Perceptions Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Assessment of Morbidity Profile and Perceptions in regards to Physical Activity amongst Display Screen Equipment Users working in a University Located in Central Rural India: A Mixed method study.

Introduction Sedentary nature of desk job workers makes them prone to various diseases, and using display screen equipment increases the risk. This study focused on the intricate associates linked with sedentary behavior, physical activity patterns, and morbidity profiles among display screen equipment users employed at a university in central rural India. Sedentary lifestyles, particularly those prevalent in desk-based occupations, contribute significantly to non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Display screen users face additional risks such as vision-related issues, strain on eyesight, and musculoskeletal disorders. Objective The study aimed to comprehensively understand the morbidity profile and perceptions of physical activity among display screen equipment users. Method This shall be a cross-sectional study with a mixed method component conducted at a medical university located in central India from January 24 to June 2024. A sample size of 97 participants was determined based on a previous study, and data collection shall be done utilizing systematic random sampling. Data will be gathered using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Standardized Nordic Scale for musculoskeletal disorders through an online survey. Study implication This study aims to elicit morbidity patterns among Display screen users and their perceptions and practices regarding physical activity. This will also increase awareness regarding physical activity and associated morbidities regarding display screen use.

Exploring Facilitators and Barriers to Physical Activity for Families of Rural Preschoolers Participating in a Motor Skill Program.

While schools provide one opportunity to encourage physical activity, caregivers play an exceedingly important role in creating an environment conducive to preschool children's physical activity. Yet, little is known regarding the perceptions of caregivers, important choice agents for young children's physical activity behavior after participating in a motor skill program. The purpose of this study was to examine caregivers' perceptions of facilitators and barriers to children's physical activity at home among rural, low-income families who participated in a school-based early childhood physical activity program, SKIPping with PALS, designed to increase physical activity and improve motor development. Eleven caregivers consented to participate in a semi-structured interview regarding their perceptions of physical activity and their experience after six months of participation in the program. An inductive, naturalistic evaluation approach was utilized for qualitative data analysis, following the six recursive phases of thematic analysis. A review of the interview transcripts revealed that all caregivers valued physical activity and encouraged their children to be active. Four major facilitators, four major barriers, and an overarching theme of parental support for childhood physical activity were identified. These factors are largely circumstantial and attitudinal and, thus, are difficult to modify but are important to be cognizant of when designing interventions.

Abstract P349: Physical Activity Perceptions and Engagement of Patients Prescribed an Anti-Obesity Medication in a Medical Weight Loss Clinic

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) may elicit important health benefits when coupled with contemporary anti-obesity medications (AOM). However, currently there is little known about perceptions of PA and associated PA engagement of patients receiving these AOM therapies. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that PA would differ by perceptions of confidence to engage in PA, current and future importance of PA, and PA amount in patients receiving AOM treatment within the context of a medical weight loss clinic. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to patients in a clinical research registry who were receiving treatment with an AOM at a university medical center-based weight loss clinic. The survey included questions about their perceived confidence to do structured PA or exercise regularly (PA-CONFIDENCE) and perceived importance of structured PA or exercise for management of their body weight currently (PA-IMPORTANCE) or in the future (PA-FUTURE). Participants also reported their current level of PA. Results: Survey responses were received from 96 patients. For these analyses, data were examined for patients currently prescribed a GLP-1 AOM (83 patients). High PA-CONFIDENCE was reported by 44.6% of participants, with 34.9% and 20.5% reporting moderate and low PA-CONFIDENCE, respectively. PA was 154±117 min/wk, 107±105 min/wk, and 76±77 min/wk for high, moderate, and low PA-CONFIDENCE (p=0.033). Participating in ≥150 min/wk of PA was reported by 54.1% with high, 20.7% with moderate, and 11.8% with low PA-CONFIDENCE (p=0.002). Ratings of PA-IMPORTANCE were 63.9% for high, 28.9% for moderate, and 7.2% for low. Participating in ≥150 min/wk of PA was reported by 48.2% with high, 12.5% with moderate, and 0% with low PA-IMPORTANCE (p=0.002). Ratings of PA-FUTURE were 79.5% for high, 18.1% for moderate, and 2.4% for low. Current participation in ≥150 min/wk of PA was reported by 33.7% with high, 12.5% with moderate, and 0% with low PA-FUTURE (p=0.002). Conclusions: Less than one-half of patients prescribed an AOM report confidence to engage in regular structured PA, and of those with high confidence only approximately one-half achieve current public health recommendations for PA. While more than one-half of patients report that PA is important, less than one-half engage in the recommended amount of PA. Strategies are needed to increase perceived confidence to perform and importance of PA in AOM treated patients, and to increase PA participation.

