Physical Activity Opportunities Research Articles

Barriers to physical activity participation for adults with intellectual disability: A cross-sectional study.

Identifying barriers that can be modified to promote physical activity is important for informing health interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities. Exploring participation in physical activity considering age, sex, living conditions, and health conditions. Further, identifying barriers significantly associated with sedentary activity after adjustment for physical activity correlates. A cross-sectional study including physical activity and barrier questions from the POMONA-15 health indicators. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with sedentary activity level as dependent variable. Among 213 participants with intellectual disabilities, 36% reported predominately sedentary activities, 53% light and 11% moderate/vigorous physical activity. Barriers related to sedentary activity after adjustment were transportation, health conditions, mobility impairment, and lack of activities at the day activity centre. The findings highlight the need to enhance physical activity opportunities at day activity centres, tailor programmes for wheelchair users, and improve access to physical activity facilities for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Peer-Led Physical Activity: Increasing Opportunities for Students to Engage

Taking on leadership roles provides teenagers opportunities for personal growth and development. Peer-led physical activity opportunities can promote peer engagement and social support, which are crucial for promoting physical activity among students. This article presents an easy way to incorporate peer-led physical activity opportunities or units of instruction by employing Tabata, a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout.

Implementation characteristics that may promote sustainability of a rural physical activity initiative: examination of Play Streets through the lens of community implementers

BackgroundPlay Streets, which are community-based environmental initiatives where public spaces/streets are temporarily closed to create safe, low-cost physical activity opportunities, have demonstrated feasibility and physical activity benefit in rural US areas. Yet, information is needed to identify implementation characteristics that may promote sustainability. This study examined rural Play Streets implementation characteristics that could impact sustainability from local partners’ perspectives.MethodsSixteen Play Streets implementation team members in rural Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas, USA, participated in interviews. Semi-structured in-person individual and group interviews were conducted in the fall of 2018 (after Play Streets implementation in 2017 and 2018), recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using iterative, content analyses. Coding frameworks were based on the Public Health Program Capacity for Sustainability Framework, and emergent themes were also identified.ResultsInterviewees’ perceived characteristics for facilitating Play Streets implementation aligned with the Public Health Program Capacity for Sustainability Framework: funding stability, political support, partnerships, organizational capacity, program adaption, and communication. Interviewees also noted the importance of cultural alignment/support and the reciprocal impact of community connectedness/engagement.ConclusionsFuture research should examine the reciprocal role of public health impacts, as both outcomes and factors which may influence sustainability.

Where does physical activity fit into preschool postpandemic? A qualitative exploration with parents, teachers and administrators

ObjectivesDuring the preschool years, children depend on adult caregivers to provide opportunities for physical activity (PA). Research has focused on measuring PA in preschool, as well as barriers and facilitators...

The promise and perils of coworking in residential areas: a systematic review of health and community impacts

PurposeThis study aims to explore the manifold implications – health, environmental and economic – of integrating coworking spaces (CSs) into residential settings. The research emphasizes the health-related potential and connected benefits of situating these contemporary spaces of work in retrofitted buildings.Design/methodology/approachThe research highlights the potential of retrofitted buildings – owing to their urban locations, existing infrastructure, and available space – to accommodate CSs. Employing the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) methodology, the paper systematically reviews literature from 2010 to 2021. It investigates the influence of residential CSs on health, community cohesion and environmental sustainability.FindingsThe results indicate that integrating CSs within residential areas can significantly enhance user wellbeing, create a healthier residential environment and positively impact the broader community. Retrofitted buildings emerge as optimal venues for CSs due to their urban positioning and potential to contribute to users' physical, mental and social health. However, the strategic (re)use of retrofitted buildings is crucial, alongside planning to address potential downsides like gentrification.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on a literature review and may not fully capture the specificities of certain regional or local conditions that could affect the health benefits associated with CSs. In addition to that, the study primarily references European-centric research between 2010 and 2021, indicating a need for more diverse geographic and cultural studies. Further empirical studies are needed to validate the findings behind the following study.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study can guide urban planners, policymakers and architects in assessing the feasibility of converting residential buildings into CSs and planning relevant activities. They can leverage the potential health benefits to promote CSs and encourage healthier lifestyle practices in residential communities.Social implicationsIntroducing CSs in residential areas can lead to reduced commuting stress, opportunities for physical activities and social interactions, and healthier lifestyle practices. These benefits can enhance the overall well-being of individuals and communities, fostering a stronger social fabric in urban settings.Originality/valueThis research is novel in examining the health benefits associated with CSs in residential areas and the role of retrofitted buildings in promoting such advantages.

