Physical Activity In Adolescents Research Articles

Beliefs and Perceptions of Physical Activity Among Black Adolescents in South Florida: A Qualitative Study.

In the United States, non-Hispanic Black adolescents have a significantly higher prevalence of obesity than their peers. Though physical activity (PA) has many benefits, many adolescents fail to engage in adequate amounts of PA. Black adolescents are also more sedentary than those from other races and ethnicities. This study aimed to describe the perceptions, beliefs, and barriers to PA in South Florida Black adolescents. Five focus groups were conducted with self-identified non-Hispanic Black adolescents (n = 38) in South Florida. A semi-structured question guide based on the Theory of Planned Behavior was used for group discussions. The open-ended questions addressed adolescents' (1) attitudes and beliefs toward PA, (2) current PA-related behaviors, and (3) environmental, social, cultural, and racial influences on health behaviors. The desire to be healthy, thoughts of the future, and self-image were among the reasons participants engaged in PA. Engagement in PA was associated with a positive social environment, including encouragement from family and friends. Race, culture, and social media were also cited as influences on PA. Perceived control beliefs, such as parental pressures and self-discipline, also impacted PA. Adolescents recognize the importance of PA; however, their behaviors do not reflect this. Barriers and motivators for Black adolescents are multifaceted. It is critical for Public Health practitioners and local legislators to understand the complexities to serve this population. This study's findings can guide the development of tailored PA and education programs for Black adolescent populations.

Factors associated with out-of-school physical activity among Chinese children and adolescents: A stratified cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis observational study examined the factors associated with the physical activity (PA) of children and adolescents outside of school within the framework of Problem Behavior Theory (PBT). MethodsThis cross-sectional study obtained data from 6528 children and adolescents aged 6–16 years recruited from ten schools in Shanghai, China. The questionnaire measured out-of-school PA and PBT-based correlates. A series of multiple linear regressions were used to explore the factors influencing children and adolescents' out-of-school PA separately. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore the association between the three systems of PBT and out-of-school PA. ResultsHigher intrinsic motivation is positively associated with increased PA for children (b = 1.038, 95%CI: 0.897–1.180) and adolescents (b = 1.207, 95%CI: 0.890–1.524). Greater frequency of parental involvement in PA correlates with elevated PA for both children (b = 2.859, 95%CI: 2.147–3.572) and adolescents (b = 2.147, 95%CI: 0.311–3.983). In children, increased use of community exercise areas or facilities (b = 1.705, 95%CI: 0.234–3.176) and higher recreational screen time (b = 9.732, 95%CI: 5.614–13.850) are associated with higher PA. The SEM showed that factors of the personality system had a significant direct effect on out-of-school PA among children and adolescents, and factors of the behavior system also had a significant effect on children. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the personality system, particularly intrinsic motivation, is important in promoting out-of-school PA in children and adolescents. For children, modifiable health behaviors in the behavior system can similarly influence PA.

KIJANI App to Promote Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents: Protocol for a Mixed Method Evaluation.

The prevalence of physical inactivity among children and adolescents is alarmingly high despite the well-documented and comprehensive benefits of regular physical activity (PA). Therefore, PA promotion should start early in childhood and adolescence. Although reducing recreational screen time in children and adolescents is an urgent concern, digital approaches have the potential to make activity promotion attractive and age appropriate for the target group. KIJANI is a mobile app approach to promote PA in children and adolescents via gamification and augmented reality. This study protocol aims to describe the KIJANI intervention in detail, as well as the evaluation approach. KIJANI is based on the concept that virtual coins can be earned through PA, for example, in the form of a collected step count. With these coins, in turn, blocks can be bought, which can be used to create virtual buildings and integrate them into the player's real-world environment via augmented reality. PA of users is detected via accelerometers integrated into the smartphones. KIJANI can be played at predefined play locations that were comprehensively identified as safe, child-friendly, and attractive for PA by the target group in a partner project. The evaluation process will be divided into 2 different stages. The phase-I evaluation will be a mixed methods approach with one-on-one semistructured interviews and questionnaires to evaluate the user experience and receive feedback from the target group. After the implementation of results and feedback from the target group, the phase-II evaluation will proceed in the form of a 2-arm randomized controlled trial, in which the effectiveness of KIJANI will be assessed via objectively measured PA as well as questionnaires. The study received ethical approval from the ethical board of the Technical University of Munich. Participants for the phase-I evaluation are currently being recruited. The study will help to determine the efficacy, applicability, and user experience of a gamified activity promotion application in children and adolescents. Overall, digital health approaches provide easy and wide reachability at low cost and are age appropriate and attractive for the target group of adolescents. Strategies have to be developed to apply digital health approaches in the best possible way for activity promotion. DERR1-10.2196/55156.

