Physical Activity Experiences Research Articles

A Qualitative Examination of Online Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Observational Preferences Within Physical Education

Purpose: This qualitative case study examined students’ interpretations of their physical activity (PA) experiences within in-person and online physical education and how that influenced their PA self-efficacy. Method: The study participants were 40 (24 females) current high school students from three different schools who participated in focus group semistructured interviews. Results: Two themes were developed during analysis of the coded data: (a) online participation in PA within physical education was awkward and (b) students had a variety of observational preferences based on perceived and actual similarities/differences between students and their teachers, peers, and people within online videos. Discussion/Conclusion: The design of PA experiences should attempt to support or increase students’ PA self-efficacy by limiting students’ feelings of being uncomfortable or on display, increasing students’ opportunities to learn from each other in comfortable ways, and providing students with detailed demonstrations from teachers and peers with a variety of skill levels.

Young people's experiences of physical activity insecurity: a qualitative study highlighting intersectional disadvantage in the UK

BackgroundIntersecting socioeconomic and demographic reasons for physical activity (PA) inequalities are not well understood for young people at risk of experiencing marginalisation and living with disadvantage. This study explored young people’s experiences of PA in their local area, and the associated impacts on opportunities for good physical and emotional health and wellbeing.MethodsSeven local youth groups were purposefully sampled from disadvantaged areas across urban, rural and coastal areas of England, including two that were specifically for LGBTQ + young people. Each group engaged in three interlinked focus groups which explored young people’s perceptions and lived experience of PA inequalities. Data were analysed using an inductive, reflexive thematic approach to allow for flexibility in coding.ResultsFifty five young people aged 12–21 years of different sexualities, gender and ethnicity took part. Analysis yielded four themes: PA experiences across spaces; resigned to a lack of inclusivity and ‘belonging’; safety first; complexities in access and accessibility. Young people felt more comfortable to be active in spaces that were simpler to navigate, particularly outdoor locations largely based in nature. In contrast, local gyms and sports clubs, and the school environment in general, were spoken about often in negative terms and as spaces where they experienced insecurity, unsafety or discomfort. It was common for these young people to feel excluded from PA, often linked to their gender and sexuality. Lived experiences or fears of being bullied and harassed in many activity spaces was a powerful message, but in contrast, young people perceived their local youth club as a safe space. Intersecting barriers related to deprivation, gender and sexuality, accessibility, disability, Covid-19, affordability, ethnicity, and proximity of social networks. A need emerged for safe spaces in which young people can come together, within the local community and choose to be active.ConclusionsThe overarching concept of ‘physical activity insecurity’ emerged as a significant concern for the young people in this study. We posit that PA insecurity in this context can be described as a limited or restricted ability to be active, reinforced by worries and lived experiences of feeling uncomfortable, insecure, or unsafe.

Physical activity perceptions and experiences of BAME Teesside University students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Physical activity perceptions and experiences of BAME Teesside University students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

An Integrated Care Approach to Improve Well-Being in Breast Cancer Patients.

Breast cancer (BC) treatment has recently been revolutionized by the introduction of newer targeted agents, that helped tailoring therapies around the single patient. Along with increased survival rates, a careful evaluation of diet, lifestyle habits, physical activity, emotional and psychological experiences linked to the treatment journey, is now mandatory. However, a true proposal for an omnicomprehensive and "integrative" approach is still lacking in literature. A scientific board of internationally recognized specialists throughout different disciplines designed a shared proposal of holistic approach for BC patients. A narrative review, containing information on BC treatment, endocrinological and diet aspects, physical activity, rehabilitation, integrative medicine, and digital narrative medicine, was developed. In the context of a patient-centered care, BC treatment cannot be separated from a patient's long-term follow-up and care, and an organized interdisciplinary collaboration is the future in this disease's cure, to make sure that our patients will live longer and better. NCT05893368: New Model for Integrating Person-based Care (PbC) in the Treatment of Advanced HER2-negative Breast Cancer (PERGIQUAL). Registration date: 29th May 2023.

