Free-time Physical Activity Research Articles

Barreiras para a prática de atividades físicas entre usuários de substâncias psicoativas

Objetivo: Verificar as barreiras que influenciam a não realização de atividade física no tempo livre entre usuários de substâncias psicoativas.
 Método: 144 indivíduos com média de idade de 44.3±12.6 anos foram entrevistados respondendo um questionário que verifica as barreiras para a prática de atividades físicas. Foi aplicado o teste Qui-quadrado de independência aceitando um p<0.05 como significativo.
 Resultados: Os dados mostraram que há associação entre as sentenças do questionário e o padrão de resposta dos indivíduos [x2(13)=193.88; p≤0.001]. Foi encontrada significância como barreira para prática de atividade física o cansaço físico, falta de companhia, falta de incentivo familiar e acometimento de dores leves ou mal-estar. Por outro lado, a falta de tempo, fator climático, não disponibilidade no ambiente, não disponibilidade de equipamento e falta de habilidade física foram apontados, significativamente, como não serem barreiras para a prática de atividade física em usuários de substâncias psicoativas.
 Conclusão: A partir destes dados será possível estabelecer estratégias mais efetivas para a promoção da prática de atividade física nesta população.

Effects of Physical Exercises and Verbal Stimulation on the Functional Efficiency and Use of Free Time in an Older Population under Institutional Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Older people in institutional care are, for the most part, physically inactive and do not interact with each other or medical staff. Therefore, reducing sedentary behaviour is a new, important, and modifiable lifestyle variable that can improve the health of elderly people. The aim of the project was to assess the degree of improvement in functional performance and the possibility of changing habitual, free time behaviour among elderly people under institutional care by applying physical training with verbal stimulation. The study covered older people, aged 65–85 years, who are living a sedentary lifestyle in care homes in Southeastern Poland. Those who met the eligibility criteria were enrolled in the study and were assigned, at random, to one of four parallel groups: basic exercises (n = 51), basic exercises combined with verbal stimulation (n = 51), functional exercise training (n = 51), and functional exercise training with verbal stimulation (n = 51). No statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed across the groups. Data were collected at baseline and at 12 and 24-weeks following the completion of the intervention. In the group with functional exercise training with verbal stimulation, in comparison to the group with basic exercises, the greatest positive short-term impact of intervention was demonstrated in terms of functional fitness (increased by 1.31 points; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93–1.70), gait speed (improved by 0.17 m/s, 95% CI = 0.13–0.22), hand grip strength (by over 4 kg; 95% CI = 2.51–4.95), and upper-limb flexibility (by 10 cm; 95% CI = 5.82–12.65). There was also a significant increase in the level of free-time physical activity and an improvement in the quality of life, especially as expressed in the domain of overall physical functioning. Our study showed that a functional exercise program, combined with verbal stimulation, is effective at improving physical fitness and raising the level of free-time physical activity.

Health self‐perception and its association with physical activity and nutritional status in adolescents

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between total physical activities, physical activity in free time and nutritional status with self‐perceived health in adolescents of both genders. MethodsThis is a quantitative study that integrates the school‐based, cross‐sectional epidemiological survey with statewide coverage, whose sample consisted of 6261 adolescents (14–19 years old) selected by random conglomerate sampling. Data were collected using the Global School‐based Student Health Survey. The chi‐squared test (χ2) and the Poisson regression model with robust variance were used in the data analyses. ResultsIt was observed that 27.3% of the adolescents had a negative health self‐perception, which was higher among girls (33.0% vs. 19.0%, p<0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, it was observed that boys who did not practice physical activity during free time (PR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.15–1.81) and were classified as insufficiently active (PR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.04–1.56), as well as girls who did not practice physical activity during free time (PR=1.15, 95% CI: 1.02–1.29) and were classified as overweight (PR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.01–1.29) had a greater chance of negative health self‐perception. ConclusionBehavioral issues may have different effects on health self‐perception when comparing boys with girls. Negative health self‐perception was associated with nutritional status in girls and a lower level of physical activity in boys, and the practice of physical activity in the free time was considered a protective factor against a negative health self‐perception for adolescents of both genders.