Online-Based Intervention as an Effort to Increase Physical Activity Among Adolescent

Background: Physical inactivity (PA) is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality globally. Adolescence is an important period of engaging in physical activity. 2 systematic reviews before 2022 concluded that studies need more methods and evaluations to prove the continued effect of Online-based interventions. It is therefore prudent to continue this research by considering how we can approach young people to grow healthy values into their day-to-day activities. Purpose: This study aims to determine online-based interventions for physical activity in adolescents. Method: A search of the literature databases Scopus, Science Direct and Springerlink using key words ‘Adolescents’, ’Teenagers’, ’E-health’, ’Internet-based’ , ‘Online-based’, and ’Physical Activity’ limited to 5 articles which fit the criteria for inclusion. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was used, and papers were excluded if they were disease focused, not specific to adolescents or did not measure PA as an outcome. Results: All of studies had significant increases in PA as a result of an Online-Based intervention Studies include using various implementation mechanisms. The majority of studies use a mix of web- tutorials and based lessons for participants to work on in addition to goal setting via online, app-based (4/5). That remaining studies they were given an accelerometer as a measuring device and instructed online to perform the physical activity used for the rest of the study using online forums and PA experts to emphasize the effect of goal setting. Various intervention such as giving messages about PA or Health related issues were performed few a week for about 2-3 month. Conclusion: Online-based interventions are a very successful way to increase PA. More research is required to look at what theoretical principles are best to underpin interventions and also to  assess the length of intervention required for optimal results after intervention. Ideas  surrounding implementation require more studies to evidence base these  interventions for schools, via intracurriculum or extracurriculum.

Physical activity and sedentary behavior among school-going adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: insights from the global school-based health survey.

The Global School Student Health Survey (GSHS) is being carried out by students in various countries across the globe to advance improved health programs for youth. However, in comparison to high-income countries, adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are generally at an early stage of understanding regarding physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), often exhibiting low levels of PA and high levels of SB. Furthermore, there is limited evidence connecting PA and SB in school-going adolescents from LMICs. The objective of this review was to synthesize the available evidence regarding PA and sedentary behavior among school-going adolescents in LMICs using data from the GSHS. On March 18, 2023, a systematic literature search was performed across four electronic databases, namely Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO with n odaterestrictions. Studies were eligible if they: (1) utilization of data sourced from the Global Student-based Health Survey; (2) exploration of physical activity; (3) specific focus on adolescents; (4) conducted in low- and middle-income countries; (5) study design encompassing observational; (6) published as English journal articles. Among the 29 studies included in the analysis, the majority revealed elevated levels of sedentary behavior and diminished levels of PA in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, notable disparities in physical engagement and sedentary behavior were noted between male and female adolescents (p < 0.001). Augmented PA among teenagers was observed to correlate with higher consumption of vegetables and fruits (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI [1.13-1.50]; p < 0.001), decreased alcohol consumption, and a reduced prevalence of loneliness and depression (aOR 1.37, 95% CI [1.18-1.59]). The results of this review affirm that in contrast to high-income countries, adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are in the early stages of comprehending physical activity, marked by low levels of PA. Physical activity and sedentary behavior in school-going adolescents from LMICs appear to be influenced by factors such as policies, cultural norms, socioeconomic conditions, as well as gender, and age.