Barriers and enablers for sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: The perspective of adolescents.

Interventions to improve physical activity (PA) among adolescents continue to be a public health priority. To promote PA more effectively, we need to identify the main factors contributing to (not) engagement in PA in the perspective of adolescents themselves. Thus, we explored the barriers and enablers for sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in adolescents from their point of view. We used qualitative data collected as part of the international Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study. We obtained data from 14-17 years old adolescents from the first year of Slovak high school. We conducted 11 online, semi-structured individual and group interviews with 24 participants in total (7 boys; mean age = 15.17, SD = 0.87) in Slovakia. We analysed the data using consensual qualitative research and thematic analysis. In the statements of adolescents, four main themes were identified regarding factors contributing to (not) engagement in PA among adolescents. 'Myself as a source' represents the importance of adolescents' own efforts, knowledge, physical predispositions and PA experience. 'How PA can be done' represents school as an opportunity for PA, and PA teachers and sports coaches as specialists who can create an enabling environment for sports. 'Others as a source' represents the social circle that can set a positive sports example and can encourage adolescent's efforts in PA. 'Factors outside' represents other factors that can inspire adolescents, e.g. by giving them a comfortable space and time to exercise, or can be a barrier to PA. The potential factors that include adolescents' perspectives can be more leveraged in designing supportive, inclusive, enjoyable, and skills-appropriate PA programmes.

Embodied navigation: the influence of lived experience on physical activity and sedentary behavior among older adults

ABSTRACT Purpose The impact of a sedentary lifestyle on health and well-being is well recognized. However, there is limited understanding of how a lifetime of physical activity and sedentary behaviour influences an active lifestyle in older adults. The aim of this study was to describe how lived experience of physical activity and sedentary behaviour impacts daily activities among older adults, from a life course perspective. Methods Qualitative content analysis was used; individual telephone interviews were conducted with fourteen older adults aged 71 to 92 years. The participants received initial support from community care and lived in ordinary housing in southern Sweden. Results The interviews yielded one theme, “Navigating with an embodied activity compass,” and two sub-themes: “Being guided by the past” and “Unveiling pathways through body awareness.” Conclusions Our study highlights how older adults’ lived experiences of physical activity, with their connections to body awareness and acceptance, impact daily physical activity. These findings offer new knowledge for clinical practitioners balancing recommendations of sedentary behaviour and physical activity, to promote healthy daily physical activity among older adults. Future research and policies should consider the lived experiences of older adults when addressing public health matters related to sedentary behaviour and physical activity.

Patient experiences of physical activity and inactivity in the stroke unit: an interview study.

Stroke unit care is highly recommended after stroke, but patients in these units are often physically inactive. The aim of this study was to explore patient experiences of physical activity and inactivity in the stroke unit. Qualitative interview study. Sixteen participants with stroke; a heterogeneous sample with differences in sex, age, and stroke severity from 8 Swedish stroke units. In-depth interviews 1-2 weeks after discharge analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis resulted in three themes: 1: Dealing with the challenges of a changed body while striving to become independent; 2: The stroke unit is crucial for physical activity; and 3: Physical activity is important for interaction with others, autonomy, and feeling seen. Participants described how they coped with a new situation when finding new ways to move and function. In addition, they wanted to be involved in their own stroke rehabilitation. The participants expressed the following experiences of being in the stroke unit: movement is more important than physical activity and involves being seen and respected; physical activity and exercise are necessary to achieve independence; process involvement is of importance to regain abilities; physical activity offers the possibility of choosing between community and being alone and influences the ability to connect with others and the outside world.

