Participation In Fitness Activities Research Articles

Suggestions for Optimising the Spatial Layout of Community Sports Facilities Based on a Complete Community Perspective

Community sports facilities are the main places for residents to carry out physical exercise in urban communities in China, and the situation of community residents' participation in fitness activities and the degree of utilization of fitness equipment are closely related to their location. Based on the GIS technology to analyze the current situation of the layout of community sports facilities in the study area, based on the policy vision of complete community construction, the problems existing in the layout of community sports facilities in the study area are dissected, and the corresponding optimization countermeasures are proposed, so as to improve the management of the community sports facilities in the study area, the rational layout, and to enhance the utilization rate of the facilities, and to provide a basis for the scientific development of community sports facilities.

Be Together, Run More: Enhancing Group Participation in Fitness Technology

Individuals are increasingly using novel fitness technologies, such as running applications (apps), to support their workouts. The literature has primarily focused on the use of fitness apps at the individual level (i.e., to improve individuals’ exercise levels) and few studies have investigated the role of fitness apps in facilitating group exercise. Consequently, there is a paucity of information on how to enhance the exercise participation of individuals using fitness apps through the use of groups (i.e., how to entice more individuals to engage in exercise). We selected a running app as the context and focused on a particular feature of this app called “Running Spot,” which facilitates members’ offline group engagement, a topic that has thus far received scant attention in the literature. Drawing on the perspective of psychological distance and relational cohesion theory, we propose that the Running Spot feature facilitating offline group engagement improved group participation in running. To advance this line of research, we utilized a panel dataset of 151 running groups from the running app platform over a period of 38 weeks. The aim was to empirically evaluate the effects of offline group engagement facilitation (e.g., Running Spot) using a combination of the difference-indifferences approach and the propensity score matching technique. Our findings suggest that Running Spot indeed promoted groups’ participation in running. Furthermore, the impact of Running Spot was magnified with smaller groups and groups that were moderately closely located to the designated running spots. Our study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on fitness technologies by revealing ways to support group participation and uncovering the complex impact of offline group engagement facilitation (e.g., Running Spot). Our study has important implications for fitness app developers in that it demonstrates that features facilitating offline group engagement should be prioritized to improve group participation in fitness activities.

Abstract P071: Child Enjoyment Sustains Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines Through Adolescence And Resulting Health Outcomes And Maintenance Of Fitness Activities In Young Adulthood

Introduction: The CDC considers physical activity (PA) to be a major contributive factor to prevention of many noncommunicable diseases. In order to educate and encourage citizens to practice healthy behaviors the CDC has created PA guidelines for preventing these diseases. Children and early adolescents tend to meet the recommended guidelines, but as individuals age, beginning as early as late adolescence, the proportion of those meeting guidelines tends to dissipate. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that independent variables would predict guideline maintenance through adolescence and young adult health outcomes through direct and indirect effects. Methods: Using data from the NICHD longitudinal Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (N = 1364; female = 48%, male = 52%) this study used a latent class analysis approach to structural equation modeling (SEM) to determine associations between predictor variables and meeting PA guideline trajectories. PA guideline trajectories were defined as: 1) the norm (most common trajectory)—meeting at age 12 and not meeting at age 15, 2) the High PA trajectory—meeting at both ages 12 and 15, and 3) the Low PA trajectory—not meeting at both ages 12 and 15. Predictor variables were: child enjoyment of PA, parent enjoyment of PA, youth sport participation, days parent participated in PA 30 minutes or more, days parent encouraged child PA, and days parent participated in PA with the child. Finally direct associations were tested between all predictor variables, High PA, and Low PA trajectory, as well as indirect associations mediated by the trajectories on age 26 overall health score, BMI, and weekly participation in fitness activities. Results: CFI, χ 2 , SRMR and RMSEA indices indicated strong fit for this model. High levels of child enjoyment of PA was negatively associated with Low PA (β = -0.15, p = 0.029) and positively associated with High PA (β = 0.125, p = 0.004). Age 26 overall health score (β = 0.155, p = 0.003) and BMI (β =-0.098, p = 0.008) were associated with High PA trajectory, however participation in fitness activities was not. Child enjoyment of PA was directly associated with age 26 fitness activity participation (β = 0.135, p = 0.001). Indirect effects of child enjoyment on age 26 health (β = 0.019, p = 0.059) and BMI (β = -0.012, p = 0.076) showed significant trends through the High PA trajectory pathway. Conclusions: Of all independent variables tested in this model, the most predictive for continuing to meet PA guidelines is child enjoyment of PA. However, continuing to meet PA guidelines during adolescence was not directly associated with fitness activity participation in young adulthood. In conclusion, findings from this model indicate meeting PA guidelines predicts better health outcomes in young adulthood; and fostering enjoyment of PA during childhood is a key factor to maintain the behaviors to achieve these outcomes.

