Physical Activity Participation Levels Research Articles

Identifying latent classes of physical activity profiles over time among adolescents in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundPhysical activity behaviours are known to be highly correlated. Adolescents who participate in one type of physical activity (e.g., physical education) have a greater likelihood of participating in other physical activities (e.g., organized sports); however, little research has examined participation rates in various physical activity behaviours concurrently. This study identified longitudinal physical activity profiles among secondary school aged youth in Ontario, Canada.MethodsWe used data from the COMPASS Study, a school-based prospective cohort study of adolescents in Canada. Using a repeated measures latent class analysis, Ontario students who participated in grade 9 PE in 2015-16 were analysed through to 2018-19 (n = 1,917). Latent classes were defined by: PE participation, guideline adherence (≥ 60 min/day of moderate to vigorous activity over the last 7 days), and sport participation (varsity, community, and/or intramural). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine associations between latent class membership and student characteristics.ResultsThree distinct latent classes were identified for females and four were identified for males. These classes were: (1) Guidelines (high probability of guideline adherence; females: 44%; males: 16%), (2) PE & Sports (high probability of PE and sport participation; females: 33%; males: 43%), (3) Guidelines & Sports (high probability of guideline adherence and sport participation; females: 23%; males: 23%;), and (4) Inactive (low probability of all physical activity indicators; males: 18%). Strength training, sleep, and English grade were associated with class membership among females. Ethno-racial identity, weekly spending money, strength training, and English and math grades were associated with class membership among males.ConclusionsFindings suggest that latent physical activity profiles differ by sex. Guideline adherence was the most common class among females, indicating high levels of independent physical activity, whereas PE & Sport participation was the most common class among males, indicating greater tendency towards organized activities. Additionally, a substantial number of male students were not engaging in any physical activity. Participation in both PE and sports did not necessarily lead to meeting physical activity guidelines, highlighting that these activities alone may not be providing sufficient levels of physical activity that align with current recommendations for Canadian youth.

Comparing domain- and intensity-specific physical activity in coronary heart disease and non-CHD individuals

Although increase in physical activity is important to improve prognosis of cardiac patients in addition to hospital-based exercise cardiac rehabilitation, their physical activity levels are not properly understood. This study aimed to examine domain- and intensity-specific physical activity in individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD) and compare them with non-CHD individuals. Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2014 to 2019 were analyzed, including 1083 CHD patients and 38,532 non-CHD individuals. The inclusion criteria were age 19 years or older and data not missing for CHD information. Before and after propensity score matching (PSM) for age, sex, body mass index, education, household income, alcohol intake, and smoking status, domain (leisure, work, transportation)—and intensity (moderate, vigorous) -specific physical activity participation levels were compared between individuals with and without CHD. Before PSM, CHD individuals were older, less educated, more sedentary, and participated less in PAs compared to non-CHD individuals. After PSM, CHD individuals had similar levels of domain-specific PAs. However, they had higher work-related PA levels (29.7 ± 209.6 vs. 42.1 ± 291.3 min/week p = 0.022) and more sedentary time (487.2 ± 224.2 vs. 514.1 ± 228.7. p = 0.003) than those without CHD. Subgroup analysis revealed lower leisure-related PA in men with CHD (63.5 ± 165.5 vs. 47.3 ± 140.2, p < 0.05) and higher work-related PA in women with CHD (18.9 ± 159.7 vs. 57.1 ± 397.5, p < 0.01). Among those < 65 years of age, individuals with CHD spent more time sedentary than individuals without CHD. CHD individuals are not physically inactive compared with non-CHD individuals who are similar in sociodemographic status and lifestyle. CHD patients’ PA levels may have been underestimated.

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

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

Program Evaluation and Refinement of the "Safe Functional Home Exercise" Program for Improving Physical Activity in Older People with Dementia Who Receive Home Care.