The mediating effects of motivation on the relations between occupational stress and physical activity among underresourced afterschool program staff

ObjectiveGuided by Self-Determination Theory, this study aimed to examine the potential mediating effects of autonomous and controlled motivations on physical activity (PA) experiences of afterschool program (ASP) staff with occupational stress.MethodA total of 58 ASP staff provided full data. Staff occupational stress and self-determination motivations for PA were assessed. Participants’ daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured using accelerometer wear. A path analysis was used to address the research purpose.ResultsOccupational stress negatively and indirectly predicted daily MVPA which was mediated by controlled motivation (β = − 4.15, p <.05). Autonomous motivation directly and positively predicted daily MVPA across all types and levels of ASP staff occupational stress (β = 9.93, p =.01).ConclusionsAutonomous motivation is a powerful predictor of staff PA levels despite the degree to which they experience stress. In contrast, controlled motivations are more vulnerable to occupational stress, and can lead to lower MVPA.Trial registrationConnect Through PLAY: A Staff-based Physical Activity Intervention for Middle School Youth (Connect). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03732144. Registered 11/06/2018. Registration number: NCT03732144.

Real-world walking cadence in people with COPD.

The clinical validity of real-world walking cadence in people with COPD is unsettled. Our objective was to assess the levels, variability and association with clinically relevant COPD characteristics and outcomes of real-world walking cadence. We assessed walking cadence (steps per minute during walking bouts longer than 10 s) from 7 days' accelerometer data in 593 individuals with COPD from five European countries, and clinical and functional characteristics from validated questionnaires and standardised tests. Severe exacerbations during a 12-month follow-up were recorded from patient reports and medical registries. Participants were mostly male (80%) and had mean±sd age of 68±8 years, post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of 57±19% predicted and walked 6880±3926 steps·day-1. Mean walking cadence was 88±9 steps·min-1, followed a normal distribution and was highly stable within-person (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.92, 95% CI 0.90-0.93). After adjusting for age, sex, height and number of walking bouts in fractional polynomial or linear regressions, walking cadence was positively associated with FEV1, 6-min walk distance, physical activity (steps·day-1, time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, vector magnitude units, walking time, intensity during locomotion), physical activity experience and health-related quality of life and negatively associated with breathlessness and depression (all p<0.05). These associations remained after further adjustment for daily steps. In negative binomial regression adjusted for multiple confounders, walking cadence related to lower number of severe exacerbations during follow-up (incidence rate ratio 0.94 per step·min-1, 95% CI 0.91-0.99, p=0.009). Higher real-world walking cadence is associated with better COPD status and lower severe exacerbations risk, which makes it attractive as a future prognostic marker and clinical outcome.

A scoping review of trans and gender diverse children and adolescents’ experiences of physical activity, sport, and exercise participation

Increasing young people's physical activity, along with their motivation and confidence to be active, is widely advocated for supporting desirable health outcomes. Trans and gender diverse (henceforth; trans) young people experience significant physical activity-related barriers compared to cisgender (i.e., an individual for whom gender identity and sex presumed at birth are in alignment) peers. This scoping review aimed to synthesise information relating to physical activity, sport, and exercise, as well as participation experiences among trans young people aged 10–25 years. Database searches of CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsychINFO, and SportDiscus were conducted for publication until August 2023. Broad search terms included exercise, physical activity, sport, transgender, gender diverse, youth, child, and adolescents, with 24 studies identified for full text review. Following title, abstract, and full text review, 12 studies were retained for data extraction. Methodological quality was assessed with scores ranging from 0.14 to 0.95. Eleven studies reported trans young people participated in less physical activity compared to cisgender peers. All 12 studies reported on barriers to exercise participation—resulting from gender-based isolation, exclusion, and rejection in sports or school physical education—that were associated with mental health-related concerns. Findings demonstrate trans young people typically have lower physical activity participation levels, feel less safe while playing sport, and face more barriers to participation than their cisgender peers, resulting in isolation and exclusion. Findings suggest a need to create more inclusive opportunities and harness motivating factors (e.g., gender affirmation, social capital) to assist the adoption of healthy exercise behaviours.

