Involvement In Physical Activity Research Articles

Investigating various factors that influence perceived mental health in physical activity participation in West Sumatera, Indonesia: An approach using SEM-PLS

Problem Statement. Individual involvement in physical activity or sports is very important for the survival of a healthy and quality life, so the supporting and influencing factors need to be investigated. Purpose. This study aims to test a model related to factors that influence perceptions of mental health, including cognitive awareness, emotions, spirituality, and social environment for sports participants. Methods. A total of 1,351 volunteers from 18 regions in West Sumatra participated in this study. The data collection technique used a survey via Google Forms, distributed via WhatsApp social media. Data were analyzed using the Partial Least Square (PLS) method by assessing content validity, Average Variance Extracted (AVE), Inner Model, and hypothesis testing. Result. The results showed that cognitive awareness significantly affects awareness of the social environment (t = 13.142; P<0.05) and perceptions of mental health (t = 4.458; P<0.05). Emotional awareness significantly affects the relationship of awareness of the social environment (t = 5.572; P<0.05) and perceptions of mental health (t = 4.870; P<0.05). Environmental and social awareness significantly affects mental health perceptions (t = 7.397; P<0.05). Spiritual awareness significantly affects awareness of the social environment (t = 4.014; P<0.05) and perceptions of mental health (t = 5.851; P<0.05). Conclusions. It can be concluded that aspects of cognitive, emotional, and spiritual awareness and social environment are essential in influencing perceptions of mental health in individuals participating in sports. The findings highlight the importance of paying attention to cognitive, emotional, spiritual, and social environmental aspects of mindfulness for the sports community or other stakeholders to help create an environment that supports the quality of life of participants involved in sports

Recent insights in the correlation between social media use, personality traits and exercise addiction: a literature review.

The excessive involvement in physical activity without stopping in between sessions despite injuries, the continuous thinking to exercise feeling insane thoughts and experiencing withdrawal symptoms are all characteristics of the Exercise Addiction (EA), an addictive behavior. While the primary exercise addiction is directly caused by compulsive exercise, many studies highlighted the relationship between Eating Disorders (ED) and EA, defining the secondary EA. The correlation between EA, social media use (SMU) and other individual traits remains a relatively underexplored domain. Therefore, this review aimed to examine the latest evidence on the relationship between EA, SMU, and some personality traits such as perfectionism and body image. Electronic databases including PubMed, Medline, PsycARTICLES, Embase, Web of Science were searched from January 2019 to October 2023, following the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 15 articles were examined and consolidated in this review. EA was found to be related to different individual traits such perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, depression, obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. While controversial results were found regarding the relationship between EA and SMU. The interaction between mental health, exercise addiction and social media use is complex. Excessive engagement in these latter may result in negative mental health consequences despite their potential benefits. Understanding individual differences and developing effective interventions is crucial to promoting healthy habits and mitigating the EA risks, ultimately enhancing mental well-being. Further research should focus on the identification of risks and protective factors with the eventual aim of developing and implementing effective prevention strategies.

Active aging: the university as a health-enhancer space

This article seeks to discuss the general health status of the elderly participating in an extension course lasting two years at the University of Santa Cruz do Sul, as well as to compare the results of this study with international studies in order to define actions for aging. To investigate the health status of the elderly, a descriptive quantitative and qualitative study was conducted, at 2014 and 2015, with 47 elderly people as sample. Instruments were used to have the cognitive functions and overall health situation of the elders assessed. The study presents the perspective of successful aging focusing on the following aspects: low probability of disease, good functional capacity (physical and cognitive), and active participation in the community. The studied sample has characteristics that, in some way, corroborate the general health status and the quality of life conditions, such as: the many years of study, the continuous search for activities related to knowledge, the involvement in different physical activities and leisure, socializing with family and friends. A random selection of international studies was also carried out for the purpose of data comparison. The research carried out added to the results of the comparative studies, demonstrated that, the insertion in university programs contributes in the prevention of the cognitive decline and the general state of health, contributing to a self-esteem and maintenance of the mental health, which reflects in an aging with quality of life.