People with dementia who receive home care have low levels of physical activity participation. To evaluate and refine a co-designed exercise program for home care clients with dementia, led by trained care support workers. An action research cycle whereby support workers, clients and carers (each n = 26) from the "Safe Functional Home Exercise" feasibility study were invited to complete an evaluation survey. Participants rated statements using Likert-style scales on (1) staff training, (2) staff confidence, (3) program support and (4) satisfaction. The participants could provide comments for situations that affected exercise performance, suggested improvements for staff training, program support and exercises. The co-design panel (original program designers) was reconvened to refine the exercise program. Support workers (n = 19), clients (n = 15) and carers (n = 13) returned their surveys. Support workers (74-90%), carers (77-92%) and clients (100%) rated program support positively and were overall satisfied. Support workers (>80%) agreed that the training course was relevant and were confident in delivering the exercises to clients. Situations included "Covid isolation", the client's "poor medical condition" and "mood fluctuations" that made exercising difficult. Improvements included "making a client video" and "providing tips to motivate clients". The co-design panel modified the exercise program. The "Safe Functional Home Exercise" program is the first exercise program co-designed for people with dementia. It is well accepted by support workers, people with dementia and carers. Utilising support workers to facilitate physical activity participation is potentially low-cost and scalable in home care. Future studies are needed to evaluate the refined program in home care.

Diagnosis and Management of Lower Extremity Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome in the Active Adult Population

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome can significantly alter the quality of life and level of physical activity participation in active adults. This lesser known and understood condition requires diligent physical examinaion and linear diagnostic progression to appropriately diagnose. Although surgical intervention is the definitive treatment modality, there are multiple surgical approaches which could be considered and several nonoperative conservative therapies which can be trialed to meet patients' physical performance goals.

A 5-Week Guided Active Play Program Modulates Skin Microvascular Reactivity in Healthy Children.

Children's poor levels of physical activity (PA) participation and early-onset vascular aging are identified as global health challenges. Children's guided activity play (GAP)-based PA programs have emerged as effective strategies to improve cardiovascular risk factors and health-related fitness. This study proposes to investigate whether GAP improves children's cutaneous microvascular reactivity and health-related fitness. Children's (n = 18; 9.8 [1.5]y) PA during a 5-week (4d/wk; 1h/d) GAP program was assessed (accelerometry) with preassessments and postassessments for anthropometric, musculoskeletal fitness, blood pressure, estimated aerobic power, and cutaneous microvascular reactivity. PA averaged 556 (132)kcal·week-1 at 34.7% (7.5%) time at moderate to vigorous intensity. Resting heart rate (-9.5%) and diastolic blood pressure (-7.8%) were reduced without changes in health-related fitness indices. Cutaneous microvascular reactivity to sodium nitroprusside iontophoresis increased the average perfusion (+36.8%), average cutaneous vascular conductance (+30%), the area under the curve (+28.8%), and a faster rise phase (+40%) of perfusion (quadratic modeling; P ≤ .05). Chi-square and crosstabulation analysis revealed significant association between children's PA levels and sodium nitroprusside average perfusion levels, where children with PA levels ≥205.1kcal.55minute-1 were overrepresented in the medium/high levels of sodium nitroprusside perfusion. A 5-week GAP modified the microvascular reactivity in children without changes in body mass, musculoskeletal fitness, or estimated aerobic power.

A Review of the Impact of Sporting Role Model-Led Interventions on Physical Activity and Sport Participation of Female Youth

There is a lack of evidence of on the impact of how sporting role models (SRM) influence adolescent physical activity (PA) and/or sport participation (SP) levels. The main aim of this review was to identify SRM-led interventions and highlight the evidence of impact of SRMs on female adolescents’ participation in PA and/or SP. A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature using key search terms was completed using electronic databases (APA PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed). The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) Participants were ≤18 years old, (b) results were reported for female participants, (c) the study included an intervention arm/element, (d) an SRM or equivalent terminology was used as part of the intervention, (e) PA levels and/or SP was evaluated, and (f) peer-reviewed articles published in English. A total of 7,169 peer-reviewed articles were identified and screened. A systematic review of grey literature to identify SRM programs was also carried out through Google search engine, direct contact with relevant sporting organizations, and with authors who had written about role models, and 45 programs were identified. Identified documents were screened using the same inclusion criteria as described above. The results identified one peer-reviewed and 15 grey literature programs, all of which were deemed to be of poor quality. The programs revealed a lack of theoretical base and rigor in methodology, no objective PA or SP assessment, poor demographic context of participants and role models, and lack of evaluation.