Relationship of Quality of Life with Perceptions of Physical Fitness and Exercise Activity Level in the Elderly

Aim: The quality of life of any individual is influenced by various determinants. No study evaluated the relationship of quality of life with perceptions of physical fitness and exercise activity level in the elderly Indian population, so the present study aimed to find out the relationship of quality of life with perceptions of physical fitness and exercise activity level in the elderly. Methods: The study had a cross-sectional research design. Eighty- five participants with a mean age of 67 years participated in the study. SF-36 was used to evaluate the quality of life and the Physical Fitness and Exercise Activity of Older Adult’s scale was used to evaluate physical activity perceptions. Karl Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations and a t-test was used to see any gender differences. Results: Significant but weak to moderate associations were found between the perceived physical fitness, and exercise frequency with the physical functioning component of quality of life in the elderly. The Perceived motivators only mildly affect the social functioning aspect of an individual’s life. The Perceived barriers show moderate correlations with multiple components of the quality of life of an individual. Conclusion: Elderly people’s perception regarding physical fitness and exercise activity level significantly affects their quality of life, especially their physical functioning and exercise frequency. Keywords: Elderly population, Perceived physical fitness and exercise activity level, Physical activity, Quality of life, SF-36

How Perceptions of Aging Influence Physical Activity and Exercise in Older Age: Exploring the Behavior of People Aged 70+ Years Engaged in Fall Prevention Activities.

For older people, physical inactivity increases fall risk as well as other preventable health conditions. Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity, uptake and adherence continue to challenge efforts aimed at increasing physical activity and reducing falls. Nested within a randomized controlled trial, this study reports on the factors influencing the physical activity behavior of people, aged between 70 and 90years, engaged in StandingTall, a home-based balance exercise program proven to reduce falls in the community. The perception of aging, physical activity in older age, and the delivery of exercise were identified as major themes, with the perception of aging an overarching theme influencing both preferences for physical activity in older age and exercise delivery. Findings demonstrate the importance of considering the role of aging, the influence aging has on physical activity and exercise behavior, and how aging influences the delivery and design of exercise programs including falls prevention activities for older people.

Analysis of physical education classes in the context of inclusive education

This study examined the perception of physical activity concerning the educational inclusion of university students with motor disabilities. The objective was to analyze the perception of physical activity as a fundamental element for the educational inclusion of university students with motor disabilities. The methodology included a detailed bibliographic review and a set of surveys to understand the reality of physics education. The results revealed that, despite the physical and social benefits of physical education, there are challenges of accessibility and awareness in the student and teacher population. Furthermore, they showed that there is no appropriate conditioning of the facilities for students with specific educational needs, and likewise, the lack of specialized resources could be confirmed. These findings reveal the need to include better infrastructure plans, space conditioning, and resource management to improve inclusive physical education classes.

Physical activity perceptions and experiences of BAME Teesside University students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Physical activity perceptions and experiences of BAME Teesside University students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Physical activity during a treatment for substance use disorder: A qualitative study

BackgroundIndividuals with substance use disorder face a higher mortality rate, attributed in part to the presence of chronic physical conditions. Physical activity emerges as a promising solution, as it could impact on physical conditions as well as on the symptoms of substance use disorder itself. Although there is promising evidence, studies are still needed to fully understand the mechanisms, as well as their acceptability in real life. In order to address these issues, we need to include the perceptions of people who participate in these programs to determine the clinical importance and feasibility of physical activity. ObjectiveTo understand the physical activity perception of people undergoing treatment for substance use disorder. MethodsThirteen people (69% men; 33.4 ± 8.3 years old) were interviewed after experiencing a physical activity intervention during their treatment. ResultsFollowing the content analysis, three predominant themes emerged: physical activity was (1) a way to take care of themselves, through the perceived improvement of health; (2) used as a protective mechanism against relapse, through the occupation time, behavior replacement and the creation of a healthy network; (3) served as a facilitator of treatment retention because participant developed social support. ConclusionPhysical activity during treatment could improve the therapeutic process for people with substance use disorders, as well as helping to develop healthy lifestyle habits and reinforce confidence in coping with future relapses.

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.