Physical activity in free time of physical education teachers from Tarn

Aim: The goal of the study was to evaluate the physical activity of physical education teachers from Tarnów schools in their free time. Material and methods: The research is of pilot nature and was carried out in 2018 among 30 teachers, in the 30–50 age group, teaching physical education in primary schools, junior high schools and high schools in Tarnów. The research covered the participants of the subject workshops. The research was carried out by means of a diagnostic survey and a survey technique was used to obtain necessary information and data. Results: Physical education teachers willingly undertake physical activity during their free time, however, it is usually recreational activity. The teachers most eagerly practice once or twice a week. Male teachers showed greater frequency of physical activity. Practicing sports in the past is reflected in the approach to taking care of health and maintaining physical fitness later in life. The way of spending free time of the examined teachers differs depending on gender. Conclusions: Systematic participation of physical education teachers in physical activities is not satisfactory, and yet the teacher should set an example and make students aware of how to care for body and physical health.

Generalizability of an adult-validated model for predicting increased physical activity in after-school program children: Effects of treatment formats on fitness indicators

Inappropriately high weight in children is a persistent problem in the United States, and physical activity is often reduced in schools due to academic demands. Effective after-school programs could positively impact both physical activity and overweight/obesity, however previous reviews and meta-analyses have indicated minimal effects. Both 4- and 3-day/week versions of a social cognitive theory-driven physical activity/nutrition after-school program were evaluated against unstructured care to assess effects in children (overall Mage = 10.00 years, SD = .80). For changes over 9 months in body mass index (BMI), effects sizes (Cohen’s d) were .68, .40, and .07 in the 4-day (n = 70), 3-day (n = 70), and unstructured (n = 50) groups, respectively. Similar patterns of effects were found for changes in free-time physical activity and cardiovascular endurance. Incorporating a theory-based prediction model previously supported in teens through older adults, with and without medical disorders and health-risk factors, improvements in exercise-related self-regulation and self-efficacy, and mood, significantly predicted increased free-time physical activity (R2 = .48). Effects significantly strengthened to R2 = .62 when completion/non-completion of the recommended 300 min/week of physical activity was also accounted for. Change in BMI was inversely related to physical activity change, β=-.14, p < .05. The present evaluation process indicated promising effects, and indicated theory-based targets to foster future program improvements.

Health self-perception and its association with physical activity and nutritional status in adolescents

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between total physical activities, physical activity in free time and nutritional status with self-perceived health in adolescents of both genders. MethodsThis is a quantitative study that integrates the school-based, cross-sectional epidemiological survey with statewide coverage, whose sample consisted of 6261 adolescents (14–19 years old) selected by random conglomerate sampling. Data were collected using the Global School-based Student Health Survey. The chi-squared test (χ2) and the Poisson regression model with robust variance were used in the data analyses. ResultsIt was observed that 27.3% of the adolescents had a negative health self-perception, which was higher among girls (33.0% vs. 19.0%, p<0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, it was observed that boys who did not practice physical activity during free time (PR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.15–1.81) and were classified as insufficiently active (PR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.04–1.56), as well as girls who did not practice physical activity during free time (PR=1.15, 95% CI: 1.02–1.29) and were classified as overweight (PR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.01–1.29) had a greater chance of negative health self-perception. ConclusionBehavioral issues may have different effects on health self-perception when comparing boys with girls. Negative health self-perception was associated with nutritional status in girls and a lower level of physical activity in boys, and the practice of physical activity in the free time was considered a protective factor against a negative health self-perception for adolescents of both genders.

