Physical Activity Experiences Research Articles

Fostering weight status understanding among exercise science and health students by simulating common physical activities with additional body mass.

Overweight and obesity rates continue to rise and appear unlikely to abate. While physical activity (PA) is an important contributor to health and successful weight maintenance, exercise science and health students (ESHS) often endorse negative weight status biases that could undermine PA promotion. This experiential learning activity was intended to help foster weight status understanding among ESHS. Nine ESHS completed the learning activity across two 75-minute class periods. During the initial didactic lesson, the instructor presented on psychophysiological responses to PA among normal and overweight individuals. During the second simulation lesson, the students first responded with their predictions of how the experience of four common physical activities, including shoe tying, brisk walking, running, and climbing and descending stairs, could differ with additional body mass. Next, students twice completed each of the four physical activities while first wearing a weighted vest that simulated 16 lb followed by 32 lb of additional mass. At the beginning, middle, and end of the stair climb and descent, the students provided ratings of affective valence (i.e., pleasure-displeasure). Following the PA simulations, the students wrote about their experiences and how their PA promotion strategies could be modified for overweight clients. The changes in student qualitative responses, particularly following the 32-lb simulations, suggested an increased understanding of the psychophysiological experience of PA while carrying additional mass. Learning activities like this one may be meaningful additions to ESHS curricula aiming to mitigate weight status bias and improve PA promotion among overweight clients.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Exercise science and health students (ESHS) often enter the field with the noble intention to help people become more physically active. However, many ESHS endorse negative weight status biases that could undermine health promotion efforts among overweight individuals. Experiential learning simulations that approximate the experiences of physical activity while overweight may be helpful tools to foster understanding and reduce bias. This article outlines a two-part didactic/simulation learning activity to promote weight status understanding among ESHS.

Perspectives and experiences of leisure-time physical activity in adults with stage 4 cancer: a qualitative interpretive-description study

Purpose Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) can be beneficial for individuals with advanced cancer, but little is known on how to tailor rehabilitation strategies targeting LTPA in cancer care. Our objective was to explore perspectives and experiences of LTPA in people with stage 4 cancer. Materials and methods Guided by interpretive-description methodology, our qualitative study consisted of individual, semi-structured interviews with 20 Canadian adults diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively. Results The participants’ median age was 51.5 (range, 35-73) years. Cancer types included breast (n = 12), lung (n = 4), and other (n = 4). Participants highlighted their experiences of LTPA as diverse and complex, impacted by individual and cancer-related factors. They emphasized being intentional with LTPA through activity planning and modification. LTPA participation was linked to physical well-being, social connections, and meanings of accomplishment and loss. Many participants desired personalized support related to LTPA, that is integrated, interprofessional, and accessible in cancer care. Conclusion The experiences of LTPA for people with stage 4 cancer are personal and connected to health and psychosocial meanings. Further efforts in rehabilitation are needed to address the challenges faced by people with advanced cancer and optimize safe, meaningful participation in LTPA. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Experiences of leisure-time physical activity in individuals with stage 4 cancer are personal and linked to health benefits and psychosocial meanings. Activity participation frequently involves consideration of cancer-related symptoms, management of risks, and intentional planning and modification of activities. Trained rehabilitation professionals integrated in cancer care may be well suited to support people with stage 4 cancer through personalized activity recommendations. This research can help inform future clinical, research, and educational efforts in rehabilitation aimed at targeting physical activity in individuals with advanced cancer.

Factors impacting the anticipated pleasure of potential physical activity experiences: a conjoint investigation across involvement segments

