Motivation For Physical Activity Research Articles

Because I’m Happy—An Overview on Fostering Positive Emotions Through Virtual Reality

In recent years, an increased demand for improving mental health and well-being led to developing procedures capable of enhancing positive experiences. One highly attractive candidate for evoking positive experiences is Virtual Reality (VR), as VR enables users to experience various situations in controlled and safe environments. This overview first investigates how positive emotions, well-being and VR are interconnected. Then, an overview about how and why to induce positive emotions in adult users is provided. Methodological and ethical considerations about VR technology, measurements of VR’s efficacy and user characteristics are reviewed. It emerges that VR is efficient in inducing positive emotions across the adult lifespan and in various settings. Levels of immersion, interactivity, Virtual environment contents, sensory modalities involved and users’ characteristics emerged as key determinants for successfully inducing positive emotions with VR. The main applications of positive VR experiences consist in using VR for relaxation, stress and pain management, motivation for physical activities, and gives promising results for apathy treatment in elderly users. Although VR is efficient in eliciting positive emotions and experiences, the underlying operating mechanisms remain unclear and are yet to be further investigated. Finally, the need for a user-centered approach when designing positive VR experiences, clear guidelines for the use of VR, and a better documentation of its potential adverse effects are addressed.

Longitudinal association of biological maturation with physical activity behaviors in girls transitioning from 5th to 7th grade.

IntroductionThis longitudinal study determined if social cognitive variables influence physical activity in girls stratified on the basis of maturity status.MethodsParticipants attended South Carolina public schools (Mage in 5th grade = 11.1 years) and included a cohort of 529 girls who provided physical activity data in the 5th grade and in 6th and/or 7th grade. The measure of maturity status was age at peak height velocity (APHV) estimated from maturity offset when the children were in the 5th grade. The Earlier Maturity (EM) group included girls whose APHV was one standard deviation or more below the mean APHV for the full sample. All other girls were placed in the Later Maturity (LM) group. Physical activity was assessed at each time point via accelerometry. Social‐cognitive variables were assessed at each time point by a questionnaire measuring self‐efficacy, enjoyment, competence, appearance, fitness, and social motives for physical activity. Growth curves for the total, Earlier Maturing, and Later Maturing groups assessed relationships between physical activity over time and time‐varying social cognitive variables.ResultsPhysical activity was lower in the Earlier Maturing group and was positively associated with self‐efficacy and enjoyment motivation in the total group. These relationships were observed in the 5th grade and maintained through 7th grade. In the Later Maturing group, we observed positive relationships between physical activity and self‐efficacy, enjoyment and competence motivation.ConclusionsStrategies to increase confidence, skills, and enjoyment of physical activity may only be effective for promoting activity among later maturing girls.

Development and Validation of Chinese University Students' Physical Activity Motivation Scale Under the Constraint of Physical Education Policies.

The accurate measurement of university students’ motivation to participate in physical activity (PA) is a prerequisite to developing better physical fitness programs. However, motivation driven by government policies, i.e., physical education policies, are often excluded from many existing scales. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a psychometric instrument based on self-determination theory that exclusively measures the motivation of Chinese university students to participate in PA. A total of 1,215 university students who regularly participated in PA at five universities in China constituted the final valid sample. Sample 1 (n = 311) was used to determine the underlying factor structure of the initial Chinese University Students’ Physical Activity Motivation Scale (CUSPAMS) through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Sample 2 (n = 330) was used to test the model fit of the EFA-derived factor structure and data through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and to test the internal consistency of each factor and of the whole scale. Sample 3 (n = 574) was used to confirm the model stability and criterion validity. Finally, 177 individuals were randomly selected from Sample 3 to perform test–retest reliability. Preliminary evidence showed that the nine-factor CUSPAMS, consisting of 32 items, yielded good psychometric characteristics. The development of the CUSPAMS provides an opportunity to improve current theories and practices regarding the assessment of PA motivation. The CUSPAMS is recommended for examining factors that influence motives as well as the impact of motives on PA among Chinese university students.