Physical fitness levels and trends of kindergarteners in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background/objectivesThe study aimed to examine the physical fitness and activity levels of kindergarteners in Hong Kong during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. MethodsA total of 2052 kindergarteners (48% girls; 32.9% Grade 1, 34% Grade 2, and 33.1% Grade 3) were recruited from July 2020 to November 2021. Participants completed the physical fitness tests, including body composition, flexibility, lower-limb muscle strength, upper-limb muscle strength, lower-limb muscle endurance, and agility. Children's physical activity and overall well-being were examined using parental proxy reports. Parents also reported their physical activity and parental support to children's physical activity engagement, as well as their perception of children's kindergarten physical activity environment. Fitness differences by age and gender were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA measuring effect size with partial eta-squared. Additionally, correlations assessed the relationship between children's fitness and parents' proxy reports. ResultsThe results of the physical fitness tests were higher than those in previous studies conducted by the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong in 2015–2018. Gender-based differences were observed in most tests for children aged 4 years and older, with boys showing higher scores in the standing long jump, shot put, and balance tests, while girls had higher scores in the sit-and-reach test. Parents' proxy questionnaire answers indicated that children's continuous jump test performances were significantly related to their frequency of physical activity per week (r = 0.19, p < 0.001), and that children's health was significantly and positively correlated with their fitness level (r = 0.179, p < 0.009). Inadequate school physical activity was associated with poor upper-limb strength (r = 0.078, p < 0.005). Moreover, a high level of parental support for their children's participation in physical activity was correlated with a high level of parental participation in vigorous-intensity physical activities (r = 0.167, p < 0.005). ConclusionThe physical fitness of children in Hong Kong was less affected by the epidemic. Parents' healthy behaviors and support were related to children's participation in PA. Efforts to improve children's physical fitness and motor development should include parent education and physical activity involvement.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among the urban adolescent English Medium School girls of Kolkata, India

Background: the prevalence of child obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide. In developing countries such as India, especially in urban populations, childhood obesity is emerging as a major health problem. In view of these contexts, the present study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in an urban population of girl adolescent students attending the English Medium School in Kolkata, India. Methods: a total of 571 girl students, aged 12-18 years, were evaluated. Cole et al. (2000) recommended cut-off points were utilized to assess overweight and obesity. Results: the overall prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 28.5% and 4.2% respectively. The rate of overweight was the highest when compared with that of different parts of India, including Kolkata, and also when compared to rates from the USA and Great Britain. Conclusions: in the context of the present study, it can be presumed that, the higher prevalence of overweight in these school children may be due to their eating habits, as well as to their lack of awareness on proper eating habits. In addition, low involvement in physical activities may also have influenced the rate of overweight and obesity. Thus, it can be concluded that the study definitely highlighted the existence of an obesity threat, which is likely to persist among Bengalee school children of wealthier families.

Cultural moderation in sports impact: exploring sports-induced effects on educational progress, cognitive focus, and social development in Chinese higher education

BackgroundThis research examines the nuanced challenges confronting Chinese university students within the dynamic milieu of Chinese education. The study comprehensively investigates factors encompassing educational progress, social development, cognitive focus, and Psychological Well-being (PWB), specifically emphasizing the role of sports participation.MethodsTo scrutinize the moderation-mediation nexus between cultural context and social development, a distribution of 500 questionnaires was administered to Chinese university students, yielding 413 responses, corresponding to an 82.6% response rate. Methodologically, this study employed moderation and mediation analyses, incorporating statistical techniques such as a principal component matrix, factor analysis, and hierarchical regression.FindingsProminent findings underscore the significant impact of age on educational progress, shaping the trajectory of academic advancement. Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) emerges as a promising metric, establishing a link between academic performance and educational progress. Active involvement in sports and physical activities (PSPA) positively affects academic performance and study habits. Participation in sports teams and clubs (ISTC) enriches social development by nurturing interpersonal relationships, teamwork, and leadership skills. Sports activities (ESA) correlate with enhanced cognitive focus and improved psychological well-being. Significantly, the findings unveil a nuanced association between Perceived Social Development Through Sports (PSDTS) and educational progress.ConclusionsCultural Context (CC) moderates PSDTS, Sport-induced Cognitive Focus (SICF), and PWB, influencing educational progress. This study emphasizes the need for enhanced support systems—academic guidance, awareness, sports programs, and cultural competence training—to advance student well-being and academic achievement in China, fostering an empowering educational environment for societal progress.