The effects of COVID-19 on the Physical Activity and Recreational Screen Time among Chinese children and adolescents

BackgroundThe lack of Physical Activity (PA) and prolonged Recreational Screen Time (RST) among children and adolescents has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing this issue to escalate into a crucial public health concern. This study aims to investigate the trends in PA and RST among Chinese children and adolescents from 2019 to 2022, thereby analyzing the short-term and long-term effects of the pandemic on PA and RST among Chinese children and adolescents. MethodsA nationally representative sample of Chinese primary, middle, and high school students was surveyed annually between September and December from 2019 to 2022 using a consistent set of questionnaires. Trends in PA and RST across different school levels, genders, areas (urban/rural), and regions (north/south) were analyzed using Segmented Linear Regression. ResultsFrom 2019 to 2022, the PA and RST of children and adolescents displayed an inverted U-shaped trend, initially increasing and subsequently declining. Specifically, from 2019 to 2021, the PA of children and adolescents significantly increased but dramatically declined from 2021 to 2022. This trend in PA is more pronounced among primary, male, urban, and northern children and adolescent. The RST of children and adolescents increased from 2019 to 2020 but significantly decreased from 2020 to 2022. This trend in RST is more pronounced among primary, urban, and southern children and adolescent. ConclusionsThis research unveils the effects of the pandemic on PA and RST in children and adolescents, suggesting short-term beneficial and long-term adverse effects on PA and short-term adverse and long-term beneficial effects on RST. These findings provide a foundation for formulating policies related to children and adolescents' PA and RST during the pandemic.

0165 Association of Circadian Misalignment with Diet and Physical Activity in Adolescents

0165 Association of Circadian Misalignment with Diet and Physical Activity in Adolescents

0014 Time to Step Up: The Role of Circadian Misalignment on Adolescent Physical Activity Metrics

0014 Time to Step Up: The Role of Circadian Misalignment on Adolescent Physical Activity Metrics

0214 Pre- and Post-Pandemic Adolescent Physical Activity and Potential Impacts on Sleep

0214 Pre- and Post-Pandemic Adolescent Physical Activity and Potential Impacts on Sleep

Bone health and physical activity in adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a cross-sectional case-control study

BackgroundAdolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) tend to engage in less physical activity than their typically developing peers. Physical activity is essential for bone development and reduced physical activity may detrimentally effect bone health. Thus, we examined differences in total body bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) between adolescents with JIA and adolescent controls without JIA. We also examined associations between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), lean mass, and bone outcomes.MethodsParticipants included 21 adolescents with JIA (14 females, 7 males) and 21 sex- and age-matched controls aged 10–20 years. Assessments included: height; weight; triple-single-leg-hop distance (TSLH); MVPA by accelerometry; and total body BMC, aBMD, and lean mass measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry. Height-adjusted z-scores were calculated for BMC and aBMD and used for all analyses. Multiple linear mixed effects models examined group differences in BMC and aBMD, adjusting for sex, maturity, MVPA, TSLH, and lean mass. Participants clusters, based on sex and age (within 18 months), were considered random effects.ResultsAdolescents with JIA had lower total body aBMD z-scores [β (95% CI); -0.58 (-1.10 to -0.07), p = 0.03] and BMC z-scores [-0.47 (-0.91 to -0.03), p = 0.04] compared with controls. Mean daily MVPA was 22.0 min/day lower in adolescents with JIA than controls; however, MVPA was not associated with aBMD [-0.01 (-0.01 to 0.01), p = 0.32] or BMC [0.00 (-0.01 to 0.00), p = 0.39]. Lean mass was positively associated with aBMD [0.05 (0.01 to 0.09) g/cm2, p = 0.03] and BMC [0.06 (0.03 to 0.10) g, p < 0.001].ConclusionAdolescents with JIA had lower total body aBMD and BMC compared with sex- and age-matched controls without JIA. Group differences in bone outcomes were not associated with the lower MVPA participation of adolescents with JIA. Despite this, physical activity should still be encouraged as it promotes physical well-being.

