Physical Activity Participation Patterns Research Articles

Falls and patterns of physical activity participation over 18 years in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between long-term physical activity (PA) participation and falls.MethodsParticipants in the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health born 1946–1951 self-reported amounts of PA every 3 years since...

Domain matters: An examination of college student physical activity participation patterns by gender and race/ethnicity

Background Physical activity (PA) consists of multiple domains, including leisure-time PA (LTPA), occupational PA (OPA), and transportation PA (TPA), though limited research has examined these domains among college students. Methods This cross sectional, online survey asked undergraduate students to self-report demographics (gender, race/ethnicity, employment) and PA (LTPA, TPA, and OPA). Participants were categorized as meeting/not meeting current aerobic PA recommendations with only LTPA and with all domains of PA. Analyses examined differences by domain and demographics. Results For participants (n = 3732) when only considering LTPA, 79% met recommendations, while considering all forms of PA resulted in 94% of students meeting recommendations. Gender and race/ethnicity differences in the odds of meeting PA recommendations were present with only LTPA, however when considering all PA domains, some disparities were no longer present. Conclusions These findings highlight how different domains of activity contribute to overall PA and the relationship with gender and race/ethnicity.

Puberty timing and relative age as predictors of physical activity discontinuation during adolescence

Among same-age adolescents, those who enter puberty relatively later and those who are relatively younger (e.g., born later in the year) might be at greater risk of physical activity discontinuation. This study aimed to (1) describe gender-specific discontinuation, re-engagement, and uptake rates in various types of physical activities from the age of 11 to 17 years, and (2) assess puberty timing and relative age as predictors of discontinuation from organized, unorganized, individual, and group-based physical activities. Longitudinal data from 781 (56% girls, age 10–13 years at study baseline) Canadian participants who self-reported puberty status, birthdate, and involvement in 36 physical activities every four months from 2011 to 2018 was analyzed. The incidence of discontinuation, re-engagement, and uptake in organized/unorganized and individual/group activities from grade 6 until grade 12 was described and Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate associations of puberty timing and relative age with organized/unorganized and individual/group activity discontinuation. Results demonstrate that individual and unorganized activities are maintained longer than group-based and organized activities. Girls who started puberty earlier were more likely to discontinue organized activities than girls with average-puberty timing [Hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) 1.68 (1.05–2.69)]. Compared to boys born in the 4th quarter of the year, boys born in the 2nd quarter of the year were less likely to discontinue organized [HR (95% CI) 0.41 (0.23–0.74)], unorganized [HR (95% CI) 0.33 (0.16–0.70)], group [HR (95% CI) 0.58 (0.34–0.98)], and individual activities[HR (95% CI) 0.46 (0.23–0.91)], and boys born in the 3rd quarter were less likely to discontinue unorganized activities[HR (95% CI) 0.41 (0.19–0.88)]. This study illustrates the patterns of physical activity participation throughout adolescence. However, the generalizability of findings may be limited due to participant representation.

Analysis of Health Promotion Behaviors according to Physical Activity Participation Patterns of Physically Handicapped People: Application and Supplementation of Health Belief Model

Analysis of Health Promotion Behaviors according to Physical Activity Participation Patterns of Physically Handicapped People: Application and Supplementation of Health Belief Model

Peer and parental processes predict distinct patterns of physical activity participation among adolescent girls and boys

ABSTRACT Parents and peers play a key role in adolescents' physical activity (PA). However, limited research has explored whether the processes by which significant others impact male and female adolescents' PA differs across discrete patterns of PA participation. This study examined whether parent and peer support, pressure, acceptance and teasing were associated with distinct PA patterns among adolescent girls (groups comprising Organised Dance; Team Sport; Individual Sport; Walk/Run/Outdoor games; Non-Participation) and boys (groups comprising Individual Sport; Team Sport; Mixed Type; Non-Participation). Nine hundred ninety-five students (M age = 13.72 years, SD = 1.25) from eight secondary schools in Ireland completed measures of support (mother, father, peer), parental pressure, peer acceptance, teasing and a diary outlining the frequency, context, duration and intensity of their engagement in PA. Multinomial logistic regression revealed mothers' support was significantly associated with female team sport (OR = 1.09, p = 0.42) and individual sport (OR = 1.24, p < .001) but not male PA participation (p > .05). Father support was related to male individual sport (OR = 1.09, p = .023), team sport (OR = 1.15, p < .001) and mixed type (OR = 1.16, p < .001) PA behaviour, highlighting the significance of support from same gender parent. All female PA classes reported higher perceived friend support than non-participants (OR = 1.23–1.45, p < .001) highlighting the importance of peers for girls’ involvement in high and low levels of organised and non-organised PA. Gender differences were also evidenced across PA patterns for teasing, pressure, and peer acceptance. The findings underscore the importance of considering gender and pattern of PA participation when examining social influences on youth PA and identify target processes for intervention efforts.

Physical Activity Barriers and Facilitators Among US Pacific Islanders and the Feasibility of Using Mobile Technologies for Intervention: A Focus Group Study With Tongan Americans.

Pacific Islanders experience an elevated risk of health conditions such as obesity and diabetes, which are related to a lack of physical activity (PA). However, little attention has been paid to understanding the determinants of PA and promoting PA among this racial/ethnic group in the United States. We conducted focus group discussions with Tongan Americans, one of the major Pacific Islander groups in the United States, to gain a better understanding of their PA participation patterns, their barriers and facilitators, their attitudes toward PA, and their perceptions of how mobile technologies such as smartphones could help increase their PA levels. Results indicate that although the participants understand the various benefits of PA, they do not engage in much leisure-time PA for exercise purposes. A lack of time is cited as an important reason for insufficient PA participation. In addition, most participants report familiarity with smartphones, positive views of mobile technology, and interest in using smartphones to measure and promote PA. Multiple barriers were related with the low level of PA among Tongan Americans. Mobile technology is a promising way of enhancing PA among Tongan Americans and potentially other Pacific Islander subgroups. Culturally tailored strategies could significantly enhance the effectiveness of PA intervention.