Exploring key informants’ perceptions of weather-modified recess

ABSTRACT Outdoor recess presents an opportunity for children to be physically active, socialize with their peers, and spend time in nature. Inclement weather may detract from these activities. The purpose of this study is to explore how teachers and administrators adapt their school day during inclement weather and how it may impact the wellbeing of students. Ten elementary school teachers and administrators with an average of 10 years of experience were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis. Key informants reported that approximately 26 days of recess per year are modified to be indoors due to inclement weather. Two key themes were identified: consequences of indoor recess and modifiable barriers to wellbeing activities in inclement weather. Indoor recess reduces students’ opportunities for physical activity, experiencing nature, and socializing with peers. It is pertinent to children’s wellbeing that these opportunities are maximized throughout the school year.

Association of Park Renovation With Park Use in New York City

Equity-driven citywide park redesign and renovation, such as the Community Parks Initiative (CPI), has the potential to increase park use and opportunities for physical activity in underserved communities. To evaluate changes in patterns of park use following park redesign and renovation in low-income New York City (NYC) neighborhoods. The Physical Activity and Redesigned Community Spaces study was a prospective quality improvement preintervention-postintervention study design with matched control parks. Thirty-three intervention and 21 control neighborhood parks were selected based on specific criteria related to poverty rates, population growth, and population density in park neighborhoods and not having received more than $250 000 in investment in the past 2 decades. Data were collected at baseline (prerenovation) and 2 follow-up points (3 months and 1 year post renovation) between June 5 and December 4 from 2016 to 2022. Participants were individuals observed as users of study parks. The CPI, which involved the redesign and renovation of neighborhood parks by the municipal government of New York City. Main outcomes encompassed park use and physical activity levels assessed using the well-validated System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities. Park use was quantified by total number of park users, categorized by age group (≤20 years vs ≥21 years), sex, and physical activity level (sitting or standing vs walking or vigorous activity). Changes in outcomes between groups were compared via the generalized estimation equation. A total of 28 322 park users were observed across 1458 scans. At baseline, 6343 of 10 633 users (59.7%) were 20 years or younger, 4927 of 10 632 (46.3%) were female and 5705 (53.7%) were male, and 4641 of 10 605 (43.8%) were sitting or standing. Intervention parks showed more net park users compared with control parks from baseline to the final follow-up (difference-in-difference relative rate ratio, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.22-2.35] users/scan; P = .002). The association was driven by a significant increase in adult users at intervention parks and overall decrease in all users at control parks. Park users engaging in sitting or standing at intervention parks increased (difference, 4.68 [95% CI, 1.71-7.62] users/scan; P = .002) and park users engaging in walking or vigorous physical activity at control parks decreased (difference, -7.30 [95% CI, -10.80 to -4.26] users/scan; P < .001) over time. In this quality improvement study, park redesign and renovation were positively associated with park use in low-income neighborhoods. However, park renovations may need to be accompanied by other programmatic strategies to increase physical activity.

The perceived influence of a physical activity intervention on the intentions of parents of autistic children towards physical activities

BackgroundAutistic children can derive numerous benefits from engaging in physical activity (PA), necessitating parental support for active participation. However, parents often lack the foundational knowledge to effectively facilitate PA for their children. Despite the significance of this issue, limited research has explored the outcomes of parent-mediated PA interventions for autistic children. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes and intentions of parents to include their autistic children in PA after participating in a 12-week PA intervention. MethodsEmploying the Theory of Planned Behavior as a framework, we conducted a descriptive-qualitative investigation. Fifteen parents participated in semi-structured interviews, with the data transcribed and analyzed using thematic line-by-line analysis. ResultsThree themes emerged, elucidating how parents fostered PA opportunities for their autistic children were constructed: (a) Awareness and reinforcement of PA benefits, (b) Keep the momentum going, and (c) From intentions to behaviors. ConclusionsThe study findings indicate a positive impact on parental attitudes and intentions toward engaging in PA with their autistic children after participating in the intervention. his study highlights the significance of parent-mediated interventions in fostering PA for autistic children and suggests avenues for future research and interventions.

Structured, Creative Dance Classes for Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Pilot Study of Feasibility and Preliminary Effect on Motor Function.