Patterns of Physical Activity of Adolescents With ADHD in the School Context: A Cross-Sectional Study for Clinical Practice.

To describe the daily Physical Activity (PA) patterns of adolescents with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), to analyze the differences in terms of PA patterns between adolescents with ADHD and those without ADHD, and to study the factors associated with achieving the daily PA recommendations. The sample was composed of 778 adolescents who provided complete information on their PA patterns through the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). Of these, 97 had ADHD according to DSM-5 criteria. The results show that being a girl or being of foreign origin and having ADHD have an impact on the achievement of the recommended amount of daily PA. When promoting PA in adolescents with ADHD within the school environment, it is necessary to consider different domains and specific contexts of a school day, paying special attention to girls and adolescents with ADHD of immigrant origin.

Analysis of University Students' Perspectives on Physical Activity and Mandatory Physical Education

The decline in physical activity levels during the transition from high school to college is evident, despite the known impact of youth and adolescent physical activity on later life. Observable trends reveal a decline in enthusiasm for sports activities and a notable decrease in motivation for engaging in physical activity. The college environment plays a pivotal role in shaping students' engagement with physical activity, presenting an opportunity to significantly enhance their quality of life. This study's primary objective is to analyse university students' attitudes toward physical activity and assess their satisfaction with compulsory physical education at Masaryk University, comparing results spanning nearly two decades. In adherence to contemporary research methodologies, a questionnaire survey combining standard quantitative and qualitative analysis procedures was conducted. The survey questions focused on examining various facets of physical activity, including volume, intensity, sports preferences, and attitudes toward mandatory physical education at Masaryk University in Brno. A total of 1,293 respondents (422 men and 871 women) with an average age of 20.7 years participated in the study. The findings underscore a notable inclination among almost 73% of students to welcome an extension of compulsory physical education to 2 or more semesters (currently set at 2 semesters at MU). Moreover, over 75% of students express contentment with the spectrum of mandatory sports activities offered in physical education. The study reveals a growing interest among students in individual physical activities and a burgeoning enthusiasm for unorganized sports. These outcomes furnish valuable insights into students' perceptions regarding the organization of physical and sports education activities within university settings.

IJCM_391A: Impact of Adolescent Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour on Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study conducted in the Urban Slums of Berhampur, Ganjam

Background: Adolescence is a pivotal phase marked by significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. The lifestyle choices made during this period can profoundly affect the quality of life (QOL) of adolescents. However, research on this topic is limited, especially within the unique context of urban slums. Objective: This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the impact of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on QOL among adolescents residing in the urban slums of Berhampur, Ganjam. Methodology: A multistage cluster sampling method was employed to select adolescents aged 12-18 living in urban slum areas. WHO-QOL were utilized to collect data on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and QOL using validated instruments. Data analysis encompassed descriptive statistics, inferential analyses, and regression models to explore the relationships between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and QOL. Socio-demographic variables were also considered. Results: Preliminary findings reveal diverse physical activity patterns among adolescents, with a notable proportion engaging in insufficient levels of physical activity. Sedentary behaviours, particularly prolonged screen time, were prevalent. QOL assessments identified variations in physical, emotional, and social well-being domains. Regression analyses indicated a positive association between higher levels of physical activity and improved QOL, while sedentary behaviour, especially extensive screen time, was associated with decreased QOL. Socio-demographic factors, including gender and socio- economic status, were identified as influential factors in these associations. Conclusion: This study underscores the significant interplay between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and QOL among adolescents residing in urban slums. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles within this underserved population. The findings provide essential insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and educators to develop evidence-based strategies that can enhance the well-being of adolescents in similar contexts worldwide. Addressing the unique health challenges faced by adolescents in urban slums is crucial for improving their overall QOL and health outcomes.

Trends of physical activity and sedentary behaviours among secondary school students in Singapore: what has changed in 15 years?