A qualitative exploration of perceptions and experiences towards physical activity among patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma undergoing treatment.

646 Background: Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) experience significant symptom burden due to the disease and its treatment, thus limiting their ability to participate in physical activity (PA) and engage in daily activities. PA can have many physical and psychosocial benefits, and exploring its value and how to deliver it to patients with PDAC could support their health and well-being. Therefore, the objective of this qualitative research was to explore perceptions and experiences of PA among PDAC patients undergoing active treatment. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals with PDAC. Participation was optional and open to individuals in the DigiSTEPS prospective trial evaluating associations between PA measures, performance status, and patient-reported outcomes (NCT03757182). Interviews were conducted virtually. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Ten patients (50% male, 80% white, mean age=70 years) participated in the interviews. While clinical approaches may often be informational and seek to educate PDAC patients regarding the importance of PA and the benefits of PA participation, findings suggest that participants understand the benefits of PA and are interested in being active. However, cancer symptoms and treatment-related side effects are substantial barriers that are hard to surmount. A further barrier was the dissonance in self-perceptions, particularly the contrast in their functional abilities and body composition pre- to post-cancer diagnosis. We identified four action items to support patients in overcoming these barriers: clinicians can leverage trust in their team to provide evidence-based information on how to be active; distribute wearable activity monitors which can increase motivation; harness virtual PA opportunities during more symptomatic periods; and provide PA trainers with cancer knowledge to tailor programming. Conclusions: This research highlights the importance of tailoring PA discussion and approaches based on a PDAC patient’s phase in the cancer survivorship continuum, their stage at diagnosis, and treatment type. In addition, clinical teams and trainers should consider patient concerns related to body image and develop programs that address the barriers identified in this research. Clinical teams may benefit from integrating access to counselling psychologists to address these concerns and promote PA in positive and adaptive ways. Clinical trial information: NCT03757182 .

Patients’ and staff’s experiences of Well-Track physical activity and sleep quality intervention in an Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service

ABSTRACT Objective Individuals, who experience psychosis are found to have worse fitness levels, are less likely to be physically active, and experience greater sleep problems than the general population. The aim of this research was to examine the Well-Track psychical activity and sleep quality intervention which addresses these issues; it comprises using a Fitbit, motivational interviewing, goal identification and setting, exercise and sleep hygiene advice and feedback sessions with staff working in an Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service. Method This qualitative study examined patients’ and staff’s experiences of Well-Track. Semi-structured interviews with thirteen patients and five staff were analysed using thematic analysis based on a structure-process-outcome framework. Results Key elements of the structure comprise supportive staff and the use of a wearable device (Fitbit). Process themes included the implementation of a multifaceted framework, setting realistic goals and a personal recovery process. Outcomes identified were knowledge (about exercise and sleep), implementation of action-orientated behaviours and improvements in well-being. Discussion Effective sleep and engagement with physical activity and exercise are important for the well-being and mental and physical health of EIP service patients and facilitating this can be achieved through Well-Track which comprises evidenced components to promote behaviour change. EIP services can implement Well-Track to meet service goals related to reducing weight gain, improving well-being, improving physical activity and enabling better self-management and healthier lifestyles.

Female Undergraduate Students’ Experiences Facilitating an Out-of-School Physical Activity Program for Middle School Girls

Purpose: To explore undergraduate students’ experiences leading and facilitating an out-of-school-time (OST) physical activity program for middle school girls. Method: Five female undergraduate students (N = 4 Black or African American) participated in semistructured individual interviews and submitted weekly reflections during their time leading the OST Girls Empowering Movement (program). The data were analyzed inductively by conducting systematic searches across interview transcripts and artifacts. Results: Four themes were generated, including: find something that they would like, sometimes it is hard to calm chaos, those girls cling to me, and this experience was really good for me. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the undergraduate students who facilitated the Girls Empowering Movement program experienced significant growth and learned the complexities involved in facilitating and leading an OST program. These findings have practical implications when considering physical activity leadership practices and experiences leading OST physical activity programming.