Older adults’ awareness, motivation, and behavior changes by wearable activity trackers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Advanced sensor technology, such as commercial wearable activity trackers, is expected to be useful for improving public health in an aging society. However, its effects on psychological and behavioral changes in older adults have not been thoroughly investigated. Objective: This study aimed to clarify the effects of wearable activity trackers on psychological and behavioral changes in older adults before the pandemic and to confirm whether the effects were maintained during the pandemic. Method: Thirty Japanese older adults wearing Fitbit trackers for 12 weeks (i.e., six weeks before the pandemic and six weeks during the onset of the pandemic) in a real-life setting participated in this study. Participants’ perceptions of physical activity (PA) and monitoring were measured weekly using a questionnaire in addition to the pre-monitoring survey (baseline). Results: Significant positive effects of activity trackers were observed on participants’ awareness of the benefits of PA and motivation toward monitoring from the first week, and high levels were maintained until the end of the study, regardless of the pandemic. Accordingly, an approximately 3,000-steps/day increase was observed in the first week and maintained before the pandemic; although PA levels decreased during the onset of the pandemic, they remained higher than at baseline. The decrease in the number of steps and activity calories in COVID-19-non-affected participants was 2%. In the affected participants, an 11% decrease in steps and an 8% decrease in activity calories were observed, indicating that 3% was compensated by other activities. Conclusion: Positive effects of activity trackers were observed on older adults’ awareness of PA benefits. Thus, future studies are required to verify the effects of increased PA benefits awareness on older adults’ long-term activity levels for their health.

Perceptions of physical activity among individuals with limb loss: A qualitative study.

Individuals with lower-limb amputations (LLA) often have deficits in balance and community walking ability. As a result, people with LLA are often sedentary. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of physical activity from the perspective of people with LLA. A qualitative descriptive study situated within an interpretive research paradigm was conducted. Semistructured interviews were held by telephone or in person with adults living with major LLAs recruited from rehabilitation hospitals and advertisements on social media. Individuals were included if they were age 18 years and older with a major LLA. Purposive sampling was used to ensure variation by sex, cause, and level of amputation. Thirty-three people with LLA participated (22 men/11 women; median age 63 years). The majority of individuals had a unilateral, transtibial amputation (∼50% dysvascular LLA). Three main themes were developed to characterize participants' perceptions of physical activity: (1) physical activity is perceived as important but can be challenging after amputation; (2) physical activity has physical and mental health benefits; and (3) physical activity is a means to maintain independence and engagement in community and social life. Obtaining the perspectives of individuals with LLA about physical activity helps us understand how they think about it, what motivates them, and how we can optimize physical activity levels. Future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to enhance physical activity in this population.

Changes in the Perceptions of the Neighborhood Environment and Physical Activity Patterns Among Mexican Americans on the Texas-Mexico Border.

Little research on the association of neighborhood environment with physical activity in resource-poor communities has been done. This study assessed changes in perceptions of the neighborhood environment and the association between those perceptions and physical activity in Mexican Americans on the Texas-Mexico border in an area where there would be community efforts to enhance pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and programming. We analyzed data from a population-based cohort of Mexican American individuals on the Texas-Mexico border. From 2008 to 2018, interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect perceptions of neighborhood environment and physical activity at baseline, 5- and 10-year follow-ups, and at other ancillary study visits, with an average of 3 data points per participant. We conducted multivariable longitudinal logistic regression analyses to assess if the changes in odds of positive perceptions of the neighborhood environment over the study years differed by physical activity patterns. The sample (n = 1036) was mostly female (71%), born in Mexico (70%), and had no health insurance (69%). We saw improvements in the perceptions of several neighborhood environment attributes from 2008 to 2018, though we saw different longitudinal trajectories in these perceptions based on an individual's longitudinal physical activity patterns. By 2014-2018, we saw significantly higher positive perceptions of the neighborhood environment for those who consistently met physical activity guidelines compared with those who did not (adjusted rate ratio = 1.12, P = .049). We found that perceptions of many neighborhood environment attributes improved between 2008 and 2018, and that overall positive perceptions were associated with consistently meeting physical activity guidelines over time.

Exploring resilience among hospital workers: a Bayesian approach.