ABSTRACT The objective of the current study was to examine the trends of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) of adolescents in Singapore with two datasets 15 years apart (2006 and 2021). A total sample of 1075 secondary students (mean age = 14.91 ± 0.43 years old) from 15 schools in Singapore took part in the study. A seven-day recall Self-administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC) questionnaire was used to capture time spent on the internet/computer, gaming, homework, reading, sitting and talking/listening to music, telephone, television watching, and PA. Results showed that the 2021 sample spent significantly more time on gaming, homework, sit and talk/listening to music, phone, and PA compared to the 2006 sample, while time spent watching television was significantly lower than the 2006 sample. Both datasets found PA had low or close to zero correlations with all the seven SB, however, the patterns of correlations were different in the two datasets, indicating changes in the trends of SB and PA. Cluster analysis found similar cluster profiles in the two samples but the cluster proportions for certain profiles were different from the two datasets. Significant sex differences were also found in the cluster compositions. Overall, this study shows that PA and SB trends of adolescents have changed significantly.

Adapting, restarting, and terminating a randomised control trial for people with cystic fibrosis: Reflections on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon research in a clinical population

BackgroundHabitual physical activity (PA) and exercise form a cornerstone of the management of cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetically inherited pulmonary and digestive condition – whereby telehealth platforms have been proposed as a mechanism to engage remotely people with CF in PA and exercise. MethodsTo test this, in early 2020, the ‘ActivOnline: Physical Activity in Cystic Fibrosis Trial’ (ActiOn PACT) randomised control trial was established to examine whether an online intervention was effective at increasing PA in adolescents and adults with CF. ResultsThe emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced this trial to be paused and modified, with the adoption of online recruitment and remote assessment of outcome measures. Despite such adaptations in accord with frameworks developed by the National Institute for Health Research, this trial failed to recruit and was subsequently terminated. ConclusionsThis article details the authors reflections upon the proposed reasons for lack of recruitment, including improved technology and medications for people with CF, and contextualises this finding in relation to the wider issue of non-reporting of trial results in clinical research.

Adolescent active travel and physical activity: Role of social media, norms and the environment

IntroductionAn active lifestyle, including regular participation in physical activity and use of active travel, are associated with adolescent health and well-being; however, global levels of adolescent physical activity are low. This study was designed to further understand factors contributing to adolescent active travel behaviors, including policy, environment, community, social media platforms and social norms. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey at secondary schools across Israel during advanced stages of the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 2911; [ages 13–17]). Linear regression analyses investigate important factors associated with these behaviors. Discriminant analysis was used to determine which of the investigated variables made the greatest contribution to youth physical activity and active travel. ResultsAdolescent physical activity and active travel are associated with correlates at the community, interpersonal and personal levels of influence in line with the ecological model. Participation, messaging and message-sharing on social media platforms related to physical activity were associated with active behaviors. There is evidence regarding the cumulative effects of different active travel behaviors and physical activity. Adolescent active school travel is associated with active leisure travel, while engaging in active school travel and active leisure travel are associated with physical activity. ConclusionsThe findings regarding contribution of the environment, community, social norms and social media platforms to both physical activity and active travel behaviors support design of multilevel health promotion interventions for youth. Programs incorporating social media platforms and peer-to-peer communication in support of active travel may offer new opportunities to promote active and healthy adolescent behaviors.

Rethinking Schools as a Setting for Physical Activity Promotion in the 21st Century–a Position Paper of the Working Group of the 2PASS 4Health Project

ABSTRACT Schools are ideal settings to promote adolescent physical activity (PA), yet school-based interventions have shown limited long-term impact. This position paper presents key issues surrounding school-based PA interventions. Collaborative conceptual thinking drawing on multi-author expertise and available evidence advanced our understanding and opinion. Key arguments: 1) the adoption of a systems approach, which maximizes partnership action and leverages policy, is crucial for understanding the complexities of implementing whole-school programs; 2) a reorientation to an assets perspective optimizes existing strengths and resources allowing greater emphasis on the full range of physical, cognitive, emotional and social benefits that PA provides, and 3) a move beyond traditional positivist research designs to advance our knowledge of what works better, for whom and in what context is needed for greater progress We provide suggestions, specifically advocating for systems approaches, as a realistic way to improve how we support PA in schools in the future.