Promoting physical wellness for preschool-aged children with developmental disorders (DD) is a known challenge. Interventions are more likely to succeed when physical activity opportunities are available to children within the context of their typical environments. We evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effect of 1 potential solution: structured creative dance classes delivered within a preschool environment. Using a non-randomized feasibility study design, we offered physical activity in the form of creative dance classes for children with and without DD within an inclusive preschool. Classes lasted 30 minutes and were held once a week or 7 weeks. We measured attendance (primary), observed active participation (% of class duration), and balance (Pediatric Balance Scale). Non-parametric descriptive statistics are expressed as median (interquartile range). Balance was evaluated regarding (a) difference between groups at baseline (Mann-Whitney statistic) and (b) intervention effect for children with DD (1-tailed, paired t-test). Twelve preschoolers (age range = 3-5 years) participated: 4 with DD and 8 with neurotypical development. Attendance was 93% (79%-100%) for children with and 100% for children without DD. Per class, rate of active participation in dance activity was 33% (28%-45%) for children with and 80% (71%-82%) for children without DD. Starting balance scores were lower (P = .014) for children with DD (42 (39-45)) compared to those without (51 (50-52)). Post-intervention, balance scores improved for the children with DD to 50 (50-51) (df = 3, p = .014, t-statistic = 2.35); each child with DD surpassed minimal detectable change for balance. Creative dance classes, delivered within an inclusive preschool environment, are feasible for some preschool-aged children with DD to participate in and efficacious as a physical training challenge at low activity doses. More study is warranted of this potential solution to meet the need for physical wellness promotion among young children with DD.

Promoting physical activity and youth development in schools: the case for near-peer coaches.

Sports-based youth development (SBYD) programs provide an inclusive, supportive environment for promoting physical activity as well as nurturing the development of life skills which, in combination, promote physical, mental, and emotional health in youth. The Up2Us Sports SBYD program was implemented in six schools in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2020-2022, where near-peer coaches from the community were placed in schools and present throughout the school day. The intervention period straddled the COVID-19 pandemic as well as extreme weather events, modifying program delivery. An exploratory case study was conducted to understand participant experience amid program disruptions and modifications, as well as their perceptions of program impact on physical activity and health. Interviews with coaches (n = 7), focus groups with youth (n = 14) and program observation data were triangulated to provide a description of the case. The major theme that emerged from the case study was the centrality of the near-peer mentorship relationships between coaches and youth. Participants believed near-peer relationships facilitated life skill development and increased opportunity for physical activity in schools, but pressures on coaches' time and external challenges in the community were limiting factors to the extent of program impact. This community case study demonstrates the potential role for near-peer mentors in influencing the health and wellbeing of youth from under-resourced communities and highlights the opportunity for school-based SBYD programming to provide youth with a consistent source of both relational and physical activity support.

A gap in perceived accessibility to play spaces for physical activity in Arizona elementary schools

BackgroundThe Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans states all children should be provided with various physical activity opportunities; however, school play spaces are often unaccommodating to students with disabilities and this limitation may be exacerbated in lower-income schools. ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to compare elementary school play space accessibility among children with and without disabilities at lower- and higher-income schools. MethodsThis cross-sectional study utilized an online survey assessing the perceived accessibility of play spaces for students with and without disabilities in low- and high-income schools was administered to 178 physical education teachers across Arizona. Chi-square analyses were conducted to assess reported play space adequacy among students with and without disabilities, and associations by school-level income. ResultsThere was a significant association between disability status and reported playground and play field inadequacy (p < 00.05). Without considering school income, reported inadequacy was 3x greater for students with disabilities compared to those without for both playgrounds and play fields. Among low-income schools, reported inadequacy was 3x greater for playgrounds and 7x greater for play fields for students with disabilities compared to those without. ConclusionsThese results suggest a gap in access to school play spaces for students with disabilities and highlight the lack of inclusive play areas specifically among schools serving low-income populations. Our findings underscore the need for students with disabilities to be considered in the development of play spaces to ensure this at-risk population receives maximum opportunities for PA during the school day.

Paving the Way to Active Living for People with Disabilities:: Evaluating Park and Playground Accessibility and Usability in Delaware.

To evaluate the accessibility and usability of parks and playgrounds in New Castle County, Delaware, for people with disabilities, with a particular focus on identifying environmental barriers that may impede access to these public spaces and potentially affect physical activity (PA) participation for the chronic disease prevention and mitigation. Using a cross-sectional observational design, teams of trained University of Delaware students utilized the Community Health Inclusion Index (CHII) Tool to assess the accessibility of ten suburban and urban parks and playgrounds from April to November 2023. The tool evaluated various elements of public spaces, including public transit, parking, pathways and multi-use trails, entrances, playground equipment, and health promotional materials. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the accessibility and usability of each element. Significant barriers to accessibility and usability were identified. Over half of the sites lacked nearby public transit stops, and many trails and playgrounds were not fully accessible to people with disabilities. While some areas demonstrated good accessibility, such as well-maintained pathways and appropriately designed crosswalks, barriers like uneven surfaces, insufficient curb cuts, and inadequate van-accessible parking spaces were common. Most playgrounds lacked equitable play equipment, with less than half having ground materials suitable for mobility devices. The study underscores the need for substantial improvements in the design, construction, and maintenance of Delaware parks and playgrounds to better support people with disabilities. Enhancing accessibility is crucial for promoting PA participation. The findings support the development of inclusive recreational and PA environments, aligning with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to reduce chronic disease health disparities faced by people with disabilities. This study highlights the need for revised policy measures to enhance park accessibility, advocating for infrastructure improvements and inclusive designs to ensure equitable recreation and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities.