Differences in self-control, self-efficacy and depressive symptoms between active and inactive middle-aged and older adults after 1 year of COVID restrictions

Objectives The psychological impact of the prolonged lockdown measures in the UK as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic is unclear. Our aim was to determine if there are significant differences in self-control, self-efficacy, depressive symptoms and leisure motivation between UK older adults with differing levels of physical activity, and which of these variables can be used to predict activity level after 1 year of lockdown restrictions, Methods 521 adults aged 50–92 years completed an online survey consisting of several validated measures relating to physical activity, self-control, self-efficacy, depressive symptoms, and leisure motivation. Participant’s responses were grouped into active (≥150minutes activity per week) and inactive (<150minutes activity per week). Data was analysed using ANOVA, Pearson’s Correlation and Multiple Regression (forward stepwise). Results We found significant differences in self-efficacy, self-control, and depressive symptoms between physically active vs inactive subjects. High levels of self-control and self-efficacy were associated with higher levels of activity and fewer depressive symptoms. Self-control, amotivation, depressive symptoms and self-efficacy were predictors of physical activity level. Conclusion Psychological variables including self-control, self-efficacy, depressive symptoms and amotivation can be used to predict physical activity levels in UK middle-aged and older adults following 1 year of Covid restrictions.

Association between Social Support and Physical Activity in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: Multiple Mediating Roles of Self-Efficacy and Autonomous Motivation.

Physical inactivity in patients with coronary artery disease is linked to recurrent cardiac events. Given that social support may be an enduring major factor for physical activity, the mechanism underlying the multiple mediating effects of self-efficacy and autonomous motivation on the relationship between social support and physical activity in patients with coronary artery disease has hardly been examined. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the multiple mediating roles of social support and physical activity on the relationship between self-efficacy and autonomous motivation in patients with coronary artery disease. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 190 inpatients who were diagnosed with coronary artery disease and admitted to a cardiology ward university hospital in Korea. Parallel multiple mediated models were tested using the SPSS PROCESS macro. The direct effects of social support on physical activity and the indirect effects of self-efficacy and autonomous motivation on social support and physical activity were statistically significant. Thus, positive social support from health-care providers has an important role to play in promoting physical activity by increasing self-efficacy and autonomous motivation for physical activity in patients with coronary artery disease.

Pilot randomized controlled trial of the Yoga for HEART intervention in community-dwelling older adults

Physical activity reduces cardiovascular risk; however, many older adults do not engage in recommended levels. Theory-based interventions supporting motivation for physical activity are limited. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of Yoga for Health Empowerment and Realizing Transformation (HEART), a theory-based intervention combining motivation and yoga-based physical activity. Feasibility was addressed as acceptability, demand, implementation fidelity, and limited efficacy in promoting physical activity, cardiovascular health, and mechanisms of action. Sedentary older adults (m = 65 years old, sd = 8.5) were randomized to Yoga for HEART (n=8) or Active Control (n=7) conditions. Yoga for HEART was: (a) acceptable, (b) retention 73%, (c) implemented as planned. A significant main effect for body mass index (BMI) was found in Yoga for HEART participants (p = .02). No significant effects were found for physical activity, other cardiovascular outcomes, or mechanisms of action. Yoga for HEART is feasible and recommended for further testing.

Motivators for physical activity in patients with minor stroke: a qualitative study

Purpose Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for stroke. However, to encourage physical activity after stroke, it is important to know what motivates the patients. We aimed to explore possible motivators and barriers for physical activity in patients discharged after minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods A qualitative study including 35 patients (21 men) with minor stroke or TIA (median age; 69 years, range 47–90) in semi-structured focus group interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed to text verbatim and analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Results Six interviews of 60 min. revealed five categories; the patients had a positive attitude towards physical activity, and they preferred to exercise locally under supervision of health professionals. Physical activity with others was motivating and obligating, and if possible as a weekly habit. Some experienced physical- and mental sequelae, which kept them from exercising. Conclusion This study provides valuable knowledge of what motivates and prevents patients with minor stroke or TIA to be physically active after hospital discharge, and what to consider when designing future exercise studies. Consequently, it is recommended that patients with minor stroke or TIA are offered supervised physical activity to prevent worsening of cardiovascular disease and recurrent cardiovascular event. Implications for rehabilitation Participants were positive towards physical activity after minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Physical activity with others was perceived as both motivating and obligating. Post-stroke fatigue, lack of energy, and overview should be considered when designing secondary prevention programs. Participants call for exercise opportunities arranged locally and as group exercise supervised by health professionals with knowledge of stroke.

