooled. In total, 6014 adults (20-65 years, 55.7% women) were recruited in high-/low-walkable and high-/low-income neighborhoods. All participants completed the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale, a validated questionnaire on psychosocial attributes, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. General additive mixed models were conducted in R. Enjoyment of physical activity, perceived barriers to physical activity, perceived benefits of physical activity, social support from family and friends, and self-efficacy for physical activity moderated the relationships of specific perceived environmental characteristics with walking for recreation and/or leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Overall, moderating effects were in the same direction: environmental perceptions were positively associated with leisure-time activity, but associations were strongest in adults with less positive scores on psychosocial attributes. The findings were fairly consistent across gender and study sites. The present study findings are promising, as it seems that those who might benefit most from environmental interventions to promote physical activity, may mainly be adults at risk of being insufficiently active or those difficult to reach through individual health promotion programs.

Delving into the Social Ecology of Leisure-Time Physical Activity Among Adolescents From South Eastern Spain

Worldwide, there is a growing concern with adolescents' low levels of physical activity (PA). We used a comprehensive social ecological framework to uncover factors associated with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among adolescents from southeastern Spain. A population-based sample of 3249 adolescents aged 12-17 participated in a school-based survey in 2006. Potential correlates of participation in and level of LTPA were assessed through self-report. LTPA levels were also self-reported. We used gender-stratified logistic regression models to examine the associations among the variables of interest. Consistent with a social ecological perspective, analyses revealed several factors, corresponding to different levels of organization (demographic, biological, psychological, behavioral, social) and behavioral settings (family, peer group, school), significantly associated with LTPA. Some of these factors varied as a function of gender and depending on whether the outcome considered was nonparticipation vs. participation in LTPA or high vs. low level of involvement among participants. Overall, the findings highlight the role of health-related participation motives, significant others' attitudes toward PA, and grade in physical education as correlates of LTPA in this sample. Continued research is necessary to understand the complex interplay of factors and settings associated with adolescent LTPA and the role of gender.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviours among rural adults in suixi, china: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundModernisation and urbanisation have led to lifestyle changes and increasing risks for chronic diseases in China. Physical activity and sedentary behaviours among rural populations need to be better understood, as the rural areas are undergoing rapid transitions. This study assessed levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviours of farming and non-farming adults in rural Suixi, described activity differences between farming and non-farming seasons, and examined correlates of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and TV viewing.MethodsA random sample of rural adults (n = 287) in Suixi County, Guangdong, China were surveyed in 2009 by trained interviewers. Questionnaires assessed multiple physical activities and sedentary behaviours, and their correlates. Analysis of covariance compared activity patterns across occupations, and multiple logistic regressions assessed correlates of LTPA and TV viewing. Quantitative data analyses were followed by community consultation for validation and interpretation of findings.ResultsActivity patterns differed by occupation. Farmers were more active through their work than other occupations, but were less active and more sedentary during the non-farming season than the farming season. Rural adults in Suixi generally had a low level of LTPA and a high level of TV viewing. Marital status, household size, social modelling for LTPA and owning sports equipment were significantly associated with LTPA but not with TV time. Most findings were validated through community consultation.ConclusionsFor chronic disease prevention, attention should be paid to the currently decreasing occupational physical activity and increasing sedentary behaviours in rural China. Community and socially-based initiatives provide opportunities to promote LTPA and prevent further increase in sedentary behaviours.

Correlates Of Physical Activity In Men And Women With Osteoarthritis: Findings From Australia