ABSTRACT The anticipated pleasure of participating in physical activity (PA) is one factor that may increase the likelihood of engagement and may be particularly important for long-term engagement. However, the impact of PA characteristics (e.g., intensity, location) on anticipated pleasure of PA remain unclear. This study used a conjoint analytic approach to evaluate the impact of activity intensity, physical context, and social context on the anticipated pleasure of engaging in PA across involvement segments. In conjoint analysis, participants provide overall ratings of hypothetical options (called profiles) described using levels of the selected study factors. Eight-hundred seventy-one participants (mean 48.3, SD 16.5 years, 66.9% female) evaluated 18 PA profiles that varied based on activity intensity, physical context, and social context. Three PA involvement segments were identified (low, moderate, high). Physical context was most impactful for highly and moderately involved participants; activity intensity had the highest impact for the least involved. Light intensity, outdoor PA performed alone or with family/friends was anticipated to be most pleasant for most participants. Vigorous intensity PA, PA performed at a fitness facility, and PA performed as part of a group elicited anticipated displeasure for those with low involvement. Physical context was most important for most people. Activity intensity was most impactful for frequent targets of PA intervention. PA promotion efforts should focus on light intensity activity, performed outdoors either alone or with family or friends to maximise anticipated pleasure for those least active. Conjoint analysis and audience segmentation show promise for future pleasure-related PA research.

Experiences of COVID-19 Restrictions on Physical Activity in Assisted Living

ABSTRACT Physical activity is an important health behavior for older adults in assisted living, however the COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted this behavior. This study examined the effects of the pandemic on physical activity experiences in this population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants described barriers to physical activity, transitions in their physical activity habits, and health driven motivations for physical activity as three key themes, with seven additional subthemes. Each theme included experiences specific to pandemic measures in assisted living and everyday experiences. No participant reported increased physical activity during the pandemic, most participants reported decreases.

A Case for Unifying Accelerometry-Derived Movement Behaviors and Tests of Exercise Capacity for the Assessment of Relative Physical Activity Intensity.

Albert Einstein taught us that "everything is relative." People's experience of physical activity (PA) is no different, with "relativism" particularly pertinent to the perception of intensity. Markers of absolute and relative intensities of PA have different but complimentary utilities, with absolute intensity considered best for PA guideline adherence and relative intensity for personalized exercise prescription. Under the paradigm of exercise and PA as medicine, our Technical Note proposes a method of synchronizing accelerometry with the incremental shuttle walking test to facilitate description of the intensity of the free-living PA profile in absolute and relative terms. Our approach is able to generate and distinguish "can do" or "cannot do" (based on exercise capacity) and "does do" or "does not do" (based on relative intensity PA) classifications in a chronic respiratory disease population, facilitating the selection of potential appropriate individually tailored interventions. By synchronizing direct assessments of exercise capacity and PA, clearer insights into the intensity of PA performed during everyday life can be gleaned. We believe the next steps are as follows: (1)to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of using relative and absolute intensities in combination to personalize the approach, (2)to determine its sensitivity to change following interventions (eg,exercise-based rehabilitation), and (3)to explore the use of this approach in healthier populations and in other long-term conditions.

Women's experiences with yoga after a cancer diagnosis: A qualitative meta-synthesis – Part II

A review of qualitative research exploring women's experiences with yoga after a cancer diagnosis can provide important insights into their motives, barriers, and preferences for yoga participation, which can be used to enhance engagement. In this meta-study meta-synthesis, 6 electronic databases were systematically searched to identify qualitative studies focused on women diagnosed with cancer who engage in yoga. The search yielded 6878 results after de-duplication; of these, 24 articles were eligible and included. Extracted data pertaining to the results, methods, and theoretical approach(es) were analyzed. This paper synthesizes and integrates results from 16 of the 24 articles focused on women's motives, barriers, and preferences for participating in yoga programs and interventions; it is Part II of a 2-part meta-study meta-synthesis. Motives to participate in yoga included: rehabilitation, physical activity, social support, and novel experience. Barriers centred around time constraints, lack of intentionality, online adaptation difficulties, health condition, and cost. Main approaches to delivering yoga comprised: in-person, in-person with an at-home component, asynchronous online, and synchronous online. Each mode of delivery presented its own benefits and challenges, with suggestions for improvement; participants highlighted the value of supportive and knowledgeable instructors, the ability to connect with others, and the importance of comprehensive classes focused on more than just movement. Participants' challenges also highlighted a need to actively seek solutions to anticipated challenges prior to delivering interventions and programs. Findings provide information that can be used to develop and deliver yoga interventions and programs to women diagnosed with cancer that prioritize their needs and preferences. RegistrationPROSPERO; registration number: CRD42021229253; February 17, 2021.