Estradiol-dependent gene expression profile in the amygdala of young ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Estrogen plays a role in cardiovascular functions, emotional health, and energy homeostasis via estrogen receptors expressed in the brain. The comorbid relationship between rising blood pressure, a decline in mood and motivation, and body weight gain after menopause, when estrogen levels drop, suggests that the same brain area(s) contributes to protection from all of these postmenopausal disorders. The amygdala, a major limbic system nuclear complex known to express high estrogen receptor levels, is involved in the regulation of such physiological and psychological responses. We hypothesized that elevated estrogen levels contribute to premenopausal characteristics by activating specific genes and pathways in the amygdala. We examined the effect of 1 mo of estradiol treatment on the gene expression profile in the amygdala of ovariectomized young adult female spontaneously hypertensive rats. Estradiol substitution significantly decreased blood pressure, prevented body weight gain, and enhanced the voluntary physical activity of ovariectomized rats. In the amygdala of ovariectomized rats, estradiol treatment downregulated the expression of genes associated with estrogen signaling, cholinergic synapse, dopaminergic synapse, and long-term depression pathways. These findings indicate that the transcriptomic characteristics of the amygdala may be involved in estrogen-dependent regulation of blood pressure, physical activity motivation, and body weight control in young adult female spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Social comparison of fitness social media postings by fitness app users

Individuals tend to compare themselves with those whose attributes and abilities are better (i.e., upward social comparison) or worse (i.e., downward social comparison) than their own to evaluate self. Based on social comparison theory, this study examined the influence of fitness comparison on fitness app users' beliefs about (self-efficacy), attitudes toward (motivation), and behaviors in (participation) physical activities (PA). For the research, fitness app users who use social media were recruited (N = 567) through a crowdsourcing internet marketplace. The results revealed that downward fitness comparison appeared to thwart fitness app users' self-efficacy in PA, whereas upward fitness comparison appeared to enhance self-efficacy in PA. As a consequence, people who engaged in upward fitness comparison had elevated motivation and participation in PA. In particular, self-efficacy was a crucial variable in improving people's motivation for PA. Those who want to improve their fitness activities should engage in comparing themselves with high performers. The given managerial implication is that fitness practitioners should encourage people to compare their fitness abilities with better performers or role models, and fitness app developers should design apps that permit users to have more opportunities for comparison with superior others.

Use of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 to assess motivation for physical activity in persons with rheumatoid arthritis: an observational study

Arthritis patients may show little motivation for physical activity (PA), resulting in a sedentary lifestyle. The primary objective of the study was to investigate whether motivation for PA and fulfillment of PA recommendations were associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with RA. The exploratory objective was to study whether university students could be used as controls for RA patients in future studies of PA motivation. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was measured in 93 RA patients. The patients and 354 students filled in the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with adjustment for age and sex. The BREQ-2 scores were also compiled to an overall motivational style “Relative Autonomy Index” as previously published. Mean VO2peak for the RA patients was 32.2 (SD: 9.6) mL × min−1 × kg−1. Only 29 patients (31%) fulfilled the current recommendations for PA. BREQ-2 scores were associated with measured VO2peak (standardized coefficient 0.33, p < 0.001). Whether a person fulfilled the current recommendations for PA was a significant mediator of this effect (standardized coefficients: mediated effect; 0.22, p = 0.001, remaining direct effect; 0.11, p = 0.18). The Relative Autonomy Index also significantly predicted measured VO2peak (standardized coefficient 0.30, p < 0.001). The underlying BREQ-2 factor structure was significantly different between RA patients and university students, and comparison of scores would not be adequate. Motivation for PA was significantly associated with measured VO2peak in RA patients. The effect was mediated by whether the patient fulfilled the current recommendations for PA. Addressing and stimulating motivation is important when intervening to increase PA and cardiovascular fitness in RA patients.