Role of family in child preparation to participate in physical activity in free time

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the relation between parents’ physical activity and a child’s physical activity in leisure time and to identify the extent parents engage in physical education of their children. Methods: The research was conducted among randomly selected parents of children aged 7-10 years living in Cracow. The study involved 334 parents (children aged 7-8 years), 365 (children aged 8-9 years) and 317 (children aged 9-10 years). The diagnostic survey method was used in the study, and the basic technique was a questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate the level of parents’ physical activity, their children’s physical activity, and parents’ interest in their children’s physical education. The SPSS 21 (IBM Corp., 2012), chi-square signifi cance test and Spearman rho correlation analysis were used for the statistical analysis of the data. Results: The results have shown that the level of parents’ engagement in the physical activity of children at a school age (85.1%) was very low. The parents’ physical activity was clearly aff ected by their education and socio-economic status. The fi ndings have also indicated that the highest number of children aged 7-10 (39.8%) pursue physical activity at an average level. The highest level of physical activity was detected in a small group of children (4.1%) and low and very low in 34.7% of participants. The level of parents’ interest in the physical activity of children was mostly moderate (45.4%). However, a considerable number of parents (41.4%) exhibited a low level of interest. Conclusion: The level of physical activity of parents and their children in leisure time is low. It was found that a child’s depends on family socio-economic status, parents’ educational background, their physical activity and engagement in physical education of a child.

A Twelve-Week Lifestyle Program to Improve Cardiometabolic, Behavioral, and Psychological Health in Hispanic Children and Adolescents.

To examine the effectiveness of a 12-week lifestyle program on cardiometabolic, behavioral, and psychological outcomes among overweight Hispanic children and adolescents. A case series study with pre- and post-test analyses. Subjects/Settings/Location: A convenience sample of high-risk pediatric primary care patients (n = 22; 6 girls, 16 boys; M age = 11.73 ± 1.39 years) and their guardians in the Southeast United States. Twice per week 60 min (total of 24 h) of moderate-to-vigorous intensity boxing exercise training, 12 h of nutrition education for guardians, and a 30-min pediatrician appointment. Cardiometabolic (height [m], weight [kg], waist circumference [cm], body-mass index [BMI], BMI-z, BMI%, cholesterol [mg/dL], triglycerides [mg/dL], glucose [mg/dL], and low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [mg/dL]), behavioral (objective free time physical activity [PA] and sedentary time [min/day]), and psychological (self-determined exercise motivation) outcomes were measured/calculated, and paired-samples t-tests were conducted. A significant reduction was observed in waist circumference t(17) = -2.57, p = 0.020, d = 0.64; BMI% t(15) = -2.53, p = 0.023, d = 0.20; fasting glucose t(15) = -6.43, p < 0.001, d = 1.67; and amotivation (-) t(17) = -2.29, p = 0.036, d = 0.64; whereas a significant increase was identified in moderate t(10) = 4.01, p = 0.002, d = 1.23 and vigorous t(10) = 3.41, p = 0.007, d = 1.07 intensity PA; intrinsic motivation t(17) = 2.71, p = 0.015, d = 0.38; and introjected regulation t(17) = 2.74, p = 0.014, d = 0.64. A 12-week lifestyle program can be effective in improving selected health markers among overweight Hispanic children and adolescents. The positive changes in fasting glucose, BMI, and waist suggest that the participants are currently at lower risk for both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease as a result of the Confidence, Ownership, Responsibility, and Exercise program.

Insufficient free-time physical activity and occupational factors in Brazilian public school teachers.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To evaluate if perceived occupational factors are associated with insufficient free-time physical activity in Brazilian public school teachers.METHODS The relationship between insufficient physical activity (< 150 minutes/week) and variables related to work was analyzed in 978 elementary and high school teachers calculating the prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) in Poisson regression models, adjusted for sociodemographic and health variables.RESULTS The prevalence of insufficient physical activity was 71.9%, and this condition was associated independently with the perception of bad or regular balance between personal and professional life (PR = 1.09; 95%CI 1.01–1.18), perception that standing time affects the work (PR = 1.16; 95%CI 1.01–1.34), low or very low perception of current ability for the physical requirements of work (PR = 1.21; 95%CI 1.08–1.35), and temporary employment contract (PR = 1.13; 95%CI 1.03–1.25). The teaching of physical education was associated with lower prevalence of insufficient physical activity (PR = 0.78; 95%CI 0.64–0.95).CONCLUSIONS The perception of adverse working conditions is associated with increased prevalence of insufficient physical activity in teachers and should be considered for the promotion of physical activity in this population.