Gadget use and physical activity among children: Involvement Process Theory

Sedentary behaviour is a global concern over the past decade and still an alarming issue at present. Among the concerns of being sedentary was gadget use among children as well as physical activity involvement. Several researches explore the factors link to inactive lifestyle. However, theory generation particularly on gadget use and physical activity involvement process among children were limited. Thus, this paper aims to build theory on gadget use and physical activity involvement among children. This study explores children experiences on too much gadget use and physical activity involvement through qualitative approach using grounded theory lens. Participants of the study were 11 to 13 years old school student and selected parents from Philippines. Data were gathered through face-to-face semi – structured in depth interview. Computer assisted qualitative data analysis (CAQDAS) was implemented in this study. Specifically, ATLAS ti. 22 software was used in data management and analysis which was guided by constructivist grounded theory by Charmaz. Theory was generated in this study after coding process i.e. initial coding, focused coding and theory building. Rigorous analysis of data in this study generated a theory and presented in form of process. The children’s involvement process theory to gadget use and physical activity was explained in the following phases; being influence, being happy, accepting the situation, giving conditional task, physical activity: being last on the list. The findings indicate the reason why children spend too much time on gadget as they interpret it as happy place and less time for physical activity as they consider it as last in engagement priority. Results of this paper contribute understanding on how middle school students interpret their experiences regarding excessive gadget use and physical inactivity. Awareness on how children view gadget use and physical activity involvement provides parents, health experts and other related professionals a basis for creating a plan or strategy to promote a balance gadget use and physical activity involvement for children.

Physical activity, sports participation and school exclusion: An analysis of the millennium cohort study.

Physical activity and modes of sport are widely adopted to promote health, wellbeing, behavioural outcomes and educational attainment in young people excluded from education. However, little is known about the physical activity or sports involvement of excluded young people or the role of participation on predictors and outcomes associated with exclusion. The study aimed to understand (i) how active excluded young people are, (ii) whether predictors of school exclusion are influenced by participation in physical activity or sport and (iii) if physical activity or sports participation moderates the relationship between school exclusion and health, behavioural and educational outcomes. Millennium Cohort Study Wave 6 data were analysed using linear multiple regression models. Participants were 11,066 young people. Dependent variables were physical activity or sports participation. Independent variables included school exclusion, body composition and physical health, cognitive and educational outcomes, crime, anti-social and harmful behaviours, mental health and individual demographic predictors. Multiple regression analysis of Millennium Cohort Study Wave 6 data indicates young people excluded from education participate in more (+20.71 ± 9.72, p = .03) minutes of physical activity but less (-22.38 ± 32.52, p = .49) minutes of sport than non-excluded participants. Physical activity or sport did not influence predictors or outcomes associated with exclusion. Findings indicate young people excluded from education participate in 8% more MVPA, but 13% less sport than peers not excluded from education. These findings highlight concerns related to the provision of school sports and physical education opportunities for young people excluded from education. Moreover, these findings question the role of physical activity or sport as a silver bullet within UK educational policy.

A Qualitative Investigation of the Determinants Influencing Physical Activity Among Women in Ilam Town