Influence on kinesiophobia by disability, physical, and behavioural variables after a heart transplantation.

From clinical experience, kinesiophobia represents a barrier to being physically active after a heart transplantation (HTx), but studies in this field are lacking. Identifying the factors associated with kinesiophobia is essential to determine preventive interventions to avoid negative consequences for health. To study the influence of disability, physical, and behavioural variables on kinesiophobia in patients with an HTx. A total of 117 patients with an HTx [51 women; mean age 56 (SD 12.1) years] were recruited at an outpatient clinic. These patients were asked to fill in questionnaires measuring kinesiophobia, self-reported physical activity (PA), exercise self-efficacy, motivation for PA, and disability. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the statistical prediction of kinesiophobia as a dependent variable, with the questionnaires, gender and education as independent variables. The independent variables explained 70% of the variance in kinesiophobia. The prediction model was significant (F = 32.1, P &lt; 0.001). The time from transplantation (standardised coefficient, beta; -0.17), the total exercise self-efficacy (-0.16), extrinsic motivation (-0.23), and the disability total score (0.63) were significant predictors of kinesiophobia, while the independent variables of gender, education, intrinsic motivation, and the PA total score were not significant. This study highlights that a short time from transplantation, low self-efficacy, low extrinsic motivation, and a high level of disability explained high levels of kinesiophobia in patients after an HTx. These results suggest that an increased awareness of the biopsychosocial health perspective is essential in order to maximising patient outcomes after an HTx.

A description of physical activity behaviors, barriers, and motivators in stroke survivors in Quebec

BackgroundStroke survivors do not meet physical activity (PA) recommendations to accrue the associated health benefits. Perceived barriers and motivators to PA can be influenced by geographic and cultural nuances that are important to consider when developing stroke-specific PA interventions. ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to describe PA duration and frequency, barriers and motivators to PA, and to explore sex and ages differences in PA among stroke survivors in Quebec. MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was used to recruit Quebecers through special interest groups and word-of-mouth that experienced a stroke (≥ 18 y, ≥ 1 y post-stroke). Twenty-one survey items were related to demographic information, PA behavior, barriers and motivators to PA, and physical inactivity. Summary statistics were calculated using SPSS. ResultsThirty individuals who were 7.6 ± 8.3 years post-stroke completed the survey. Light intensity aerobic PA was reported by 97% of participants, moderate intensity PA by 70%, high intensity by 30%, and 37% reported doing strength training. Barriers to PA were fear of falling (47%), not feeling comfortable participating in PA at a gym (33%) and lack of energy (30%), while motivators included, improving physical condition (87%), feeling good (67%) and reducing risk of subsequent stroke (70%). ConclusionOur findings show that 30 stroke survivors from Quebec did not achieve the minimal PA recommendations. Alternative approaches to PA should consider accessibility, safety, and enhancing fitness to optimize PA participation for stroke survivors living in Quebec.

Factors That Shape Women's Physical Activity: Development of the Reasons to Participate in Physical Activity Scale (RPPAS).

(1) Background: Obesity could deepen women’s susceptibility to COVID-19 infections and deaths. While physical activity has the potential to improve women’s physical and psychological resilience to the pandemic, there is a dearth of research on factors that motivate women’s participation in physical activity. Thus, to bridge the research gap, this study aims to identify factors that motivate women’s participation in physical activity. (2) Methods: An online survey on motivations for physical activity was developed and distributed to the participants. A total of 108 women offered complete answers (N = 108, 18–33 years old, Mage = 20.34 ± 2.42 years). Participants selected factors that promote their physical activity from a list of 34 factors from the Reasons to Participate in Physical Activity Scale (RPPAS) developed in this study. (3) Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed that factors that motivate women’s participation in physical activity are: enjoyment and gratification, consideration for other activities (i.e., exergaming), health benefits, networking opportunities, and appearance and performance. Multiple linear regression analyses indicate that only consideration for appearance and performance was significantly associated with participants’ physical activity levels after controlling for compounding factors. (4) Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the importance of appearance and performance in shaping women’s participation in physical activity. Furthermore, the results also emphasize the need for a nuanced understanding of factors that influence women’s physical activity levels. Future research could investigate how to leverage these motivators in tailored health interventions that aim to improve women’s physical activity.