Generalization of Participation in Fitness Activities From Physical Education to Lunch Recess by Gender and Skill Level

Purpose: Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs aim to maximize the application of skills learned in physical education (PE) in other settings. We investigated students’ generalization of participation in fitness activities from PE to organized fitness programs during lunch recess. Method: Voluntary participation of 153 (74 girls, age 12.4 years) students from five schools in a fitness recess program before, during, and after a 12-lesson sport education fitness season in PE was assessed by gender and skill level. Moderate to vigorous physical activity was assessed through systematic observation. Results: After the sport education season, participation in fitness recess dropped from 41% to 9%, p < .001, effect size = 0.34. Average moderate to vigorous physical activity was higher in fitness (45%) compared with traditional recess (11%), p < .001, effect size = 0.50, irrespective of gender and skill level. Discussion/Conclusion: Generalization of participation in fitness activities from PE to lunch recess is a promising strategy to increase students’ moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Routine participation in sports and fitness activities among out-patients with psychotic disorders: A multi-site cross-sectional survey in England

BackgroundSedentary lifestyle is a significant contributor to poor outcomes in people with psychotic disorders. However, little is known about the extent of routine participation in specific sports and fitness activities among those who do take part. We investigated the frequency, intensity, time and type of sports and fitness activities (“fitness”) completed by people with psychotic disorders in their daily life and explored correlates associated with fitness participation. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among out-patients with psychotic disorders (n = 529) recruited from six different NHS sites in England. Subjective participation in fitness activities during the previous week was assessed by an adaptation of the UK Time Use Survey. The main outcome was whether participants met the minimum World Health Organization recommendations for moderate intensity physical activity (≥150 min/week) through fitness. Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to examine associations of this outcome with participant variables. ResultsIn total, 267 (52.2%) participants reported taking part in routine fitness activities in the previous week, many of whom did so alone (n = 163, 59.1%). Only 21.5% (n = 114) completed ≥150 min of fitness activities in the previous week. The likelihood of attaining these recommendations was lower among participants who were female, older in age, in a relationship, unemployed and with fewer social contacts. ConclusionMental health services promoting physical activity interventions among people with psychotic disorders may need to modify their approaches based on previous patient preference and increase their focus on sub-groups of patients who are less likely to routinely engage in fitness activities.

Measuring physical literacy in Ukraine: developmentof a set of indicators by Delphi method

Introduction: This study aims to outline indicators of physical literacy for Ukrainian student youth, taking into account current international experience and concepts and meeting national specificities of the organization of physical education in higher educational institutions of Ukraine. Methods: 82 individuals were invited to participate in study (face-to-face meeting). The 2-round Delphi method as approach for facilitating group interaction aimed to structure communication process was used to generalize the knowledge and receiving the consensus of expert opinion. Results: The top five of the most important indicators of physical literacy were physical health, physical activity level, participation in fitness activities, ability to conduct morning hygienic gymnastics, physical training break, physical training, gymnastics before classes, individual training session, ability to perform preventive exercises in case of illness. The indicators identified by the experts can be grouped into three separate domains: functional, motivational, cognitive and behavioral. Conclusion: The selected indicators are contextually sensitive for the Ukrainian population. We prioritize approaches that have already been used in daily practice in Ukraine. The set of selected indicators demonstrates that they reflect the structural hierarchy of the “physical literacy” construction. The selected indicators, in particular, correspond to the goals of students’ education, they take into account the list of necessary knowledge, skills and abilities in accordance with the requirements of the Ukrainian program, consider motivation of students, awareness of active lifestyle and sufficient level of physical strain importance for health.