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of pain and disability in Australia, and physical activity is a preferred treatment for OA symptoms. However, most people with OA are not engaging in health-enhancing activities recommended to relieve symptoms. Understanding the modifiable factors associated with these activities is necessary to encourage participation. PURPOSE: To examine the correlates of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), strength training, and stretching exercises among individuals with OA. METHODS: As part of a mail survey, 485 individuals, aged 68.0 (SD=10.6) years, with hip or knee OA were asked about current use of 17 therapies for OA relief as well as about demographic, health-related and psychological factors. Associations with each activity outcome were examined in a multivariable logistic regression model, separately for men and women. RESULTS: Having the use of a walking aid was associated with LTPA in men and women (p<0.05). In men, attempting to lose weight and using massage therapy were associated with participation in both strength training and stretching exercises (p<0.05). In women, attempting to lose weight and taking an OA self-management program were associated with participation in strength training (p<0.05), and taking an OA self-management program, using orthotics in shoes, and the perceived benefits of physical activities were associated with stretching exercises (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show that use of certain OA therapies is associated with participation in physical activities. Acknowledging the limitations of the cross-sectional design, the findings indicate important channels, such as OA self-management programs for women and massage therapists for men, for promoting activity. They also indicate the perceived need for aids, like walking aids and orthotics, for participation in health-enhancing activities. Supported by Australian NHMRC Program Grant #301200

Correlates of leisure-time physical activity in an elderly population in Singapore.

This study assessed correlates of leisure-time physical activity among the elderly in Singapore. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in 1998 with 2494 subjects 60 years and older. Regular leisure-time physical activity was practiced by 47.0% of men and 38.5% of women. It was significantly correlated with family support, proportion of family members exercising, awareness of benefits of exercise, and healthy dietary habits. Other significant but negative correlates were smoking and barriers to exercise, such as lack of time and poor health. Exercise programs for the elderly should aim at helping them overcome barriers to exercise, informing them of the benefits of exercise, and involving their families.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity Among Older Adults

To investigate the prevalence and selected correlates of leisure-time physical activity in a nationally representative sample of persons aged 65 years or older. Data from 2783 older male and 5018 older female respondents to the 1990 National Health Interview Survey were used. Regular physical activity was defined as participation in leisure-time physical activities 3 times or more per week for 30 minutes or more during the previous 2 weeks. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated from multivariate logistic regression analysis. Prevalence of regular physical activity was 37% among older men and 24% among older women. Correlates of regular physical activity included the perception of excellent to good health (men: OR, 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.9; women: OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-1.9), correct exercise knowledge (men: OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.9-3.1; women: OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 2.2-3.4), no activity limitations (men: OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.6; women: OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4-2.0) and not perceiving "a lot" of stress during the previous 2 weeks (men: OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4; women: OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.6). Among those who had been told at least twice that they had high blood pressure, physician's advice to exercise was associated with regular physical activity (men: OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.3; women: OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.9). The 2 major activities among active older adults were walking (men, 69%; women, 75%) and gardening (men, 45%; women, 35%). Prevalence of regular physical activity is low among older Americans. Identifying the correlates of physical activity will help to formulate strategies to increase physical activity in this age group.

Articles

Literature on the correlates and predictors of leisure-time physical activity among African-American population is sparse. This cohort study assessed correlates of leisure-time physical activity (specific large muscle activities during the past month at least three times a week) in a biracial population in 1987 and predictors for the adoption of this behavior 4 years later among those initially inactive. Random digit dialing methods were used to identify residents of two South Carolina communities in 1987. In 1991, 3,223 of these residents were resurveyed (62% response rate). In general, the correlates of leisure-time physical activity (education, > or = 12 years; nonsmoking; weight loss behaviors; and physician advice) were similar for each sex and race group. In 1987, the definition of leisure-time physical activity was not met by 831 (54% of 1,542) white women, 374 (76% of 489) African-American women, 586 (59% of 991) white men, and 126 (63% of 201) African-American men. Among those who were inactive in 1987, 22-24% of white adults and African-American men and 14% of African-American women adopted physical activity 4 years later. Twelve years or more of education was a predictor among white women (risk ratio = 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.2-2.6) and African-American women (risk ratio = 3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.4-6.9), but not among men. Having a physician discuss physical activity was a predictor among white women (risk ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.3-2.7), African-American women (risk ratio = 1.7, 95% confidence interval 0.9-3.2), white men (risk ratio = 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.3-3.1), and African-American men (risk ratio = 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.0-7.6). These results highlight the strong effect of educational attainment on adoption of healthy behaviors and support the involvement of physicians to promote physical activity among all race and sex groups.