Motivational Interviewing and Physical Activity Outcomes in African American Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Motivational Interviewing and Physical Activity Outcomes in African American Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Research-Based Practical Applications for Utilizing Music to Increase Motivation and Physical Activity in Physical Education

This article explores current research on how music can affect levels of motivation and increase levels of physical activity. Some of the topics include using music as a distraction, thinking about synchronous or asynchronous pairing of music with lessons, and how the tempo may interact with student engagement. Following the review of current research on the topic, suggestions are provided on how to apply this research to utilizing music within physical education instructional practices.

Student Engagement as Influenced by Physical Activity and Student Motivation Among College Students

The strict implementation of Covid – 19 Health Protocol limits the human movements including physical activities. The educational system also shifts from traditional to flexible learning modality. This quantitative study aimed to determine the degree of influence of physical activity and student motivation in student engagement among college students. The regression analysis technique was utilized to determine the degree of the relationship between the two independent variables and a dependent variable. The researcher applied the cluster sampling technique in selecting the respondents. After the thorough investigation, the null hypothesis (p<0.05) were rejected. This study delineated that physical activity and student motivation have positively influenced student engagement. Among the three indicators in physical activity, physical education got the highest mean of 4.28 (very high), followed by a general attitude, which posted a mean of 4.23 (very high), and scientific basis, which attained a mean of 4.13 (high). Moreover, among the four indicators in student motivation, intrinsic value got the highest mean of 4.20 (very high), followed by self-regulation with a mean of 4.10 (high), cognitive strategy with a mean of 4.07 (high), and lastly, self-efficacy which got the lowest mean score of 3.68 (high). The study accentuated that physical activity and student motivation are critical to promoting student academic engagement among college students. The results will contribute to the improvement of student engagement which is deemed essential in academic success.

Process for Developing and Validating the Physical Education and Health Motivation Scale (PEHMS) with Post-Secondary Students

There are numerous instruments in the literature to measure motivation in physical activity and sport achieved in physical education context. However, tools for assessing motivation in physical and health education (PHE) courses are rare. To promote physical activity, PHE teachers are developing various teaching and assessment strategies. In this context, an instrument that measures motivation in PHE would help to assess the effectiveness of the strategies put in place. This study reports on the process of developing and validating such an instrument with French-speaking postsecondary students, including a pre-intervention version and a post-intervention version. Results indicate good psychometric properties for the instrument. These results are discussed in the light of the instrument’s foresights and the needs that justified its conduct.

Improvements of Physical Activity Performance and Motivation in Adult Men through Augmented Reality Approach: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a global impact, increasing the prevalence of physical inactivity, which is mostly due to the lockdown and social distancing measures adopted during the pandemic. Hence, this study aimed to compare the efficacy of augmented reality-based training on physical activity performance and motivation in healthy adults to mirror visual feedback training and conventional physical therapy. This study used the randomized control trial pretest-posttest research design. Forty-eight healthy men aged 18–35 years who were engaged in recreational physical activities were enrolled and randomly divided into four groups: augmented reality-based training reality (ART), mirror visual feedback training (MVFT), therapist-based training (TBT), and control group. The total training program was held for four weeks. The isokinetic dynamometer, sit-and-reach test, Y balance test, and the intrinsic motivation inventory-22 were used to measure the outcomes before and after the intervention. Paired sample t-test was used to compare the changes before and after the intervention within groups, while the one-way ANOVA was used for the comparison between the groups. Results of the study showed that, after four weeks of intervention, balance, muscle strength, and muscle endurance in all groups significantly improved except for the control group. The ART group showed the highest increase in muscle strength, muscle endurance, and balance compared to the other groups. The motivation level increased in all three feedback groups and was observed in the following order: ART group > MVFT group > TBT group > control group. This study highlighted the most effective method that may be applied for home training during and after this period of the pandemic. The findings revealed that training while receiving real-time feedback via AR devices improves both physical performance and motivation. Augmented reality-based training can be used as an effective training option for improving physical activity and motivation and can be suggested for home training programs.