Joy, Jobs, and Sweat: Older Adults' Physical Activity During COVID-19 Lockdowns in New Zealand.

This qualitative narrative correspondence study investigates older adults' experiences of physical activity (PA) during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This paper presents a reflexive thematic analysis of 501 letters received from 568 participants that discussed PA. Participants described PA as bringing joy and rhythm to daily life under stay-at-home measures. The most frequently discussed forms of PA included exercising, gardening, and housework. Four interconnected conceptual themes identified were as follows: (a)renegotiating environmental relationships, (b)social connection, (c)pleasure and PA, and (d)navigating active aging discourses. This paper emphasizes the important environmental and social motivations for becoming and remaining physically active despite restrictions on movement. Older adults' understandings and performance of PA were heavily shaped by active aging discourses. As such, we suggest that initiatives seeking to promote PA should foreground older adults' feelings of connection, productivity, and pleasure and recognize their diversity. This is contrary to current recommendations focused on duration or intensity of older adults' PA.

A Comparison of Changes in Health Behavior, Obesity, and Mental Health of Korean Adolescents Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Online Cross-Sectional Study.

The health behavior and mental health problems of adolescents have shown a variety of changes due to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study compared health behavior, obesity, and mental health among Korean adolescents before and during the early COVID-19 pandemic. Population-based and cross-sectional data from the 2019 and 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Surveys were used. Data of 57,048 and 54,948 adolescents from the 2019 and 2020 surveys, respectively, were compared. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to compare health behavior, obesity, and mental health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of overweight, obesity, and body image perceived subjectively as fat, were higher in the 2020 sample compared to the 2019 sample. The aOR of the frequency (more than 3 times a week) of fast-food consumption was higher in 2020 than in 2019. However, the aOR of physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking experience were lower in 2020 than in 2019. In addition, during COVID-19, adolescents were less likely to have perceived severe stress, depressive moods, and suicidal ideation. Current evidence suggests the co-occurrence of positive and negative changes in health behavior, obesity, and mental health among Korean adolescents during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The results contribute insights for monitoring adolescents' health behavior and promoting their mental health during school shutdowns.

Hygge in Iran? The Lived Experience of Physical Activity of Older Adults in the Neighborhood Environment in Tehran

Abstract Physical activity is considered one of the most important components of daily activities and a healthy lifestyle for the older adult to achieve well-being. The purpose of this study is to explore older adults’ views on physical activity in the neighborhood environment. This study is qualitative and interpretive in nature. In this research, thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze and report patterns in the qualitative data, employing Braun and Clarke’s six-step inductive approach. Twenty-four active seniors in the Ekhtiarieh neighborhood of Tehran were interviewed in person. The purpose of the interview was to probe into the deep layers of the interviewees’ mindset and obtain valid information. The analysis of the data yielded Hygge as the global theme, and the three main themes of joyful emotions and behavior (Wellness Hygge), perceived social support (Neighborhood Hygge), and safety and security, as well as eight sub-themes. Although Hygge derives Danish culture and its national identity, The creation of a Hygge subculture in the neighborhood through physical activity can be considered as a collective effort to deal with the contradictions in the society with happiness. The findings of this research have been chosen as inspiring concepts for a better and healthier life, to reproduce simple cultural elements that do not exist in the situation of the local culture, by borrowing from the the culture of Denmark, the happiest country in the world.