Background: The female population above the age of 50 exhibits a higher inclination toward sedentary lifestyles compared to their counterparts. Moreover, physiological factors, such as breastfeeding, pregnancy, and menopause, render women more susceptible to ailments and disabilities. This study was conducted in an attempt to discern various elements contributing to women’s physical activity levels in Ilam town. Methods: A targeted sampling approach was employed for this qualitative investigation. The data collection involved conducting individual interviews with 16 females who fell within the middle-aged bracket of 30–59 years in the year 2019 in Ilam town, Iran. These interviews followed a semi-structured format wherein open-ended questions were asked that aimed at gaining clear and comprehensive insights without any biasing influence. To derive patterns from these interviews, the content analysis method was utilized by identifying differences and similarities among codes, along with repetitions of semantic units. For this purpose, MAXQDA software (version 10) facilitated effective analysis. Results: Upon analyzing the obtained information from participants aged around 40, primarily homemakers; several categories emerged pertaining to advantages associated with regular physical activity, as cited by the respondents themselves. The overall outcome thus encompassed four distinct categories, disclosing beneficence related to consistent exercise engagement among them. The findings of the study were divided into three primary classifications, including comprehending the advantages of physical activity, explanatory factors, and persuasive factors. Additionally, there were barriers to regular physical activity that fell into seven major categories, including family, social, customary, economic, environmental, and cultural spheres. Each barrier encompassed both tangible and intangible aspects. Conclusion: The participants provided accounts of various individual, socioeconomic, political, and environmental elements that fostered consistent engagement in physical activity. Moreover, the study subjects reported encountering a range of barriers and facilitators with respect to cultural and economic influences on their physical activity levels. Therefore, strategies devised to encourage women’s involvement in physical activity should primarily focus on bolstering social support knowledge and self-efficacy while concurrently minimizing or eliminating cultural and economic hindrances. These socio-cultural factors should also be considered when formulating future initiatives by communities, organizations, and policymakers so as to develop interventions that more effectively align with the needs and perspectives of women.

Character values education model based on School Culture of the Muhammadiyah Leading Primary School in Lemahdadi Yogyakarta

Cases of delinquency start from elementary school age, such as cases of bullying, smoking at an early age, lack of good manners, and various other types of child delinquency. If early childhood delinquency is not immediately addressed, it will have an impact on children's delinquency in adolescence. The aim of this research is to analyze the character values education model based on Muhammadiyah school culture at the Muhammadiyah Lemahdadi Flagship Elementary School, as well as the usefulness of this character values education model. The research method uses descriptive qualitative, primary data for this research was obtained from the school principal, two Ismuba teachers, ten students, and the head of administration. The data processing process using research methods is carried out simultaneously, then continuous data verification is carried out until the problem formulation is answered. The results of the research show that the school culture-based character values education model is reflected in a series of cultures at Muhammadiyah Lemahdadi's flagship primary school, which interprets the combination of strengthening religious values, leadership development, involvement in physical activities, and developing business skills, with the aim of forming good character. strong, good morals, and students' readiness to face future challenges.

A bangladesi diákok cukorbetegséggel, magas vérnyomással, fizikai aktivitással és étkezési szokásokkal kapcsolatos ismeretei: Egy keresztmetszeti vizsgálat

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge about non-communicable diseases among college students has not been explored in Bangladesh, which is a growing concern for the country. This study aims to explore the knowledge level of two common non-communicable diseases: diabetes and hypertension, among college students. This study also aimed to explore the patterns of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and eating habits among them. The overall findings based on this study will provide a good source of information for implementing any intervention if required in the future. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 651 students aged between 14 and 17 years with a self-administered questionnaire between March and May 2019 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Descriptive studies, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were done according to the association of the variables. All data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20. RESULTS: The study reported that 60.4% of students belonged to the older (16+ years) age group. 66.2% of students were from the science faculty. 51% of students had normal BMI though female BMI was slightly higher than male (51.1% vs. 50.8%). Underweight was more prevalent among females (30.6% vs. 24.6%) and overweight was more prevalent among male students (24.6% vs. 18.3%). Knowledge on diabetes was slightly higher compared to hypertension though most of the correct answers in both disease knowledge came from science faculty students. Binary logistic regression analysis showed diabetes knowledge of business faculty students was 60% less (OR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.3-0.7; P = 0.001) and arts faculty students was 60% less (OR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.2-0.9; P &lt; 0.05) comparing with science faculty students. It was found that males were more likely to participate in outdoor physical activities such as walking (74.2% vs. 62.7%), cycling (17.8% vs. 1.7%), and sports (39.8% vs. 5.8%) compared to females. However, females were found to have a higher participation rate in household chores at 75.7% while males had a participation rate of 62.3%. Female students spent more time on sedentary behavior than male students: sitting (89.4% vs. 78%); using social media (88.2% vs. 74.2%); watching YouTube (96.1% vs. 87.3%). The breakfast intake rate was higher among male students than female students (73.3% vs. 51.5%) and the skipping rate was higher among female students (48.9% vs. 26.7%). The situation was the same for lunch and supper intake. However, the fast-food consumption rate was slightly higher among male than female students (78.4% vs. 73.5%). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study reported overall knowledge of diabetes and hypertension was good among students though most of the correct answers came from science faculty students compared to the other group. Male involvement in outdoor physical activity was significantly higher than female students but, female students spent more time on sedentary behaviour. Male students had a higher prevalence of regular meal intake than female students. However, male students also showed more prevalence of fast-food consumption and overweight status. The findings of this study could be useful for designing appropriate health promotion interventions.