What are the key influences and challenges around weight management faced by patients in UK adult secure mental health settings? A focused ethnographic approach

ObjectivesExcess weight is highly prevalent in secure (forensic) mental health services and impacts negatively on patients’ physical and mental health. This study sought to identify the key influences and challenges...

A qualitative exploration of multi-stakeholder perspectives of before-school physical activity

BackgroundEngagement in before-school physical activity can potentially enhance health and learning-related outcomes for children and adolescents. However, influencing factors and stakeholder perceptions of before-school physical activity remain under-researched. This qualitative study aimed to examine stakeholder perceptions of: a) the suitability of the before-school segment for physical activity, b) barriers and facilitators associated with before-school physical activity, and c) strategies for schools to support before-school physical activity.MethodsTwelve focus groups and one interview were conducted with 38 participants from a range of school stakeholder groups—students, parents, teachers, school leaders, external physical activity providers, and school health and physical activity experts. Focus groups were analysed using template analysis, guided by a social-ecological model.ResultsStakeholders perceived before-school physical activity as valuable, for reasons including perceptions of meaningful contributions to students’ cognitive functioning, classroom behaviours, and wellbeing. Factors influencing before-school physical activity were identified across multiple social-ecological levels, including the critical role of school leadership support, availability of facilities, and provision of qualified supervision. Proposed strategies highlighted the need for sustainable design, contextual relevance, and community engagement in before-school initiatives. Additionally, communication of the manifold benefits identified by stakeholders was suggested as a means to drive support and engagement in before-school physical activity.ConclusionsThis study provides insight for schools seeking to enhance opportunities for physical activity in the before-school hours and may inform future intervention research on the subject, taking into account its multi-faceted influences and the need for context-specific strategies.

Influence of Physical Culture on Harmonious Development of Student Personality

The article is dedicated to the influence of physical culture on the comprehensive development of modern students personalities. The influence of physical exercises on moral, physical, intellectual spheres is shown. The need for regular exercises has been proven. An approach to expanding physical activity opportunities among college kids is justified. An important significance in this process is given to the awareness and understanding of the importance of physical culture in everyday life. Understanding this fact is a driving impetus for harmonizing the lives of modern Russian students.

The meaning of adapted ice-skating for children and youths with disabilities

Purpose Children and youths with disabilities have low levels of physical activity and limited opportunities to participate in physical activity. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences and meaning of an adapted ice-skating approach with access to a tailored harness system as a physical activity for children and youths with disabilities in Sweden. Materials and methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 guardians, 5 ice-skating trainers and 15 ice-skating children and youths with disabilities. The interviews were supplemented with participant observations of 23 children and youths with disabilities while ice-skating. Results Four categories emerged: “To grow as a person,” “To arouse zest for life,” “To train for life” and “To become part of society.” Ice-skating was found to be a source of joy of movement, zest for life and longing, enabling children and youths with disabilities to explore and develop their abilities, social interactions, confidence, identity, and independence in a safe and joy-bringing context. Conclusion The study highlights social and existential dimensions of an adapted ice-skating approach with access to a harness system tailored for children and youths with disabilities, that enables them to be included in ice-skating, regardless of disabilities, creating increased opportunities for physical activity and movement.

Barriers and enablers for sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: The perspective of adolescents.