Basic Psychological Needs Predicting Physical Activity Participation among Young Adults

It is alarming that despite the numerous accrued benefits of physical activity participation, many young adults in tertiary institutions engage in inactive and sedentary lifestyles, which can be linked to many cases of morbidity and mortality. However, according to the self-determination theory (SDT), individuals have three basic psychological needs (BPNs) that are essential for healthy growth, development and well-being. The necessity to fulfill these BPN’s can stimulate and encourage young adults to engage in regular physical activity and enhance their well-being. Therefore, this study examined the role of BPN’s in predicting physical activity participation among young adults in Nigerian private university. A total of 735 students, comprising 408 males (55.5%) and 327 females (44.5%), with ages ranging from 16 to 35 years (mean = 22.8; SD = 5.42), were randomly selected from a private university in the South-west, of Nigeria. The Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) were used to collect data. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study showed that the BPN’s of autonomy (r =0.233, p&lt;0.05); competence (r =0.188, p &lt; 0.05), and relatedness (r = 0.477, p&lt;0.05) positively correlated with physical activity participation. Additionally, the results found that 25% had low, 57.1% had moderate and 17.8% had high levels of physical activity participation among the participants. There was a significant gender difference between males and females’ in their levels of participation in physical activity (t =2.866, p &lt; 0.05), with males reporting higher mean scores than their female counterpart. Regression analysis showed that BPN’s predicted physical activity participation among young adults (F (3,731) = 73.968, p &lt; 0.05) with 23% of its variance accounted for by the independent variables. Furthermore, autonomy (ß = 0.071, t = 1.970, p &lt; 0.05) and relatedness (ß = 0.478, t =12.589, p &lt; 0.05) were predictors of physical activity participation with relatedness being reported as the most potent predictor. These findings provide an insight into focus the importance of satisfying the relatedness and autonomy aspects of BPN’s in young adults. Developing interventions that target these identified indices can promote continuous and regular participation in physical activity. Keywords: basic psychological needs, relatedness, autonomy, physical activity, young adults ‬

The mediating role of social support in promoting physical activity among children in South Africa

Background: Low physical activity (PA) participation levels and increasing non-communicable diseases in children are concerning in South Africa and globally.Objectives: We sought to assess the mediating role of perceived social support factors on the relationship between PA enjoyment and PA levels among rural, peri-urban and urban school children.Method: A cross-sectional study was adopted to assess peer, family and teacher encouragement as mediators on the relationship between perceived PA enjoyment and perceived physical activity participation among children, using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). The sample comprised a random sample of primary school learners aged 9–14 years.Results: The sample consisted of 870 primary school learners with a mean age of 11.0 ± 1.49 years. Most participants were girls (n = 519; 59.7%). The findings suggest low levels of perceived PA participation (mean = 2.33, standard deviation [s.d.]: 0.43). Peer (β = 0.0187, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0088, 0.0307), family (β = 0.0280, 95% CI: 0.0155, 0.0425) and teacher (β = 0.0242, 95% CI: 0.0127, 0.0378) encouragement partially mediates the relationship between perceived PA enjoyment and perceived PA participation. Family encouragement (β = 0.0158, 95% CI: 0.0017, 0.0311) has the most considerable mediating effect, followed by teacher encouragement (β = 0.0125, 95% CI: 0.0010, 0.0269).Conclusion: The findings demonstrated low levels of perceived PA participation in school learners. Therefore, we recommends including social factors as mediators in PA intervention programmes in primary schools.Clinical implications: Social support factors as mediators on the relationship between PA enjoyment and PA participation among children may improve children’s PA participation levels and help prevent non-communicable diseases in future.

Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy in Turkey: A narrative review

It is known that physical activity (PA) in pregnancy is beneficial for both women and fetal health. For the optimal exercise prescription, healthcare professionals interested in obstetrics-gynecology should evaluate women carefully before making any exercise recommendations during pregnancy. If there aren’t any contraindications, pregnant women should be encouraged to engage in regular physical activity. This narrative review aimed to determine PA during pregnancy in Turkey. A literature search was performed in the databases. A total of 29 original articles on PA during pregnancy in Turkey were included in this present study. Eighteen studies were chosen from among these articles for analysis. Two studies assessed PA levels in pregnancy with objective/direct methods such as PA monitors and pedometers, and non-objective/indirect methods were used in all 18 studies. Regarding exercise types, the most preferred exercises during pregnancy were walking, breathing exercises, strengthening exercises, and stretching neck muscles. This narrative review revealed that the level of PA participation and the frequency of regular exercise during pregnancy in Turkey is inadequate. More studies are necessary to examine PA participation from various contexts during pregnancy in Turkey to guide interventions for improving maternal health.