Nature at home and at work: Naturally good? Links between window views, indoor plants, outdoor activities and employee well-being over one year

We investigated two-directional relations between various types of exposure to the natural world, at work and at home, and employee well-being. In total, 841 employees answered an electronic questionnaire twice with a one-year interval. Path analysis indicated that frequent physical activity in natural surroundings during free time predicted greater vitality over a one-year period after including control variables. The use of one's yard/garden and happiness were marginally positively associated over time. None of the variables involving exposure to the natural world at work were linked to the well-being measures. In the reverse direction, creativity at work predicted more frequent and vitality less frequent use of one's domestic garden. Happiness was marginally positively related to the frequency of physical activity in nature. The results suggest that free time physical activity in natural surroundings is a potential strategy for enhancing employee vitality across time.

Motivational climate, 2×2 achievement goal orientation and dominance, self-regulation, and physical activity in pre-service teacher education

This longitudinal study investigated the effects of a mastery motivational climate in physical education (PE) classes on 2×2 achievement goal orientation and dominance, self-regulated learning (SRL), and physical activity (PA) in leisure time. A total of 408 (264 women, 144 men) university students were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental and control. For 12 weeks (24 one-hour sessions), the experimental group received an intervention programme based on TARGET model, which emphasized a mastery climate. The control group carried out the same content but without highlighting such strategies. By means of the structural equation model, true intraindividual change in relation to orientation to 2×2 achievement goals, SRL, and PA in leisure time was analyzed. An increase in different variables within the experimental group was confirmed, these being: (a) the orientation to and dominance of mastery-approach (MAp) goals at the expense of the remaining goals; (b) competences in SRL; and (c) moderate and vigorous levels of PA in their free time. In addition, intraindividual changes in the MAp goals were positively related to intraindividual changes in self-efficacy of learning, which, in turn, positively predicted intraindividual changes in PA, regardless of the group (experimental or control). Thus, the mastery climate increases the percentage of participants with a dominant MAp goal and can effectively help to promote regular habits of PA in free time, by mediation of self-efficacy in SRL.

A follow-up study to assess the determinants and consequences of physical activity in pregnant women of Cuenca, Spain.

BackgroundIn recent years, the influence of physical exercise on pregnancy outcomes has been widely debated. Despite the numerous studies addressing the relationship between maternal physical activity and pregnancy outcomes, the evidence for consistent and significant impact of regular exercise during pregnancy on fetal growth remains lacking. The aims of this study were, first, to assess the level of physical activity performed throughout the pregnancy by objective (accelerometer) and self-reported (questionnaire) measurements, and, second, to ascertain pre-pregnancy physical activity levels, to estimate the relationship between levels of physical activity and some pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.Methods/designThis was a prospective cohort study. Participants were pregnant women (n = 194) aged 18 to 40 years who attended for three quarterly appointments for pregnancy ultrasound scans at the Virgen de la Luz Hospital in Cuenca, Spain. All participants provided written informed consents to participate in the study. Physical activity during the pregnancy follow-up was assessed by a self-reported Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire and sleep log; also objectively by a GT3X accelerometer (ActiGraph). Furthermore, pregnancy symptoms inventory, nutritional behavioural assessment, socio-demographic characteristics, and anthropometry and body composition were measured.At the end of the follow up, the following main outcomes were determined: pregnancy outcomes (incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, weight gain during pregnancy, type of delivery, and neonatal outcomes (gestational age, birth weight, gender, Apgar score 1 min/5 min, type of resuscitation (I/II/III/IV), and pH of umbilical cord blood). Descriptive statistics for cross-sectional data, linear mixed regression models for absolute differences in changes baseline-final measurements were used as statistical analyses.DiscussionAlthough the effectiveness of physical activity programmes on improving maternal and neonatal outcomes has heretofore been studied, the impact of free time physical activity during pregnancy has not been assessed using objective measures. This paper reports the design of a prospective cohort study that aims to assess the physical activity levels of pregnant women, and to estimate the relationship between those physical activity levels with maternal and neonatal outcomes.This study could contribute to providing evidence for the formulation of recommendations for physical activity for pregnant women.