Interventions to improve physical activity (PA) among adolescents continue to be a public health priority. To promote PA more effectively, we need to identify the main factors contributing to (not) engagement in PA in the perspective of adolescents themselves. Thus, we explored the barriers and enablers for sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in adolescents from their point of view. We used qualitative data collected as part of the international Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study. We obtained data from 14-17 years old adolescents from the first year of Slovak high school. We conducted 11 online, semi-structured individual and group interviews with 24 participants in total (7 boys; mean age = 15.17, SD = 0.87) in Slovakia. We analysed the data using consensual qualitative research and thematic analysis. In the statements of adolescents, four main themes were identified regarding factors contributing to (not) engagement in PA among adolescents. 'Myself as a source' represents the importance of adolescents' own efforts, knowledge, physical predispositions and PA experience. 'How PA can be done' represents school as an opportunity for PA, and PA teachers and sports coaches as specialists who can create an enabling environment for sports. 'Others as a source' represents the social circle that can set a positive sports example and can encourage adolescent's efforts in PA. 'Factors outside' represents other factors that can inspire adolescents, e.g. by giving them a comfortable space and time to exercise, or can be a barrier to PA. The potential factors that include adolescents' perspectives can be more leveraged in designing supportive, inclusive, enjoyable, and skills-appropriate PA programmes.

Supporting Physical Activity Maintenance in Older Adults Following Supervised Group Exercise: A Mixed-Methods Study Among Culturally Diverse Older Adults.

Physical activity (PA) is important for prevention of falls and chronic disease in older adults. We aimed to examine the interrelated influences upon PA in culturally diverse older adults who completed a short-term exercise program, to inform maintenance strategies, using a mixed-methods design. Eighty-two past participants from the "Stepping On"© program were surveyed examining ongoing participation, social and cognitive determinants of PA, mental and physical functioning, and fear of falls. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 34 respondents regarding enablers and barriers, cultural factors, and preferences for PA. Data were collected in English, Chinese, Arabic, Punjabi, or Hindi. Cultural factors minimally affected PA participation. There was low perceived availability of PA opportunities. Health difficulties not only discouraged but also motivated participation. Social connection was a facilitator and could be used to support maintenance. Older adults may benefit from assistance in accessing PA opportunities and clinical guidance about the benefits of ongoing PA.

Worse becomes the worst: obesity inequality, its determinants and policy options in Iran.

This tracked obesity inequality and identified its determinants among the population of Iran. In addition, it examined the impact of implemented policies on these inequalities. This study was performed in two phases. First, we conducted a rapid review of the disparity in obesity prevalence in Iran. Then we investigated the main determinants of this inequality in a qualitative study. In addition, we examined Iran's policies to deal with obesity from the perspective of equality. We conducted 30 Semi-structured interviews with various obesity stakeholders selected through a purposive snowball sampling method between November 25, 2019, and August 5, 2020. In the inductive approach, we used the content analysis method based on the Corbin and Status framework to analyze the data using MAXQDA-2020. The consolidating criteria for reporting a Qualitative Study (COREQ-32) were applied to conduct and report the study. Inequalities in the prevalence of obesity in terms of place of residence, gender, education, and other socioeconomic characteristics were identified in Iran. Participants believed that obesity and inequality are linked through immediate and intermediate causes. Inequality in access to healthy foods, physical activity facilities, and health care are the immediate causes of this inequality. Intermediate factors include inequality against women, children, and refugees, and inequality in access to information, education, and financial resources. Policymakers should implement equity-oriented obesity control policies such as taxing unhealthy foods, subsidizing healthy foods, providing healthy and free meals in schools, especially in disadvantaged areas, and providing nutrient-rich foods to low-income families. Also, environmental re-engineering to increase opportunities for physical activity should be considered. Of course, for the fundamental reduction of these inequalities, the comprehensive approach of all statesmen is necessary. Obesity inequality is a health-threatening issue in Iran that can prevent achieving human development goals. Targeting the underlying causes of obesity, including inequalities, must be considered.

Triple jeopardy: The impact of race, class, and gender on girls and women in sport and physical activity.

Thirty-six million youth athletes participate in and benefit from sport each year in the United States. Along with developing sport skills, the lifelong benefits of physical activity for girls and women are significant and include improved dietary habits and quality sleep, decreased risk for breast cancer and osteoporosis, among other benefits (Erickson et al., 2019; Zarrett et al., 2018). In addition, girls and women that engage in sport are more likely to experience additional professional benefits with 94% of women business executives reporting they played sport in their youth (Kotschwar, 2014). However, as in many performance domains, the benefits are not experienced equally by all would-be participants. Research indicates that girls and women of color do not have the same access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities (National Collegiate Athletic Association [NCAA], 2021; Smith-Evans et al., 2014). In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and the eruption of racial unrest have widened the participation gaps and the resulting psychosocial and health benefit gap for girls of color and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The purpose of this article is to signify the important role sport and physical activity play in socioemotional development, physical fitness, and health of girls and women. By centering the experiences of girls and women who are currently not equitably served by the existing youth sport environment (e.g., girls and women of color and girls from working-class backgrounds), the authors will identify barriers that prevent access to physical activity opportunities for everyone. In addition, strategies for change will be offered. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).