The relationship between physical activity pre COVID-19 pandemic with mental health, depression, and anxiety in COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional study.

Covid-19 pandemic has gained a growing trend and affected mental health in several aspects. Physical activity guidelines was strongly associated with a reduced risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes among infected adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between physical activity pre COVID-19 pandemic with mental health, depression, and anxiety in COVID-19 patients. 206 hospitalized patients diagnosed with covid-19 (140 male and 66 female, aged 34.5 ± 12) were selected and completed physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and hospital anxiety and depression questionnaire (HADS). For physical activity status assessment, a self-completed IPAQ questionnaire was taken and patients were divided into: (1) low active, (2) moderate active and (3) high active groups according to their physical activity experience. One-way ANOVA test was recruited and Tukey post hoc test was taken to assess difference among means. Pearson correlation was used to evaluate the association between physical activity level and mental health status (p < 0.05). The results from this study showed that anxiety and depression was significantly higher in low active patients (p = 0.001) and there was a negative correlation between physical activity level and HADS (p = 0.001). However, patients with high physical activity pre COVID-19 pandemic have a lowest levels of anxiety and depression compare to other groups (p < 0.001). It seems that adequate physical activity as a part of a healthy lifestyle may have a beneficial effect on mental health during the current outbreak of covid-19. Therefore, it is suggested that we perform exercise training every day to preconditioning effects.

Freedom on Water through Stand-Up Paddling

In Denmark mental disorders are the most prevalent disease, accounting for 25 % of the total burden of disease. This underlines the need of initiatives for prevention and treatment in which the role of physical activity and bodily experiences contains unexploited opportunities and obvious catches people’s attention. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences from people with mental disorders doing Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) and to explore if and how the experiences influenced their mental health. Anthropological fieldwork including participant observation and qualitative interviews for three months in Denmark among eight people living with mental disorders, participating in a project called ‘Freedom on water’ including SUP. Empirical material was thematically analysed at first and secondly theoretically analysed with perspectives of Merleau-Ponty, Deci &amp; Ryan and Csikszentmihalyi. Themes identified concerned social interaction, nature, mind-body connection, and experiences of success. The participants’ mental health was affected positively by doing SUP. When fully concentrated, managing the (bodily) challenges on the SUP-board their rumination disappeared and they felt present in the moment. Forgetting oneself, flow, skills, coping mechanisms, self-confidence and positively social integration were strengthened. This study proves the value of including the physical body in initiatives for mental health.

Women’s Experiences Regarding Physical Activity during the Postpartum Period: A Feminist Poststructuralist Study

Although recovery after birth can be promoted through bodily movement, many women do not engage in regular postpartum physical activity. While research studies have identified some of the reasons behind their decisions, including a lack of time, only a limited number of studies have been carried out to explore how postpartum physical activity is socially and institutionally constructed. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the experiences of women regarding postpartum physical activity in Nova Scotia. Six postpartum mothers participated in semi-structured, virtual, in-depth interviews. Women's experiences of postpartum physical activity were examined through a discourse analysis guided by feminist poststructuralism. The following themes were identified: (a) socialization in different ways; (b) social support; (c) mental and emotional health; and (d) being a good role model for their children. The findings indicated that all women perceived postpartum exercise as a positive behavior that can promote mental health, although some postpartum mothers experienced social isolation and a lack of support. Furthermore, social discourses about motherhood caused the personal needs of mothers to be disregarded. The results showed that collaboration among health care providers, mothers, investigators, and community groups is necessary to promote and support mothers' engagement in postpartum physical activity.