Leisure-time during COVID-19 in the Western Cape, South Africa: experiences of people with disabilities

ABSTRACT COVID-19 brought a significant shift in people’s daily routine, which became challenging for individuals to cope with. Leisure-time physical activities can significantly increase social effectiveness, a sense of control in the lives of people with disabilities, and social integration. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of leisure-time physical activity participation levels and programming needs for people with disabilities in the Western Cape, South Africa, amidst COVID-19. This study used a descriptive-qualitative approach to collect data from 12 participants who were recruited in the City of Cape Town municipality. Purposive sampling method was used to select eight participants, while the four participants were selected using the snowball sampling method. The results of the study reported two themes: LTPA during COVID-19 and LTPA challenges pre- and during COVID-19. Prominent findings from this study emphasize that LTPA is perceived positively and remained relevant during COVID-19. Although people’s movements were limited due to the lockdown regulations in South Africa, participants in this study did not lose sense of what LTPA is or the value it brings to their lives.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity Level of Teachers, Obesity Prevelance and Life Satisfaction

The present study aims to determine the relationship between teachers' physical activity (PA) levels, obesity prevalence, and life satisfaction (LS). The study has a descriptive nature, and it was conducted following the relational screening method, which is a general screening model. A total of 401 volunteer teachers were included in the study. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA tests were used for data analysis. When the PA levels and LS of the teachers were examined, it was found that 28.7% were inactive, 44.6% were moderately active, and 26.7% were active; It was determined that 17.2% had very little LS, 40.6% had medium LS, 34.4% high LS, 7.0% full LS. When the body mass index (BMI) was examined, it was determined that 1.2% of the teachers were underweight, 54.1% were healthy weight, 35.7% were overweight, and 9.0% were obese. The study's findings showed a weak and positive relationship between teachers' LS and PA participation levels. The results indicated that PA levels differed significantly according to gender, marital status, and active sports, and LS levels differed significantly according to gender, marital status, income, age, BMI according to gender, marital status, income, and age.

Experiences of Introduction to and Participation in Quad Rugby: A Grounded Theory Approach.

Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) report low physical activity participation levels. A lack of physical activity can lead to increased secondary health concerns, such as cardiovascular, psychological, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal complications. Adaptive sports, such as quad rugby, allow individuals with SCI to maintain appropriate physical activity levels. This grounded theory study aimed to explore the experiences of individuals learning about and participating in quad rugby after SCI in the United States. Twelve participants from seven states across the United States completed semistructured interviews. Four themes emerged: benefits of quad rugby participation, enabling quad rugby participation, barriers to quad rugby participation, and motivation for continued participation in quad rugby. This study highlights the importance of an early introduction to quad rugby after SCI and the biopsychosocial benefits of participation. Occupational therapy practitioners can address barriers identified in this study through innovative approaches and advocacy efforts.

Impact of ¡Míranos! on parent-reported home-based healthy energy balance-related behaviors in low-income Latino preschool children: a clustered randomized controlled trial

BackgroundWidespread establishment of home-based healthy energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs), like diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior, screen time, and sleep, among low-income preschool-aged children could curb the childhood obesity epidemic. We examined the effect of an 8-month multicomponent intervention on changes in EBRBs among preschool children enrolled in 12 Head Start centers.MethodsThe Head Start (HS) centers were randomly assigned to one of three treatment arms: center-based intervention group (CBI), center-based plus home-based intervention group (CBI + HBI), or control. Before and following the intervention, parents of 3-year-olds enrolled in participating HS centers completed questionnaires about their child’s at-home EBRBs. Adult-facilitated physical activity (PA) was measured by an index based on questions assessing the child’s level of PA participation at home, with or facilitated by an adult. Fruit, vegetable, and added sugar intake were measured via a short food frequency questionnaire, and sleep time and screen time were measured using 7-day logs. A linear mixed effects model examined the intervention’s effect on post-intervention changes in PA, intake of fruit, vegetable, and added sugar, sleep time, and screen time from baseline to post-intervention.ResultsA total of 325 parents participated in the study (CBI n = 101; CBI + HBI n = 101; and control n = 123). Compared to control children, CBI and CBI + HBI parents reported decreases in children’s intake of added sugar from sugar-sweetened beverages. Both CBI and CBI + HBI parents also reported smaller increases in children’s average weekday screen time relative to controls. In addition, CBI + HBI parents reported CBI + HBI parents reported increases in children’s adult-facilitated PA, fruit and vegetable intake, and daily sleep time during weekdays (excluding weekends) and the total week from baseline to post-intervention, while children in the CBI increased sleep time over the total week compared to the children in the control group.ConclusionsParent engagement strengthened the improvement in parent-reported EBRBs at home in young children participating in an evidence-based obesity prevention program in a childcare setting. Future studies should investigate equity-related contextual factors that influence the impact of obesity prevention in health-disparity populations.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03590834. Registered July 18, 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03590834