Healthcare professionals face significant workloads, as their roles are among the most demanding and stressful. Resilience serves as a crucial factor in helping them cope with the challenges encountered in their work environment and effectively manage stress. Assessing the level of resilience among healthcare workers and identifying potential variations across different groups is essential for effective public health management, preventing burnout, and ultimately enhancing patient care. To assess the resilience of various categories of workers operating within a tertiary care multisite hospital and understanding if there are any differences in resilience, based on their characteristics, the type of department they work in, and personality traits. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in January 2024 at EOC, a multi-site tertiary care hospital located in Southern Switzerland. 1,197 hospital workers answered an online survey which included: (1) an ad hoc questionnaire on personal and job characteristics, well-being-related activities, satisfaction level regarding communication, collaboration, support, and training opportunities in the workplace, (2) the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10-Item on resilience, and (3) the Big Five Personality Inventory 10-item on personality traits. Proportion of resilient and highly resilient individuals within the various categories of workers were analyzed with Bayesian approach and Bayesian robust regression. Being part of the hospitality staff, working as a doctor, and having a male sex were associated to the highest scores of resilience. Surgery and emergency departments had the highest proportion of highly resilient individuals. Male sex, older age, seniority, higher hierarchical rank, engagement in physical activities, relaxation or mindfulness practices, religiosity, perception of good collaboration, communication, support, and physical activity correlated with higher resilience skills. This cross-sectional study found that physicians and hospitality staff within our multi-site Swiss hospital are more resilient compared to other categories of hospital workers, and among departments, those working in surgery and Emergency Medicine. Enhancing our comprehension of resilience is crucial for more precise management of healthcare systems and the development of employment policies aimed at sustaining the capacity of healthcare systems to serve patients effectively, while also mitigating shortages of healthcare professionals.

A Systematic Review on Teaching Physical Activity in Elementary School Physical Education

PURPOSE This study analyzed research on physical activities for elementary school students 1st and 2nd-graders to explore teachers’ perceptions and instructional practices in physical activity classes.METHODS Twelve studies published in academic journals conducted between 2000 to 2022 were selected for analysis.RESULTS The research articles were categorized into three domains: perception of physical activity in lower grades, operational features, and factors influencing practices from a didactic perspective. Challenges identified include dilemmas between curriculum documents and actual practice, a lack of practical teaching expertise, and a teaching culture discouraging physical activity in lower grades. Operational patterns were restructured into “avoidance-style classes,” “ad-hoc classes,” “textbook-dependent classes,” and “textbook-reorganization classes.” Factors influencing physical education for early elementary students included “teacher support factors,” “environmental factors,” and “administrative factors.”CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this study advocates for policies that systematically improve perception, administration, and support classes for activating physical activities in lower elementary school students. The findings suggest the need for strategies such as adapting integrated curricula, creating training programs and educational materials, ongoing professional development activities for teachers, and specific research focused on physical activities for lower grade elementary students.

Leveraging Experiential Learning to Foster University Students’ Proficiency in Engaging with People with Disabilities

Study purpose. Inclusive education, acknowledged as a fundamental human right, is aimed at enhancing the participation of all students and mitigating social and educational exclusion. Physical Education is identified as a vital instrument that fosters specific training on disability and inclusion, thereby ameliorating attitudes towards disability. The objective of this study is to scrutinize the perception of experiential learning and inclusive physical activity among students. Materials and methods. An inclusive physical activity program for students pursuing a degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education was designed. The program proposes five sessions of inclusive physical activity and accommodates 30 adult users with intellectual disability. To analyse the reliability and validity of a scale that measures students’ perception of experiential learning, descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used to assess the effectiveness and inclusivity of the scale. Results. The validity and reliability of a scale that facilitates the analysis of students’ perceptions of learning derived from inclusive experiences is presented and the results are adequate for its usability. In addition, it is shown that experiential learning increases the perception towards the acquisition of disability-related competences among university students. Conclusions. This scale essentially allows a comprehensive analysis of students’ perception of learning that emerges from inclusive experiences. It is demonstrated that experiential learning enhances students’ perception regarding the attainment of competencies related to disability. These findings underscore the importance of inclusive learning experiences in the training of future educators.

The Relationship between Self-Rated Health and Physical Fitness in Polish Youth.

Self-rated health (SRH) is a tool for assessing a population's health across the lifetime, and seems to be a dynamic assessment of current health status and a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease and mortality, whereas insufficient levels of physical fitness in adolescence are a significant health problem and may contribute to the development of many disorders in adulthood. In this cross-sectional study, we attempted to assess the relationship between SRH and the physical fitness of adolescents. Two hundred and thirty-five adolescents (eighty-five boys and one hundred and fifty girls) aged 16-17 were recruited for this study. The study procedures included a short author questionnaire and physical fitness assessment (Zuchora's Physical Fitness Index). Boys declared better health states and reported less frequent morbidity of seasonal diseases (p < 0.05). No differences were found in physical fitness, the incidence of postural disorders, lower limb malalignments, foot deformities, sleep duration, and perception of physical activity on physical condition and well-being in boys and girls (p > 0.05). The comparison of physical fitness levels in adolescents with different SRH, sleep duration, perceptions of physical activity on physical condition and well-being also showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Positive SRH and perception of physical activity on physical condition and well-being, proper sleep duration (7-8 h/night), and a lack of foot deformities are associated with a better physical fitness in adolescents. Physical fitness seems to be a good predictor of SRH only in Polish boys, but not girls and the entire population. The lack of significance in the entire population could be attributed to the substantial number of girls in the study group. Despite that, it is recommended to encourage adolescents to engage in regular exercises, sleep routines and healthy lifestyles. Further research should be based on a more representative group, with a comparable number of girls and boys in the study group and potential confounders, but also they should be focused on SRH predictors to improve SRH in Polish girls.