Assessment on physical activity involvement of university students with special needs: a case study in some selected higher institutions of Ethiopian

Background: Physical activity is very important for every person regardless of his/her age, gender, race, economic status, as well as physical ability, or disability. People, particularly students with special needs are usually perceived by societies as disadvantaged groups (Block, 1992). Hence, they are in a position of missing some economic, political, and social benefits including the right to access equitable and quality of PA. Objectives: the purpose of this study was to assess students with visually impaired and physical disabilities' engagement in physical activity. Methods: in this study qualitative method was employed. A case study research design was employed in this research. Study area: The study was conducted on 3 selected universities, Ethiopia. The selected universities are Debre Berhan, Addis Ababa and kotbea metropolitan universities. Sample: In this research sample of students with special need from all universities main and sub campus ‘was selected by available sampling technique and also responsible head of institutions was selected by purposive sampling technique. The study utilized three data gathering techniques observation, interview and focus group discussion. Qualitative thematic case analysis was employed to analyze the data. Outcome: the finding of the study reveals Ramps, Stairs, Doors, Signage and Flooring of buildings are so poor to allow PA for SWSN. University students with special need have less time engagement in PA (their involvement in PA is so minimal) and University students with special need have interest to engage in PA but environmental and social barriers inhabit them form engagement of PA. Finally, recommendation was forwarded for three universities stakeholders based on the major finding of the research.

Physicians' Words, Patients' Response: The Role of Healthcare Counselling in Enhancing Beneficial Lifestyle Modifications for Patients with Cardiometabolic Disorders: The IACT Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Preventive cardiology aims to educate patients about risk factors and the importance of mitigating them through lifestyle adjustments and medications. However, long-term adherence to recommended interventions remains a significant challenge. This study explores how physician counselling contributes to successful behavior changes in various aspects of lifestyle. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in Greece in 2022-2023 included 1988 participants. Validated questionnaires assessed patients' characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices. Results: The findings revealed that patients who received lifestyle advice from physicians demonstrated increased compliance with the Mediterranean diet and a higher involvement in physical activity. Notably, they were also less likely to be non-smokers. Importantly, physicians' recommendations had a more pronounced association with adherence level to the Mediterranean diet compared to other lifestyle behaviors. Additionally, specific dietary components like cereal, legume, and red meat consumption were significantly associated with physicians' guidance. Conclusions: This study highlights the complex relationship between patients' cardiometabolic health, lifestyle decisions, and healthcare professionals' guidance. The substantial influence of physicians on Mediterranean diet adherence underscores the necessity for a multidisciplinary healthcare approach. Collaborative efforts involving physicians, dietitians, and fitness experts can offer comprehensive support to patients in navigating the intricate landscape of cardiometabolic health.