Analysis Of The Current Situation Of Chinese Youth Science And Fitness

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the status of Chinese youth participation in scientific fitness activities and to provide reference for enhancing the scientific fitness activities of Chinese youth. METHODS: A total of 4663 healthy adolescents (age: 22.56 ± 5.81yrs, female: 54.5%) were investigated for the intervention from 33 provinces (central municipality, national autonomous region). Divided into three groups according to age: juvenile (12-17yrs), pre-youth (18-28yrs), and late youth (29-40yrs); divided into three regions based on the administrative districts: Eastern Region (ER), Central Region (CR) and Western Region (WR). RESULTS: The Questionnaire consists of two parts: (1) Knowledge and Skills (RRC 0.91), and (2) Cognitive, Attitude and Behavior (ICC 0.97, RRC 0.93). The content validity of the questionnaire was assessed by 11 experts. The structural validity was evaluated by the factor analyses. The results show that: (1) fitness location analysis: 70.6% of youth fitness venues in playground and park squares, gyms accounted for 12.1%, and other proportions of 9.1%. (2) Analysis of fitness METHODS: 81.5% of fitness methods tend to run and ball sports, the proportion of fitness and bodybuilding projects is 9.4%, the proportion of water projects is 2.5%, and the other proportion is 6.6%. (3) Analysis of fitness duration: 58.1% of young people's fitness time is 30-120 minutes, 30 minutes or less accounted for 33.0%, and more than two hours accounted for 8.9%. (4) Fitness frequency analysis: 62.1% of teenagers are not regular fitness, 17% have planned fitness, and 20.9% do not exercise very much. (5) Analysis of the number of fitness times in the week: 57.5% of the youth fitness no more than 2 times, 29.2% of the teenagers were 3-4 times and 13.3% of the teenagers were 5 times or more. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese youth participation in fitness activities is relatively concentrated; most of the youth fitness can be controlled within a relatively scientific range but the fitness activities are not regular. Relevant departments use a variety of strategies to promote the systematic and diverse participation of young people in fitness activities. (This study was supported by NPOPSS Grant 15CTY011)

Physical Activity With Tailored mHealth Support for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundIndividuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have lower levels of physical activity (PA) and greater barriers for participation in fitness activities compared with members of the general population. As increased PA has positive effects on cardiovascular and psychosocial health, it is exceedingly important to identify effective interventions for use in everyday settings. Mobile health (mHealth) methods such as motion sensor games (exergames) and smartphone reminders for PA have been explored and found to be promising in individuals with IDs.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of an individually tailored PA program with motivational mHealth support on daily levels of PA in youth and adults with IDs.MethodsThe trial uses a randomized controlled design comprising 30 intervention participants and 30 control group participants, aged 16 to 60 years, with sedentary lifestyles or low PA levels. While the controls will receive standard care, the intervention aims to increase the level of PA, measured as steps per day, as the primary outcome. Secondary outcome variables are body mass index, blood pressure, physical performance, social support for PA, self-efficacy in a PA setting, behavior problems, and goal attainment. The intervention involves the delivery of tailored mHealth support, using smartphones or tablets to create structure with focus on the communicative abilities of individual participants. Rewards and feedback are provided in order to motivate individuals to increase participation in PA. Participants in the intervention group, their close relatives, and care staff will be invited to participate in a preintervention goal-setting meeting, where goal attainment scaling will be used to select the participants’ PA goals for the intervention period. All participants will be assessed at baseline, at 3 months, and at 6 months.ResultsEnrollment was planned to start in April 2020 but will be delayed due to the pandemic situation. The main contribution of this paper is a detailed plan to run our study, which will produce new knowledge about tailored mHealth to support PA in individuals with intellectual disabilities.ConclusionsWe expect the new intervention to perform better than standard care in terms of improved PA, improved self-efficacy, and social support for activities. Technology offers new opportunities to promote healthy behaviors. The results of the study will determine the effectiveness and sustainability of a tailored mHealth support intervention to increase PA in youth and adults with IDs.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04079439; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04079439International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/19213

BODY IMAGE DISSATISFACTION AMONG GYM-GOERS IN BRAZIL

ABSTRACT Introduction: During decades of epidemiological investigation, a consensus was reached regarding physical activity and its association with benefits for the health of the population, including a reduced risk for coronary diseases, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis and depression. Such associations led to the promotion of an active life style to be included in guidelines and governmental programs and absorbed by the fitness and supplement industries, often displaying different interests although there is growing evidence of an increase in body dissatisfaction. Objective: To evaluate body dissatisfaction among gym-goers and its relationship with age, sex, participation in gym activities and nutritional status. Methods: Participants were 227 users of 3 fitness academies with an average age of 31.4 (12.3) years; 51.5% of the participants were men. Collected data were related to anthropometry and fitness activity participation, and a body image scale was applied. Results: Body image dissatisfaction was found in 67.4% of the sample, of which 64.8% expressed a desire to be slimmer. Such dissatisfaction was also present in those of normal weight, of whom 11.5% were male and 9.2% female. For women of average weight, the odds of dissatisfaction were estimated to be 0.20-fold greater than for men (p<10-6). Discussion: Fitness academies in Brazil and several other parts of the world, with an approach based on the fitness model that emphasizes the cult of the body beautiful, are likely to attract a male audience more inclined to experience body dissatisfaction. Constant monitoring of nutritional care is recommended for these individuals, in order to prevent exaggerated body dissatisfaction patterns Conclusions: Body image dissatisfaction was greater among female athletes who wished to achieve a slimmer look. Due to the large number of eutrophic gym-goers with body image dissatisfaction, campaigns for adequate body weight maintenance are recommended. These would take the emphasis off the adoption of body types with low fat percentages and risky behaviors like diets and food restriction, which trigger eating disorders. Level of Evidence I; Diagnostic studies - Investigating a diagnostic test.