Physical Activity Levels, Motivators and Barriers to Exercise among Men and Women Aged 30 to 50 Years in Rourkela, India.

Literature suggests that middle age is a period with increasing sedentary behavior and health risks. We conducted the present study to assess physical activity levels of the adults aged 30-50 years and understand the motivators and barriers to regular physical activity. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 adults aged 30-50 years residing in Rourkela, Odisha. The physical activity levels of the adults were assessed using Bouchard's Physical Activity Record. Height, weight, and waist circumference of the participants were measured using standard procedures. A self-administered questionnaire was prepared to identify the motivators and barriers to physical activity/exercise behavior. Nearly half of the participants were obese, 23.3% were overweight and 28% had a normal body mass index. Based on WC and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), 84% and 79.3% of the participants had metabolic risk, respectively. Over half of the participants were physically inactive. Predominantly, low-intensity activities (yoga, slow walking) were performed as it was assumed to be sufficient. The main motivators of physical activity/exercise behavior were health scare, health benefits, weight loss, availability of resources at convenient time, and better looks. The chief barriers for exercise behavior were lack of motivation, weather, safety concerns, and lack of time. Despite over two-third of participants being overweight/obese, 90% of the physically active participants failed to meet the World Health Organization recommendations. Government, community, and individual participation are imperative to formulate interventions strategies to reduce the barriers to physical activity.

Impact of 5k run race conducted during health-care events on level of physical activity and motivation among health-care professionals in Saudi Arabia

Background: One of the strategic plans of Saudi Arabia's vision for 2030 is the quality-of-life program which calls for increasing the number of people undertaking regular physical activity (PA) from 13% to 40%. The Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Sports for all Federation are key organizations toward achieving the target. Motivation is pivotal to initiating and maintaining PA. Thus, the Saudi Society of Emergency Medicine (SASEM) organized a 5k run race during their annual international scientific conference in February 2022, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to motivate PA among health-care workers (HCWs).Purpose: We aim to assess the effect of running a 5k race that was organized in association with a health-care event on the level of PA and motivation among participants.Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study. The data were collected through a valid and reliable tool, the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS) questionnaire. It was distributed as an electronic survey through E-mail and messaging platform (WhatsApp) to all participants in the SASEM 5k run race. We collected sociodemographic data, PA levels of participants before and after the SASEM 5k run race, as well as the PALMS. PALMS is a valid and reliable assessment tool for PA motives, consisting of 40 items, with eight subscales: competition/ego, appearance, others' expectations, affiliation, physical condition, psychological condition, mastery, and enjoyment. All participants provided electronic consent, and participation in the study was voluntary and uncompensated. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS application.Results: One hundred and twenty-nine individuals participated in the survey (response rate: 38.5%). The final analysis included responses from HCWs only, which represented 68.2% of all responses (88). HCWs were divided into the following: physicians (55.7%), nurses (19.3%), emergency medical technicians (EMTs) (3.4%), other specialties (13.6%), and those retired from the medical field (8%). Participants working in emergency departments contributed 61.4% of the 88 responses. In the context of PA level in relation to (SASEM 5k), 59% increased their PA to be >10,000 steps, and 34% to be >300 min per week, in contrast to the time before the race (50% and 21%, respectively). Physical (90%) and psychological (79.6%) conditions were the most contributing factors to motivate PA. The EMTs (100%) and nurses (82.4%) were motivated by competition/ego. The appearance was not an important motivator for PA among the participants (86.4%). Physical and psychological conditions, others' expectations, and competition/ego were the motivators for emergency medicine (90.7%, 79.6%, 88.9%, and 63%, respectively).Conclusion: SASEM 5k run race successfully contributed to influencing the PA level. This might reflect the impact of a run race in conjunction with health-care events. We recommend organizing running races more frequently around various events to encourage people to maintain and increase PA throughout the year.