Relevance of the anterior cingulate cortex volume and personality in motivated physical activity behaviors

Some recent theories about the origins and maintenance of regular physical activity focus on the rewards of the properties of practicing this activity. Animal and human studies have demonstrated that mesolimbic dopamine plays a crucial role in the involvement in voluntary physical activity. Here, we test this possible role in a sample of 66 right-handed healthy young adults by studying the influence of personality and the volume of reward-related brain areas on individual differences in voluntary physical activity, objectively measured by accelerometer and subjectively self-reported by questionnaire. Our results show that a smaller volume of the right anterior cingulate cortex and lower scores on reward sensitivity contributed to explaining low levels of daily physical activity. Moreover, the volume of the right anterior cingulate cortex correlates positively with self-reported total physical activity. Results are discussed by highlighting the need to use objective measures of daily physical activity, as well as the important role of the anterior cingulate cortex and personality in promoting effortful and invigorating actions to obtain rewards.

Investigating the predictors of physical activity behavior among female college students in Saudi Arabia using the theory of planned behavior

Background and Study Aim. Physical inactivity is a major public health concern, particularly among female college students in Saudi Arabia. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) suggests that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) are important predictors of behavioral intentions and behaviors. The aim of this study was to examine the role of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in predicting physical activity intentions among female university students in Saudi Arabia, using the theory of planned behavior as a framework. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 758 female college students from the University of Hafr Al Batin in Saudi Arabia. The measurement tool consisted of Godin-Shephard questions on leisure-time physical activity and theory-planned behavior questionnaires. Results. The study found that perceived behavioral control and attitude were significant predictors of physical activity intentions among female college students. However, subjective norms did not have a significant impact on the predictor variable. Furthermore, there was a statistical effect to predict involvement in physical activity from physical activity intention among female college students.. Conclusions. The study's findings suggest that the theory of planned behavior is a useful framework for understanding and interpreting physical activity intentions among female college students in Saudi Arabia. Interventions that aim to increase perceived behavioral control and positive attitudes towards physical activity may be effective in promoting physical activity among this population.

Anxiety levels among school-going adolescents in peri-urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan.

Mental health problems are pervasive nowadays. Adolescents are often expected to balance academic performance with familial obligations and work to support the family financially if they belong to low-socio-economic areas. These pressures can lead to Anxiety, stress, and even depression. The study's main objective is to assess the association of gender, parenting style, eating habit, and screen timing with the level of Anxiety among school-going adolescents in three peri-urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents of age group 10-19 years using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale in two months in, three populated peri-urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan. Collected Data was analyzed by statistical software SPSS version with 80% response rate. In our collected data, 544 students participated; 313 (57%) were female, and 231(42%) were male. Among them 173(33%) participants showed moderate to severe level of anxiety out of which 140(26%) were female and 33(7%) were male. As per our study, strict Parenting style plays a significant role in developing moderate to severe 108(20%) levels of Anxiety, shown among adolescents in the studied population. In addition to this, those who do not take tuition 115 (21%), do not use transport to school 91(16%), spend significant time in games on mobile and computer 101 (18%), and have no involvement in physical activities 172 (31%) show more moderate to severe level anxiety than others factors. A significant multivariate association between level of anxiety with gender, school commute, type of lunch Intake, smoker family member at home, physical activity, video game, tuition and strict parent. This study concluded that there are various factors which have great association with anxiety and can affect adolescents' mental health badly. The factors were parental strictness, video game playing, a sedentary lifestyle, and the smoking habits of family members. Children and adolescents must be evaluated as soon as possible while they are still young to prevent mental health issues.

Exploring stress levels and physical activity patterns: A comparative analysis of blended and conventional learning methods

Changes in learning methods cause a crucial decrease in physical education needs and time of involvement in physical activity, which can affect individual stress levels. The objective of this study was to find out the comparison of physical activity patterns and stress levels between blended versus conventional learning methods. This study used quasi-experimental with a posttest-only approach with a control group design. The total subjects were 160 sports students from Universitas Jambi, who were divided into two groups (Experiment and Control) with average age of 21.69 ± 1.33 years, weight of 55.74 ± 6.48 kg, height of 170.10 ± 5.51 cm, and BMI of 21.06 ± 2.77 kg/m2. The results showed that the blended learning group had a lower level of physical activity when compared to their respective conventional groups. Furthermore, the stress level in the blended learning group had a moderate stress while the conventional group had a low-stress. Thus, the research findings have answered the question that physical activity can affect an individual’s stress level, and conventional learning methods are still the best method compared to blended learning methods. This finding can be used as a reference, especially for educators, both lecturers and teachers in schools, to be able to take a spiritual approach and invite students to do activities they like, such as exercise and recreation, to trigger a sense of enthusiasm in students to continue to improve their fitness degree. Therefore, this will have an impact on mental health, which can affect student stress levels much lower.