Participation trends in holistic movement practices: a 10-year comparison of yoga/Pilates and t\u2019ai chi/qigong use among a national sample of 195,926 Australians

BackgroundIn recent decades, the evidence supporting the physical and mental health benefits of holistic movement practices such as yoga and t’ai chi have become increasingly established. Consequently, investigating the participation prevalence and patterns of these practices is a relevant pursuit in the public health field. Few studies have provided population-level assessment of participation rates, however, and even fewer have focused on patterns over time. The purpose of this study was to examine participation prevalence and trends in yoga/Pilates and t’ai chi/qigong over a ten-year period in a nationally representative sample of Australians aged 15 years and over, with particular attention to sex and age. A secondary purpose was to juxtapose these findings with participation trends in traditional fitness activities over the same period.MethodsData comprised modes and types of physical activity, age, and sex variables collected through the Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS), a series of independent cross-sectional Australia-wide surveys conducted yearly between 2001 and 2010. For each year, weighted population estimates were calculated for those participating in yoga/Pilates, t’ai chi/qigong, and fitness activities (e.g. aerobics, calisthenics). Linear regression and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine trends in prevalence rates over time and differences among sex and age (15–34; 35–54; 55+ years) groups, respectively.ResultsAverage prevalence rates between 2001 and 2010 were 3.0% (95% CI 2.9–3.1) for yoga/Pilates, 0.6% (95% CI 0.5–0.6) for t’ai chi/qigong, and 19.2% (95% CI 18.9–19.4) for fitness activities. Across the decade, overall participation rates remained relatively stable for yoga/Pilates and t’ai chi/qigong, while increasing linearly for fitness activities. For both genders and in all three age groups, participation in fitness activities increased, whereas only in the 55+ age group was there a significant increase in yoga/Pilates participation; participation in t’ai chi/qigong declined significantly in the two younger age groups.ConclusionsParticipation rates in yoga/Pilates and t’ai chi/qigong in Australia were low and relatively stable. As fitness activities increased in popularity across the decade, holistic movement practices did not. These findings point to the need to investigate activity-specific barriers and facilitators to participation, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, organisational, and environmental factors.

Improving student participation in campus fitness activities: effectiveness of a university's free-use policy

A fitness centre is a facility common on university campuses, intended to increase college students’ rate of physical activity. Fitness centre accessibility is often a goal of university policy. The study presented here examines the effect of one university's free-use policy on participation in on-campus fitness activities. It surveys participation in fitness activities within a 2-year span by 674 undergraduate students from a mid-size university in northern Taiwan, using a three-cross-sectional research design with a stratified random sampling method. Multinomial logistic regression was utilised to assess these data. The results showed that the proportion of the student population reporting that they were current users of the fitness centre had significantly increased 10 and 22 months after the implementation of the free-use policy. Upon further examination, controlling for important variables, a significant effect was detected only after 22 months of the free-use policy, increasing by 3.30 times the odds of a given user being infrequent and by 1.98 the odds that he or she would be habitual as opposed to a non-user. The study supports the idea that a free-use policy is an efficient way to reduce barriers and encourage university students to use the fitness centre.

Fitness-related activities as part of an Incentive-based Wellness Program and Chronic Medical Claims and Admissions: Vitality Insured Persons

PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine the impact of participation in an incentive-based wellness program addressing multiple behavioural health risks factors on medical claims and hospital admissions amongst members of a major health insurer. The focus of this presentation is on the fitness-related behaviour. METHODS: Adult beneficiaries of South Africa's largest private health insurer (n=948,974). Members were grouped a priori based on the extent to which they engaged in 5 various wellness activity offerings (preventive screening, knowledge, healthy choices and fitness activities, including fitness assessment, gym visits or participation in local and national fun runs or events). For this analysis, the following groups were defined: Inactive (INACTIVE, 80%), Fitness low active (LO, 7.0%, 2-24 gym visits/yr), Fitness Medium active (MED, 5.2%, 24-48 gym visits/yr) and Fitness high active (HI, 7.4%, >48 gym visit/yr). RESULTS: Preliminary analysis of fitness category activities, after multivariate adjustment for age, plan and chronic status, showed a monotonic decrease in hospitalisation cost per beneficiary moving from the INACTIVE to HI categories (P <0.001). This same pattern was demonstrated for admissions rate (P < 0.001). Further, there was a strong correlation between level of participation in fitness related activities and participation in other wellness program offerings. 90% of persons who are only nominally engaged in the wellness program are also LO or INACTIVE for fitness, whereas 84% of those in the HI group also have the highest overall participation in the wellness program. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in fitness activities within an incentive-based health insurance wellness program is associated with reduced health care costs. Further research is required to identify barriers to participation in such programs.