Improved Perceptions of Parental Support for Physical Activity and Healthy Eating among Young Adolescents During COVID 19 pandemic

Family routines play a key role in promoting child health behaviors. This study aims to 1) describe changes in children’s perceptions of physical activity (PA) and healthy eating family routines across three time points: pre-pandemic (2017-2020), early pandemic (2020), and mid-pandemic (2021); and 2) explore the role of pandemic-related economic stressors on these changes. Children’s perceptions of family routines were assessed using four scales adapted from the Comprehensive Home Environment Survey: PA-policies, Diet-policies, Diet-rules, and PA-Diet-role-model. Child age and sex were assessed at pre-pandemic, and household members’ employment loss and poverty levels were assessed during pandemic. Linear mixed models were used to assess changes and associated factors for each scale. Children (N=277) aged 8-13 y were enrolled pre-pandemic. Children’s perceptions of PA-policies and Diet-policies increased significantly from pre-pandemic to early-pandemic (b=0.9 and 2.4, respectively) and pre- to mid-pandemic (b=0.8 and 1.2, respectively). Diet-rules decreased significantly from pre- to early (b=-1.5) and pre- to mid-pandemic (b=-2.3), with no PA-Diet-role-model changes. Older children, compared to younger, had a faster decrease in Diet-policies from pre- to early pandemic. Females, compared to males, had a faster decrease in Diet-rules from pre- to mid-pandemic. Economic stressors were not associated with changes in perceived routines. Overall, children reported increased parental policies to support PA and healthy eating and decreased parental rules to regulate child eating behaviors during the pandemic. Future mixed methods research is needed to understand how changes in parental support on family routines relate to PA and healthy eating behaviors.

Parental Perceptions of Physical Activity and Risk of Disease Associated with Sedentary Behaviours in Infants and Toddlers.

The current study intends to measure parents' perceptions of newborn and toddler physical activity. A Cross-sectional study was conducted at the pediatric clinic at a University Hospital in Riyadh. The parents or guardians of children 0 to 3years of age, healthy infants, and toddlers who visited the vaccination and pediatric clinic at a University Hospital in Riyadh, were recruited. The Parental Perceptions of Physical Activity Scale (PPPAS) was translated into the Arabic language. The Chi-square test was applied to observe the association between categorical variables. P value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. A total of 383 parents were recruited. There was a significant association observed between physical activity and income, employment, and education. A significant association was observed between the following perceptions; the child enjoys physical activity, it increases the child's fitness level, the strength of the muscles, flexibility, and life span, improves happiness, keeps the child active, and provides a sense of achievement, and decrease future weight problems. The study determined that parental inclination towards engaging in a physical activity intervention for their infants, as well as identifying any concerns that may impact their children's adherence to physical activity was satisfied.

Physical Activity Perceptions and Practices of People Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis: An International Cross-Sectional Survey

Physical Activity Perceptions and Practices of People Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis: An International Cross-Sectional Survey

Public Perceptions of Sustainable Physical Activity and Active Transportation: A Pilot Qualitative Study in Gävle and Maputo

Sustainable physical activity and active transportation are important for achieving sustainable societies as well as for achieving the sustainable development goal of health and wellbeing for all. The main objective of this pilot study was to investigate the general public’s perceptions of sustainable physical activity and active transportation in the cities of Gävle (Sweden) and Maputo (Mozambique). Twelve semi-structured asynchronous e-mail interviews were subjected to content analysis. Findings indicated that participants knew what physical activity is and that they related it to general health and wellbeing. However, the majority were not familiar with the meaning of “sustainable physical activity” or “active transportation.” Furthermore, they did not know about the relationship between sustainable development and physical activity. The few participants who knew about active transportation said that it could contribute to reducing greenhouse gases. They mentioned barriers to active transportation in their respective cities, however, ranging from laziness (in the case of Gävle) to cultural norms and associations such as linking the use of active transportation to lacking the means to buy a motor vehicle (in Maputo). There is a need to integrate sustainability literacy with the already existing health and public health literacies to provide this knowledge to the general population. To this end, rather than creating new educational programmes for the public, the existing materials can be adjusted to include aspects of sustainability and sustainable health behaviours and lifestyles.