Relationship between physical activity and coping with stress in people with multiple sclerosis: A moderated mediation model with self-efficacy and disability level as variables

PurposeAn increasing number of studies support the beneficial relationship between physical activity and stress coping in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, there has been limited understanding of the variables that may influence the nature of this relationship. Therefore, based on the social-cognitive framework and previous research, we aimed to examine the association between the habitual physical activity of people with MS and their coping effectiveness. Furthermore, we sought to determine the extent to which self-efficacy acts as a mediator in this relationship, considering the level of disability as a moderator variable. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 351 people with MS participated. The participants were asked to complete several assessment tools, including the Mini-COPE Inventory for Measurement—Coping with Stress, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Additionally, a neurologist assessed the severity of the disease using the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Information on the demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants was collected via a self-report survey. Two moderated mediation analyses were conducted as part of the study. ResultsThe study findings indicated a positive correlation between engagement in physical activity and self-efficacy among participants with high and medium disability levels. This, in turn, demonstrated a positive association with effective stress-coping strategies and a negative association with ineffective coping methods. In particular, a significant relationship was observed between involvement in physical activity and self-efficacy in participants with high disability, while it was not statistically significant in participants with low disability. ConclusionPhysical activity was associated with improved psychosocial functioning in people with high levels of disability caused by MS. This association may be attributed to factors such as increased self-efficacy and improved stress coping. However, the relationship between physical activity and psychosocial functioning was less evident in people with low disability caused by MS.

Factors Affecting Rural Women’s Involvement in Physical Activity in Ghana

A qualitative study approach was used to explore the factors affecting rural women’s involvement in physical activity in Ghana. Most prior research has been done in African urban areas thus, neglecting the rural areas. Purposive sampling and a semi-structured interview method were used to interview nine women aged 40-60 years living in three rural areas in the central region of Ghana. The interviews were conducted by phone, translated, transcribed, and then coded using NVivo software package. The constant comparative method was used to analyze the data. The data presented eight enablers and five barriers to physical activity involvement for rural Ghanaian women. Findings revealed that rural women get a fair amount of physical activity from their traditional occupations, household chores, and community involvement but lack involvement in organized physical activity for leisure and fun. By introducing rural women to more varied physical activity options, they could gradually replace the physical activity they traditionally gain from their livelihood as they begin to age out of them in middle adulthood.

Effects of a 12 week community-based high-level mobility programme on sustained participation in physical activity by adolescents with cerebral palsy: a single subject research design study

Purpose To assess if a high-level mobility programme (HLMP) can promote sustained participation in physical activity by adolescents with cerebral palsy. Methods Eight adolescents with cerebral palsy, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I-II, 11–16 years, participated in 24 community-based group HLMP sessions across 12 weeks. Participants set attendance, involvement, and physical performance goals, completed activity diaries over 58 weeks and undertook physical capacity tests. Measures of activity frequency and diversity (attendance) and involvement level were collected weekly across baseline (4–6 weeks), intervention (12 weeks), and nine months follow-up (including Covid lockdown). Results Median attendance was 23 of 24 HLMP sessions. Attendance goal/s attainment was highest during COVID lockdown. Involvement goals were consistently attained throughout all phases. Physical performance goal/s attainment was highest during intervention phase but reduced during nine months follow-up. Frequency of participation in physical activities varied greatly across study phases (range 0–33 episodes/week) with stable variety of activities and generally high ‘involvement.’ During the intervention, seven participants improved physical capacity and six maintained, or increased, the gains six months later. Conclusion Most participants improved physical capacity post-intervention but only some had sustained attendance and involvement in physical activity, highlighting the complexity of physical activity participation.