Milestones and turning points in the experience of physical activity throughout cancer care: a qualitative study to inform physical activity promotion

PurposePhysical activity (PA) is an important supportive care strategy to manage cancer and treatment-related side effects, yet PA participation is low among people diagnosed with cancer. This study examined patients’, health professionals’, and managers’ perspectives on PA throughout cancer care to glean implications for PA promotion.MethodsRandom selection and purposeful sampling methods allowed for the recruitment of 21 patients (76.2% women) and 20 health professionals and managers (80% women) who participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Interview questions explored facilitators and barriers to PA participation and promotion across the cancer care continuum. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Then, qualitative thematic analysis was performed.ResultsThe analysis produced five main themes describing milestones in PA participation throughout cancer care: (1) Getting Started, (2) Discovering PA Resources, (3) Taking Action, (4) Striving for Change, and (5) Returning to a “New Normal.” The sub-themes underscored turning points, i.e., tasks and challenges to PA participation that had to be overcome at each milestone. Achieving milestones and successfully navigating turning points were dependent on clinical, social, and community factors.ConclusionCancer patients appear to progress through a series of milestones in adopting and maintaining PA throughout cancer care. Intervention strategies aimed at promoting PA could test whether support in navigating turning points could lead to greater PA participation. These findings require replication and extension, specifically among patients who are men, younger adults, and culturally diverse.

Observing Others’ Workouts on Social Network Sites Improves the Observer’s Physical Activity: A Moderated-Mediation Model

ABSTRACT Many people like to share their physical activity (PA) experiences on social network sites (SNSs). Drawing on social cognitive theory, we examined in two studies whether observing others’ workouts on SNSs could improve the observer’s PA via the mediation of workout self-efficacy. In study 1, a two-wave longitudinal online survey of 461 participants, exposure to SNS workout posts was positively associated with PA through workout self-efficacy. In study 2, an online experimental study with 124 participants, manipulating perceived similarity revealed that it moderates between exposure to SNS workout posts and workout self-efficacy. Moreover, moderation of the indirect effect between exposure to SNS workout posts and PA via workout self-efficacy was supported. These findings reveal the mechanisms and boundary conditions of social media exposure improving workout self-efficacy and promoting PA.

A Primary Qualitative Study Exploring Adult BAME Individuals' Experiences Regarding Physical Activity from the North-East of England During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Researchers have found that people from BAME communities have worse health outcomes from many health interventions and face health disparities. BAME individuals experience health inequities and lower health intervention results. The experiences of adult Teesside-based BAME individuals' regarding physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 pandemic were mapped onto the capability, opportunity, and motivation model of behaviour (COM-B). Twelve adult BAME participants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews that lasted 40 to 60 minutes and captured participant perceptions of how their PA and perceptions related to living a healthy PA lifestyle during the pandemic between April and August 2022 via Microsoft Teams. Using thematic analysis, 10 themes were generated, but only three themes were discussed. These include knowledge and awareness of the PA lifestyle, participants' perceptions of the opportunities to improve the PA lifestyle choice of adult BAME, and the change in perceptions of PA due to COVID-19 lockdown. While literature has explored the COM-B model, there have been generalised findings that are not specific to adult BAME individuals' lived PA experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to understand the shift in adult BAME perceptions and experiences during the coronavirus pandemic, therefore calling for the urgent need to modify both models in order to combat the high mortality rates of adult BAME individuals related to sedentary lifestyle diseases. This indicates that there is a critical requirement for the COMB model in order to implement policies. Nevertheless, limited PA studies have used lifestyle behaviour models to enhance behavioural modification.

How Do You Move? Everyday stories of physical activity.

Stories can be a powerful method of exploring complexity, and the factors affecting everyday physical activity within a modern urban setting are nothing if not complex. The first part of our How Do You Move? study focused on the communication of physical activity guidelines to under-served communities. A key finding was that adults especially wanted physical activity messages to come from 'everyday people, people like us'. This finding also reflects a wider move to use more relatable imagery in health promotion campaigns. Using a portrait vignette approach to create monologues, we set out to explore the experiences of people from diverse backgrounds living in Bristol, all of whom took part in varied leisure time physical activities but would also be considered to lead 'normal' lives. We aim to demonstrate that stories of such 'experts by experience' can contribute to how physical activity is perceived and elucidate the complex interplay of barriers and enablers in everyday experiences of physical activity.