Built environment and physical activity in adolescents: Use of the kernel density estimation and the walkability index.

The availability of places for physical activity (PA) and the walkability of the neighborhood can impact the level of PA of adolescents. However, studies of this nature are still limited in Latin America. This study had two objectives: 1- using kernel density estimative, it investigated whether individuals living near PA places that are more intensely distributed than dispersed are more likely to be sufficiently active; 2-checked whether adolescents who live in neighborhoods with better walkability have a greater chance of being sufficiently active. Were evaluated 292 adolescents and PA was measured by accelerometry. Were measured five environmental variables for composing the walkability index. 98 PA points (places) were identified and destinations within these areas were geocoded and kernel density estimates (KDE) of places intensity were created using kernels (radius) of 400m (meters), 800, 1200 and 1600m. Using Logistic Regression, the association between the intensity of PA places (classified into quartiles Q1(smallest)-Q4(largest)) and the probability of being "Sufficient PA"; and the association between walkability (quartiles Q1(least)-Q4(highest)) and the probability of being "PA Sufficient " were estimated (p≤0.05). There were associations only for the intensities of places with the largest radius. Among adolescents who lived in places with higher intensity compared with lower intensity places: 1200m (Q3, OR 2.18 95% CI 1.12-4.22; Q4, OR 2.77 95% CI 1.41-5.43) and 1600m (Q3, OR 3.68 95%CI 1.86-7.30; Q4, OR 3.69 95%CI 1.86-7.30) were more likely to be "Sufficient PA". There were also associations for walkability, where those living in places with better walkability (Q4, OR 2.58 95% CI 1.33-5.02) had greater chances of being "Sufficient PA" compared to Q1. In conclusion, living in places with bigger densities and better walkability increases adolescent's chances of being "Sufficient PA".

Walking and Playing with the Dog to Improve the Physical Activity Level of Adolescents: A Scoping Review.

In recent years, new technologies such as the introduction of the smartphone and the tablet in everyday life and habits have often made adolescents sedentary. It is becoming a serious problem in society. It is important to propose, as soon as possible, proper and feasible programs to modify this trend. A solution should be to increase physical activity, reducing sedentary behaviors. Adopting dogs and walking and playing with them could be a solution, and the population should be sensitized about this aspect. Consequently, the objective of this scoping revision of the literature is to analyze the association between physical activity in adolescents and the presence of a dog in the family. Three electronic databases were screened until 21 February 2024. The detected articles were screened against the eligibility criteria. The results were narratively discussed. After the screening process, a total of four studies were included. The studies presented heterogeneity in the physical activity assessment. This made it hard to synthesize the results. Indicatively, there is a positive association between physical activity and dog ownership. walking and playing with the dog increase the physical activity level of adolescents. Therefore, a sensibilization campaign should highlight the importance of having dogs in families, especially in adolescence. It is fundamental to daily walk and play with them.

A systematic evaluation of physical activity and diet policies in Scotland: results from the 2021 Active Healthy Kids Report Card.

Policymaking regarding physical activity (PA) and diet plays an important role in childhood health promotion. This study provides a detailed examination of Scottish government and policy for child and adolescent PA and diet and discusses strengths and areas for improvement. Scottish policy documents (n=18 [PA]; n=10 [diet])-published in 2011-20-were reviewed for grading using an adapted version of the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool Version 2. There is clear evidence of leadership and commitment to improving PA and diet and tackling obesity in children and adolescents. The allocation of funds and resources for policy implementation has increased substantially over the past decade. Progress through early key stages of public policymaking-policy agenda and formation-has improved. However, there is limited information on later key stages, including policy monitoring and evaluation. Childhood PA and diet are a clear priority in Scotland, and PA and diet policies clearly support the desire to achieve other goals, including reducing inequalities and increasing active travel in Scotland. Nonetheless, future policies should be further strengthened through clear(er) plans of implementation, and monitoring and evaluation to support their societal impact.