FACTORS INFLUENCE ON PERCEIVED ACADEMIC STRESS AMONG SPORTS STUDENT DURING ONLINE LEARNING

Academic life for students was filled with stress and strain. Physical activity, on the other hand, may help people manage their stress levels. Sports students, as all known, are physically active. However, many factors influence perceived academic stress, such as body weight, the semester in question, and gender. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence perceived academic stress among sports students during online learning. 217 sports students (84=male, 133=female) are involved. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) – Long Form questionnaire was measured students’ level of physical activity participation and the Perception of Academic Stress Scale (PASS) questionnaire used to measure academic stress. Other’s variables are measured in demographic profiles. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression to investigate the factors that influence perceived academic stress among sports students during online learning. From the study, 77.40% (n=168) of the students were highly involved in physical activity and the students agreed the perceived academic stress was high for the workload given during online learning, following pressure of perform, academic self-perception and time restraints. The results of the regression indicated the predictor explained 2.6% of the variance (F (1, 215) = 5.73, p=0.018, with an R2 of 0.026). It was found that stay during online learning significantly predicted perceived academic stress (β = .16, p&lt;.001), as did agreeableness (β = -.36, p&gt;=0.018). In conclusion, the data imply that, while many factors influence perceived academic stress, the results in this study were non-significant. Only stay during online learning yielded significant results out of the five parameters indicated.

The relationship between physical activity and diabetes in middle-aged and elderly people.

To investigate the association between diabetes symptoms and physical activity (PA) levels among middle-aged and older Chinese adults. Data for this study were obtained from 2018 Charles data. Z test, logistic regression analysis, and linear hierarchical regression analysis were performed in 5352 individuals aged ≥50 years with complete information. In terms of diabetes, 6.8% of the middle-aged and elderly people with diabetes were detected, and 93.2% of the middle-aged and elderly people without diabetes symptoms. The proportion of middle-aged and elderly people with high PA levels was 50.5%, and the proportion of middle-aged and elderly people with low PA was 49.5%. There was a significant positive correlation between low PA and diabetes (P < .05). After adjusting demographic characteristics (gender, registered permanent residence type, education level, age, widowhood) and health status characteristics (poor mood, asthma, hyperlipidemia, disability, memory disease, self-assessment of health status, hypertension, smoking, stroke, depression), there was still a statistical significance between PA level and diabetes (P < .05). The risk of diabetes of middle-aged and elderly people in China increases with age, while the risk of diabetes of middle-aged and elderly people with low level of PA is higher. The risk of diabetes is high among middle-aged and elderly people who are old, have poor self-evaluation health, suffer from hyperlipidemia, memory disease, and asthma. The middle-aged and old people should increase their PA levels to prevent and improve diabetes.

A Latent Profile Analysis of PERMA: Associations with Physical Activity and Psychological Distress among Chinese Nursing College Students.

Background: The wellbeing of college students is an important concern for public health, and may have associations with insufficient physical activity and psychological distress. This study aimed to identify the latent classes of wellbeing based on the PERMA (i.e., positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments) wellbeing framework, and to explore their associations with levels of physical activity and psychological distress. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. A latent profile analysis was performed to characterize the different classes of wellbeing of nursing college students. Results: A group of 1741 nursing college students in China completed the study. Three wellbeing classes were identified in the final model (i.e., low-level wellbeing, moderate-level wellbeing, and high-level wellbeing). Significant differences were found between the three classes in terms of gender (p = 0.002) and year of study (p = 0.038). Low levels of physical activity participation were significantly associated with lower odds of being in the high-level wellbeing class compared with the moderate-level wellbeing class (OR = 1.398, 95%CI [1.023, 1.910], p = 0.035). Lower levels of psychological distress were also associated with greater wellbeing among the three wellbeing classes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Effective strategies are needed to increase college students’ physical activity participation and decrease the severity of psychological distress to improve their health and wellbeing in China.

Knowledge and participation in exercise and physical activity among pregnant women in Ho, Ghana.