Women moving forward in pictures: using digital photographs to explore postpartum women’s physical activity experiences

ABSTRACT While much research sees physical activity as an intervention for the postpartum body, there is limited literature understanding how postpartum physical activity affects women’s mental health and physical well-being. Unpacking how physical activity affects postpartum women holistically is critical because of the negative physical and mental health consequences accompanying the postpartum period. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use digital photographs to explore women’s experiences engaging in physical activity during the first-year postpartum. Auto-photography was used as it allowed postpartum women to share a photograph illustrating their physical activity experiences. This method allowed for comprehension regarding how participants believed physical activity impacted their mental health and physical well-being. Fifty women (M age = 31.82 years; M age of infant = 6.22 months) submitted a photo with a short text description explaining the photo context and what it represented. A reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the photos through a critical feminist lens. Study findings were organised into three themes. First, postpartum women engaging in physical activity experienced feelings of empowerment that helped heal the body and mind while reconnecting with their athletic identities. Second, doing so meant adapting their physical activity to motherhood or around motherhood. Third, postpartum women navigated many obstacles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, weather, and finding activewear that fit their changing bodies. Insights into these experiences may inform health promoters, healthcare professionals, recreation leaders, and women’s support networks to understand their needs when engaging in physical activity during the postpartum period.

Exploring the leisure time physical activity (LTPA) experiences of women with a physical disability in India

ABSTRACT Empirical evidence has shown that leisure time physical activity (LTPA) has numerous benefits for women with a disability. However, little information is available on the nature of LTPA experiences within a majority world context. This study explored the LTPA experiences of women with a physical disability in India. Five women with a physical disability were interviewed in-person through go-along interviews. Photos and field notes were taken throughout the research process, including at the site of LTPA. A thematic narrative analysis was used to interpret the women’s experiences via three narratives. The multifaceted explorer focussed on LTPA as a means to a diverse life – enhancing health, friendships, and happiness. Spreading my wings storied LTPA as a transformative agent that enabled opportunities and promoted personal growth. Better me for a better you told the story of breaking boundaries and emerging as forerunners through LTPA. All three narratives showed how LTPA enabled and fostered empowerment, social support, and a sense of belonging. These insights highlight the need for more LTPA opportunities and targeted interventions for women with a disability in India and other majority world countries.

Middle-Aged Women’s Perceptions and Experiences of Physical Activity: A Grounded Theory Approach

Abstract Effective public health interventions require an understanding of why people engage in or abstain from physical activity. This study aimed to design a model of physical activity for middle-aged Iranian women. The research was conducted using the systematic approach of grounded theory. Data analysis was performed through continuous „questioning” and „comparison.” Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 middle-aged women (aged 40 to 65) who regularly engaged in physical activity to achieve theoretical saturation. The coding process identified 128 final codes, 30 sub-themes, and nine main themes. After the open, axial, and selective-coding stages, a conceptual model was designed. In our model: „Advice and Encouragement,” „Knowledge and Awareness,” „Fear and Prevention,” and „Exercise Therapy” are the primary drivers that affect the motivation of middle-aged Iranian women to engage in physical activity. Motivated middle-aged Iranian women by comparison of perceived barriers, facilities, and benefits to engage in physical activity. Experiencing benefits leads to internalizing motivation and can lead to exercise addiction. The developed model suggests that the key measures for motivating middle-aged women to engage in regular physical activity are increasing primary drivers, lowering obstacles, and expanding facilities. Middle-aged women’s physical activity can be understood by employing the created model.

Abstract P187: Qualitative Description of Physical Activity Perceptions and Experiences in Older Adults With HIV