Reduction of sitting time has a positive effect on the decrease of insulin resistance in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

IntroductionNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects a large part of the human population. One of the major environmental factors associated with the risk of NAFLD is the lack of physical activity.AimTo compare the level of physical activity and the insulin resistance in NAFLD patients.Material and methodsThirty patients with NAFLD underwent a six-month dietary intervention based on the principles of classical dietetics. Data about diet and physical activity was based on 72-hour nutrition diaries and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Standard blood biochemical analyses were carried out before and after diet at the University Hospital Laboratory.ResultsThe study showed that total physical activity and physical activity in leisure time are negatively correlated with insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p < 0.05). Insulin (p < 0.05), body weight (p < 0.05), and waist-hip ratio (WHR) (p < 0.05) were also negatively correlated with physical activity in free time. In addition, we noticed a positive correlation between sitting time and the risk of insulin resistance, in the case of HOMA-IR and insulin concentration (p < 0.05).ConclusionsDietary intervention and a physical activity plan are important factors in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Taking regular exercise increases insulin sensitivity and prevents further development of the disease. It seems that diet and physical activity are not the only one risk factors of NAFLD. Our study reveals that the reduction of sitting time has a positive effect on the level of insulin and it reduces insulin resistance in patients with NAFLD.

Walkable school neighborhoods are not playable neighborhoods

The objectives were to determine whether: (1) playability features differed across walkable and non-walkable school neighborhoods, and (2) physical activity differed in children living in walkable and non-walkable school neighborhoods. A total of 3912 grade 6–8 students from 132 school neighborhoods were studied. There was more developed park space in high walkability neighborhoods than low walkability neighborhoods. Other playability features were more preferable in the low (e.g., undeveloped treed and water areas) and moderate (e.g., physical disorder/esthetics) walkability neighborhoods. Children from low walkability neighborhoods were more likely to engage in free-time physical activity outside of school and to achieve recommended levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than were children from high walkability neighborhoods.

Undeveloped green space and free-time physical activity in 11 to 13-year-old children.

BackgroundResearch on the association between the physical environment and physical activity in children has focused on built and developed features or total green space. The impact of natural, undeveloped green spaces is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of undeveloped green spaces in the home neighborhood are associated with physical activity in 11 to 13-year-olds.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of grade 6 to 8 urban residing Canadian students who participated in the 2009/10 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children survey. Children self-reported the frequency they participated in physical activity in their free-time outside of school hours. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to assess the proportion of land area within 1 km of participants’ homes that was devoted to publicly accessible meadows (i.e., field vegetated primarily by grass and other non-woody plants) and treed areas (i.e., field vegetated primarily by trees and shrubs). Ordinal logistic regression models were used to examine the relationships between the undeveloped green space areas and free-time physical activity. Several intrapersonal, family, and neighborhood environment factors were controlled for in these regression models.ResultsThe proportion of neighborhood land covered by meadows was not associated with the physical activity outcome (p > 0.6). However, the proportion of neighborhood land covered by treed areas was independently associated with the physical activity outcome (p = 0.02). For each additional 5% increase in the proportion of neighborhood land covered by treed areas there was a corresponding 5% increase (95% confidence interval: 1-10% increase) in the relative odds of increasing free-time physical activity outside of school hours.ConclusionsThe physical activity levels of 11 to 13-year-old children was associated with the amount of space in their home neighborhood devoted to treed areas.