Physical activity (PA) and exercise have been identified to improve the general fitness and health. Although, the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) has been validated for use in assessing PA in pregnant women. However, understanding the knowledge and participation levels of PA in pregnant women in the underdeveloped regions of Ghana is of clinical relevance to foster education and promotion of PA. In Ghana, pregnant women believe the "myth" (mostly in rural areas and underdeveloped regions) that exercising in the first trimester might lead to miscarriage. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate the extent of knowledge and participation levels in PA among pregnant women in Ho, Ghana using a self-developed questionnaire which consisted of some questions adapted from the PPAQ. Seventy-seven (n = 77) pregnant women between the ages of 18-50 years were recruited from three hospitals across the Ho municipality of Ghana. A self-developed questionnaire which consisted of some questions taken from the PPAQ was administered to participants under the researchers' supervision. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to find the association between the level of participation in PA, knowledge of PA and gestational age among pregnant women. From the total participants (n = 77) recruited, 57 (74%) of the participants scored high in PA knowledge. Most of the participants 48 (62.3%) answered that PA promotes healthy pregnancy. Participants who reported barriers to PA during pregnancy were no exercise habits 51 (66.2%), having no time 17 (22.1%) and fear of miscarriage 9 (11.7%). There was a significant (p < 0.05) association between the level of participation and gestational age. No significant (p > 0.05) association between the level of participation and knowledge of PA was observed. There is a high level of knowledge of PA among pregnant women in Ho, Ghana. However, most pregnant women rather engage in PA as their gestational age increases. Thus, to foster sustainable exercise participation during pregnancy, all healthcare providers saddled with the responsibility of providing maternal healthcare must strengthen the education and promotion of exercise and PA among pregnant women in Ho, Ghana.

An exploration of physical activity, migrant women and leisure experiences

ABSTRACT Physical Activity is linked to a wide range of social, psychological, and physical health and leisure benefits. However, many sub-groups of the Australian population experience inequity in accessing opportunities to engage in this health promoting behaviour. Migrant women, from non-English speaking backgrounds, report the lowest levels of physical activity participation within Australia. This study explores the perceptions of physical activity among a group of migrant women living in Sydney, Australia. Focus group interviews and written narratives were used to explore the experiences and perceptions of 81 women born in the Middle East and in North Africa. Key findings include new insights regarding the way the term ‘physical activity’ was defined and understood among the participant group, as well as the perceived benefits, enablers, motives and barriers to participation. These results provide guidance and direction for future policy development and health messaging, with a strong focus on addressing leisure inequity.

Associated factors on physical activity among childhood cancer survivors in Mainland China: a qualitative exploration applied health belief model.

Regular physical activity (PA) is essential for childhood cancer survivors (CCS), yet most CCS have difficulty participating in it. The level of PA participation among CCS in China is lower than those of western countries, leading to a worse long-term survival of CCS in China. Here, the study aims to explore the associated factors on the PA performance among CCS. From September to December 2020, the study used purposive sampling to recruit 35 families (88.9%) as sampling units among two hospitals in Hangzhou City, China. The data collection conducted two designs on semi-structured interviews with different roles under family structure - children (n = 35) and parents (n = 35) - respectively. The design of predetermined questions relied on the health belief model (HBM) as a thematic framework. The qualitative analysis applied codebook thematic analysis and used the deductive approach to finalize the main findings. The study only presented preliminary conclusions from interviews with CCS, which resulted in four themes (changes in PA performance; perceptions on participating PA; cognitions of PA; impacts from others) with eight sub-themes. In particular, CCS replied diversity changes in PA, but most of them mentioned the inactive PA after diagnosis, especially the decline of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). As for the "perceptions of PA," almost all CCS had substantial perceived benefits about PA, specifically on their physical well-being. All children also expressed perceived barriers to PA, including the side effects of disease and treatment, fatigue, academic burden, changes in psychological status, and lack of companions. On the cognitions of PA, the CCS had limited realizations of regular PA and low self-efficacy on MVPA. Furthermore, CCS expressed their need for support from their parents, school teachers, and healthcare providers.But in reality, they recieved less support on PA from these important people. The changes in PA after illness among CCS are apparent and unavoidable because of the interaction impacts from internal factors (e.g., personal characters, cognization, perceptions of PA) and external factors (e.g., disease effects, interpersonal supports). The findings explained the main elements under HBM but also provided explored views as the evidence on developing theories and guiding motivations and practices on PA among CCS. In this exploratory study of 35 CCS, we identified the current situation of PA among CCS in China and explored the associated factors. As the first qualitative study on the CCS in mainland China, the study considered particular effects on social culture and living environment.