Background: The benefits of physical activity, and specifically exercise, among older adults are well known. Yet, globally there is concern regarding limited engagement in physical activity and rising cases of obesity and frailty among older people with HIV (PWH). We explored the experiences and perceptions of PWH enrolled in the High-intensity Exercise study to Attenuate Limitations and Train Habits (HEALTH) study. Methods: Thirty-two participants were enrolled between February 2021 and August 2022. We conducted in-depth interviews among sedentary, older PWH in the ongoing HEALTH (NCT04550676) study. A semi-structured interview guide was informed by the two minds theory, which frames behavior change as an intention-behavior gap between two neurocognitive systems. The intuitive system, described as immediate or first reactions, optimizes behavior based on its expected consequences at the moment, whereas the narrative system produces beliefs about possible behavior in the future sequentially and thoughtfully. Interviews explored general exercise perceptions, self-efficacy for exercise, mobile health intervention tailoring, outcome expectations and goals for physical activity. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and a three-member study team employed deductive and inductive thematic analysis using Dedoose. The sample size provided sufficient data to reach saturation. Results: Physical activity was perceived as the ability to maintain daily living activities and address health goals such as becoming and maintaining physical fitness. Previous experiences with physical activity varied among participants and were influenced by chronic illnesses, motivation and interest in physical activity, and availability of social support. Congruent with the two-minds theory, participants reported intuitive-level experiences as barriers to physical activity. These include antiretroviral side effects, lack of self-confidence, and aging. COVID-19 was also noted as a significant barrier. Consistent with the narrative system, participants identified changes in health status, feeling better and having improved sleep, body changes (e.g., weight loss), and changes in relationships as reasons for and benefits of physical activity. Additionally, most participants reported lifestyle changes such as quitting substance use, diet changes, and changes to their social network, all of which helped sustain their increased physical activity. PWH felt that conversations with their healthcare providers supporting their exercise goals was critical to helping them engage in physical activity, but was rarely received. Conclusion: Understanding how older PWH experience and perceive physical activity is critical to developing tailored strategies and structuring service delivery within the healthcare setting to improve health by supporting a physically active life.

Brief self-compassion induction for adolescent girls’ weight-stigmatizing experiences in physical activity.

Brief self-compassion induction for adolescent girls’ weight-stigmatizing experiences in physical activity.

Affective Response to Exercise and Affective Judgments as Predictors of Physical Activity Intention and Behavior among New Mothers in their first 6-Months Postpartum.

Understanding the predictors of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during early postpartum is important to improve promotion efforts. Affect-related constructs are key predictors of MVPA but have limited research in mothers during the postpartum period. To examine two affect-related constructs (affective response to exercise and affective judgments) as predictors of MVPA intention and behavior across three months, among a sample of new mothers. Participants were 105 mothers (M age = 30.64 years; SD = 3.93) who completed measures during postpartum at 2-months post-birth of their first child. The affective response to exercise (assessed at baseline [2-months postpartum] during a submaximal treadmill test), affective judgments and intention (baseline, 6-weeks after baseline), and MVPA (baseline, 6- and 12-weeks after baseline) were assessed via self-report. Path analysis, using ordinary least squares regression, showed that the affective response during exercise was a significant predictor of intention (baseline, 6-weeks), as well as change in intention from baseline to 6-weeks. By contrast, affective judgments predicted intention at 6-weeks, but not at baseline or in the change model. Past MVPA did not moderate these findings, although the affective response during exercise also had a significant indirect effect on MVPA through intention at 6-weeks and 12-weeks. Interventions targeting women's affective response during exercise may be important during postpartum, perhaps through self-paced physical activity guidance. Affective judgments may not be predictive of MVPA, in part due to unanticipated changes during early postpartum leading to inaccurate expectations of the physical activity experience.

Qualitative exploration of the physical activity engagement among college students with intellectual disabilities

Higher education institutions today have offered a range of postsecondary transition programs for adults with .intellectual disabilities (ID). Applying the social-ecological framework, this study was aimed to analyze qualitative data about the experiences and perceptions of physical activity (PA) among eight college students with ID at a post-secondary transition program in the United States. The phenomenological approach was utilized to describe participants’ lifeworld experience of PA. Results indicated that the most PA opportunities on campus merely derived from the availability of adapted programs. Only one participant met the minimum requirement of engaging moderate-intensity exercise weekly. Based on the analysis using the social-ecological framework, the results include twelve themes at the intrapersonal level (self-efficacy, personality, emotion, past experiences, knowledge, and time), interpersonal level (family support and friend support), and institutional level (specifically, university recreation center, available adapted programs, adverse weather, and COVID effect) that influenced their PA participation. The current transition program seemed to promote sedentary behaviors during school hours. Strategies to enhance PA engagement for this population should include increasing students and parents’ knowledge of PA and health, providing adequate social support from college mentors and more adapted PA opportunities and alternative options on campus. These recommendations could boost PA self-efficacy and overcome barriers at multiple levels in students with ID.