Consumo de bebidas alcoólicas e tabagismo: associação com inatividade física no lazer e comportamento sedentário

ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between exposure to alcohol consumption and smoking to leisure‐time physical inactivity (LTPI) and sedentary behavior (SB) in adolescents. MethodThis cross‐sectional study included a representative sample of high school students from public schools in Pernambuco State (Brazil) (n=4207, 14‐19 years). The data were collected using a previously validated questionnaire. The time spent watching television was used as a measure of sedentary behavior on weekdays (WKDSB) and weekend (WKESB) (>2hours/day=exposed to sedentary behavior). The lack of physical activity in free time was considered as leisure‐time physical inactivity (LTPI). Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the association between variables, considering the results of LTPI and SB. ResultsThe prevalence found were INL=38.2% (Confidence interval (CI) 95%: 36.7 ‐ 39.7), CSS=40.8% (CI 95%: 39.3 ‐ 42.3) and CFS=49.9% (CI 95%: 48.4 ‐ 51.4). After adjustment (demographic, socioeconomic and school factors), exposure to smoking and alcohol consumption were inversely associated with LTPI. The adolescents who consumed alcohol had 27% less chance of LTPI compared to those who did not consumed alcohol. Similarly, smoker students had 28% less chance of LTPI than those who did not smoke. Regarding SB, it was found that smoker students had 28% less chance of exposure to WKESB. ConclusionIt was concluded that consumption of alcoholic beverages and smoking are inversely associated with the LTPI and WKESB, confirming findings already reported in the literature in adult studies.

The influence of physical activity, sport and exercise motives among UK-based university students

Recent evidence suggests that the majority of the adult population fails to achieve the recommended target of 30-minutes moderate intensity exercise, days a week. This includes university students who often have the time to engage in physical activity. The aim of this study was to determine exercise motives for a UK-based student population. The motives of 736 participants (± 20.45 years of age, SD=3.50) regarding participation or non-participation in free-time exercise, sport and physical activity were measured using the Exercise Motivation Inventory-2 (EMI-2). Significant main effects were reported for age (P = 0.1) and gender (P = 0.1). Students over 23 years of age reported higher levels of motivation than the other age groups (i.e. for stress, revitalisation and avoidance of ill health). The results of this study indicate that the motivation of UK university students to engage in physical activity or exercise demonstrates gender and age differences. These findings should enable health professionals and health educators in university environments to design preventative programmes aimed at reducing multiple risk behaviours among university populations. These could include gender-specific exercise programmes underpinned by appearance motives for female university populations.

FUNdamental Integrative Training (FIT) for Physical Education

There is a growing need for physical education teachers to integrate different types of fitness activities into their lessons in order to provide opportunities for all students to learn and practice a variety of movement skills that will enhance their physical fitness and support free-time physical activity. An increased focus on age-appropriate interventions that enhance muscle strength and motor skills is particularly important for overweight youth who may not have developed competence and confidence in their physical abilities to engage in aerobic games and sport activities. FUNdamental Integrative Training, or FIT, incorporates a variety of strength and conditioning exercises into a well-designed lesson that enhances the health- and skill-related components of physical fitness. Youth who participate in FIT will be more likely to participate in games, activities, and sports as an ongoing lifestyle choice. This article provides a fresh approach for incorporating FIT into elementary-school physical education curricula.

Affective Learning Profiles in Compulsory High School Physical Education: An Instructional Communication Perspective

Affective learning is a major focus of the national K-12 physical education (PE) content standards (National Association for Sport and Physical Education [NASPE, 2004]). Understanding how students might fit into different affective learning subgroups would help extend affective learning theory in PE and suggest possible intervention strategies for teachers wanting to increase students’ affective learning. The present study used cluster analysis (CA) and latent profile analysis (LPA) to develop a two-level affective learning-based typology of high school students in compulsory PE from an instructional communication perspective. The optimal classification system had ten clusters and four latent profiles. A comparison of students’ class and cluster memberships showed that the two classification procedures yielded convergent results, thus suggesting distinct affective learning profiles. Students’ demographic and biographical characteristics, including gender, race, body mass index, organized sport participation, and free time physical activity, were helpful in further characterizing each profile.

O PASSIVO DO LAZER ATIVO

O termo lazer ativo vem sendo utilizado para significar a atividade física no tempo livre. Este texto trata do julgamento crítico de tal categoria a partir dos seguintes recortes: os ditos e escritos sobre o lazer ativo no universo acadêmico; sua relação com o positivismo e o funcionalismo; a ramificação do termo na rede de práticas e discursos biomédicos de controle do tempo livre da população.