High school student attitudes about physical education

This study examined attitudes of high school students toward fitness and sports activities taught in physical education, and the perceived effectiveness of their physical education curriculum for improving their fitness and skill levels. Students from six high schools and 17 intact physical education classes agreed to participate. Data were collected using a questionnaire completed by 515 students, 159 of whom participated in focus group interviews. Results indicated student preference for a wider variety in sport and fitness activities, an increase in level of challenge in physical education classes, and an increase in student motivation for participating in activities outside of school. Student attitudes were accepting or tolerant of participation in fitness activities due to known health benefits. Most students liked physical education class that included some form of game play. In addition, they stressed the need for adding interesting activities that included active participation while having fun. Student recommendations included strategies for improving instruction and for grouping students by skill levels for appropriate challenge.

EXPLORING GENDER DIFFERENCES IN DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATES

1757 Two-hundred and eleven recent (<3 yrs) Milligan College graduates (60.1% response rate) participated in a survey to compare current and past exercise behaviors in relationship to a variety of known physical activity behavior determinants. Females comprised 62.6% and males 37.4% of the total sample which accurately represented the normal gender distribution of Milligan College. Each subject was surveyed in the following areas: socioeconomics; competitive sports; fitness activities; activity intensity level; self-efficacy; enjoyment; habits; social influences; barriers to exercise; health benefits; and physical activity environment. Activity levels were classified as described by Young and Steinhardt (1993). This study's results indicated that the determinants of exercise differed by gender. Based on stepwise-regression analyses, a male's activity level was most highly related to his participation in fitness activities (p = 0.007), habits (p = 0.022), self-efficacy (p = 0.040), and competitive sports (p < 0.045) with R2 = 0.42 while a female's activity level was most strongly related to her habits (p = 0.001), fitness activities (p = 0.018), and enjoyment (p = 0.031) producing a R2 = 0.36. Interestingly, when subjects were subdivided into low versus high activity groups during their college yrs, subjects in the lowest activity group decreased their after college active/intensity level most (Lowest = 14.1% vs. Highest = 1.2%). At the lowest activity level, males had a 27.9% lower self-efficacy rating than females indicating that a male's perception for his ability to succeed physically is very important in over-coming a sedentary based lifestyle. In conclusion, physical activity behavior influences are gender specific. In addition, both males and females who are least active during their college years are most likely to become more sedentary as they become self-sustaining working adults.

Florida's Fit to Achieve Program

This study examined the impact of a Florida State Department of Education project entitled Fit to Achieve--a cardiovascular fitness education program for elementary school children. Of the teachers implementing the program, 24 elementary physical educators and 134 elementary classroom teachers responded to a survey that asked for information on changes noted in the following areas: children's motivation for, participation in, and knowledge of cardiovascular fitness. The survey was based on the reinforcement of the 3 areas through the use of classroom curriculum materials which included instructional aerobic routine videotapes and an audio tape for 15 minute fitness breaks, developmental written student assignments of an interdisciplinary classroom subject nature, a comprehensive teacher guide which included active learning experience ideas, and a parent guide. The uniqueness of the program centered on physical education teachers (N=60) presenting inservices which guided classroom teachers in grades K-5 who actually implemented the program with their students. The program was implemented for at least a 3 month period (from 1 to 5 days per week) in the participating elementary schools. The results of the study indicated a substantial increase in children's motivation for cardiovascular fitness activity, a moderate increase in children's cardiovascular fitness activity participation after or away from school, and a low to moderate increase in children's cardiovascular fitness knowledge. Eleven recommendations based on survey results are included. Appendixes provide copies of the two survey instruments. (Author/LL) A SURVEY ASSESSMENT OF FLORIDA'S FIT TO ACHIEVE PROGRAM Allan N. Sander Associate Professor of Physical Education University of North Florida 4567 St. Johns Bluff Road Jacksonville, Florida 904-646-2610