Experiences of physical activity for adolescents in secure psychiatric care: Staff and patient perspectives

This study presents a novel contribution to understanding physical activity provision in secure psychiatric care. This is the first study to directly explore adolescent experiences, and triangulate these perspectives with two staff groups, a multidisciplinary team and physical health practitioners. This study included semi-structured with nine physical health practitioners, thirteen members of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), and five adolescent patients. Through an inductive reflexive thematic analysis, we constructed three overarching themes i) institutional barriers to PA, ii) the rehabilitative benefits of PA and iii) the need for collaborative working. Many of the barriers to PA were a function of the secure environment, which was associated with restrictions on movement, perpetuated by limited staff availability to escort to PA sessions. However, there was a widespread agreement that PA was multi-beneficial for patient's rehabilitation, incorporating mood improvement, increased engagement and increase in pro-social behaviours. For PA promotion and physical health support to become embedded within the service provision, collaboration and support is needed from a wider network of staff members. This suggests that future intervention work should target change at an institutional level, which involves targeting organisational policy. Such work could support staff to promote PA and motivate adolescent patients to engage in PA, whilst also supporting patient physical health within their job role.

Physical activity for chronic back pain: qualitative interview study with patients and GPs in German primary care.

Chronic back pain (CBP) is common among patients in primary care and is associated with significant personal and socioeconomic burden. Research has shown that physical activity (PA) is one of the most effective therapies to reduce pain; however, for GPs it remains challenging to advise and encourage individuals with CBP to exercise regularly. To provide insight into the views and experiences of PA in individuals with CBP, along with those of GPs, and to reveal the facilitators and barriers to engaging in, and maintaining, PA. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with individuals with CBP and GPs recruited via the local research practice network (Famprax) in Hessen, western-central Germany between June and December 2021. Interviews were coded separately by consensus and analysed thematically. Findings of the two groups (GPs and patients with CBP) were compared and summarised. A total of 14 patients (n = 9 females and n = 5 males) and 12 GPs (n = 5 females and n = 7 males) were interviewed. Opinions and experiences of PA in individuals with CBP were similar both within and across the GP and patient groups. Interviewees expressed their views on internal and external barriers to PA, and provided strategies to address these barriers and concrete recommendations to increase PA. This study revealed a conflicting doctor-patient relationship ranging from paternalistic, to partnership based, to service provision, which could lead to negative perceptions on both sides, such as frustration and stigma. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first qualitative study exploring opinion and experience of PA in individuals with CBP and GPs in parallel. This study reveals a complex doctor- patient relationship and provides an important insight to motivation for, and adherence to, PA in individuals with CBP.

EFFECT OF NEURODYNAMIC SLIDER ON INCREASING HAMSTRING MUSCLE FLEXIBILITY IN RANTAYA PUTRI ALUS DANCERS

Flexibility is ability of a joint, muscles and ligaments around it to move freely and comfortably within the maximum expected range of motion. Flexibility is influenced by many factors such as anatomical condition, gender, body mass index, age, physical activity, injury, and training experience. The hamstring muscles are primarily fast-twitch and powerful movement types, so that the hamstrings are resistant to overloading but tire quickly on excessive repetitions. Excessive activity that involves contracting the hamstring muscles will cause the hamstring muscles to experience decreased flexibility. The purpose of this study was to prove the difference in the effect of giving neurodynamic slider and neurodynamic tension on increasing hamstring muscle flexibility. The method of research is experimental research with pre-test and post-test research design with control group design. The sample in this study was 32 dancers Rantaya Putri Alus at SMK N 8 Surakarta. where Group 1 given neurodynamic sliders and group 2 given nothing. Neurodynamic slider interventions were given 3 times/week for 4 weeks. Evaluation of hamstring muscle flexibility measurements using Active Knee Extension (AKE). The result in the treatment Group 1 is p = 0.000 (p &lt;0.05) with a mean difference of 25.56 ± 7.36 with an increase in the AKE value 18.16%. Its concluded that the intervention of neurodynamic sliders can increase hamstring muscle flexibility.

The effect of narrative element incorporation on physical activity and game experience in active and sedentary virtual reality games.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10055-023-00754-7.