The Influence of Access to Facilities on the Physical Activity Level of High School Pupils in Bophelong, a Semi-Urban Area of South Africa

Physical activity levels among adolescents decline during their teenage years and into early adulthood. Socio-economic background plays an important role in adolescents’ physical activity, as children from rural communities participate less regularly in physical activities due to a lack of access to facilities, the cost of programmes and in general due to limited facilities. The focus of public health researchers has shifted from individual motivational theories on the participation in physical activity to the ecological theory, which includes the effects of community environments on health matters. Significant differences prevail in physical activity participation patterns in various geographical areas and different demographic groups. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to assess the access to facilities in a semi-urban area and the physical activity levels of high school pupils. 155 high school pupils from Bophelong, a semi-urban area in the Gauteng province, voluntarily and anonymously completed questionnaires regarding their physical activity participation, accessibility of stores, recreational facilities and other important structures within their neighbourhood. Results indicated that pupils from a low socio-economic community had limited access to facilities such as parks, recreation centres, gymnasia and fitness centres, which are known to induce physical activity. Pupils actively commuted considerable distances daily to and from school, contributing substantially to their overall physical activity. Participation of the minority in school sport was evident, but apart from walking and inadequate school sport participation, few opportunities existed for adolescents from this semi-urban high school to engage in moderate recreational physical activities. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p905

Gender, physical activity and fear: women, exercise and the great outdoors

The discrepancy between the physical activity (PA) participation levels of men and women is well documented. Indeed, in the UK at least, women’s levels of inactivity are a serious concern, particularly given the effects of inactivity on long-term health. With recent shifts in the UK public health rhetoric recommending the attainment of daily PA levels via outdoor physical activity modes, such as walking and cycling, this paper seeks to explore the possible implications of such policy change on women’s PA participation and, specifically, the potential for gender-related barriers to be reduced. The paper features an empirical analysis of PA participation patterns among a sample of female respondents from a University in the South West of England. Data were collected via survey (n = 131, employees, n = 57, students: n = 74) and follow-up group and individual interviews (n = 45, employees: n = 25, students: n = 20). Findings acknowledge the various and diverse experiences of women with regards to social and cultural aspects of fear and risk and how this shapes PA participation. Specifically, the complex relationships women share with outdoor space are uncovered, and how access to, and patterns of exercise are influenced as a consequence. The paper concludes by reaffirming the need for links between public and personal health, well-being and the environment to be integral to the development of future policy and practice, whilst calling for further research to be carried out with different population groups across more varied geographical landscapes.

Patterns of physical activity participation across the cancer trajectory in colorectal cancer survivors

The purpose of the present study was to explore the participation in physical activity (PA) by colorectal cancer survivors across cancer trajectories and based on selected demographic and medical variables. A total of 431 participants were surveyed individually at the Shinchon Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea, to determine their PA levels before diagnosis, during treatment and after completion of cancer treatment. Percentage of survivors meeting American College of Sports Medicine guideline significantly reduced from 27% before diagnosis to 10% during treatment due to reduced strenuous intensity PA (28.8 ± 106.2 vs. 11.8 ± 95.9 min, p = 0.042), while total PA and mild intensity PA did not change. Total (187.2 ± 257.7 vs. 282.6 ± 282.0 min, p < 0.001) and mild (99.1 ± 191.5 vs. 175.1 ± 231.2 min, p < 0.001) intensity PA significantly increased after the completion of treatments compared with their PA level before diagnosis. Further analyses showed that age (more vs. equal or less than 60 years) and chemotherapy (chemotherapy vs. no chemotherapy) significantly influenced the level of physical activity (p = 0.004). Survivors who were older or received chemotherapy increased their total PA and mild intensity PA after the completion of treatment more than those who did not receive chemotherapy. The level and the pattern of physical activity by colorectal cancer survivors differed across cancer trajectories, which were significantly influenced by age and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Effect of an intervention programme on the physical activity participation patterns among school going children in South Africa

A steady decrease in the levels of physical activity during childhood and adolescents has been noted in various parts of the world. The picture of low physical activity levels in...

Physical Performance as a Predictor of Attention and Processing Speed in Fibromyalgia

Cherry BJ, Weiss J, Barakat BK, Rutledge DN, Jones CJ. Physical performance as a predictor of attention and processing speed in fibromyalgia. Objective To explore the associations between physical (both self-report and objective measures) and cognitive function for persons with fibromyalgia (FM). Design Correlational study. Setting An exercise testing laboratory in southern California. Participants Community-residing and functionally independent (not wheelchair-bound) adults meeting the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for FM (N=51) with a mean age of 54 years and no history of stroke. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Composite Physical Function Scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, adapted Trail Making Test parts A (TMT-A) and B (TMT-B), Digit Symbol Substitution Test, a composite index of TMT-A, TMT-B, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test combined, and physical performance assessments. Results Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that better objective physical performance predicted increased cognitive function for TMT-A and the composite cognitive score after controlling for age and symptom burden. That is, as the physical performance level decreased, cognitive performance levels decreased. Conclusions Findings suggest that research is needed to determine whether patterns of physical activity participation, through their effects on physical fitness and performance, can enhance cognitive performance in persons with FM. Physiologic changes in specific brain regions in FM (eg, hippocampus, neural pain regions) suggest that further research is also warranted in determining specific relationships between biomarkers and cognitive performance in persons with FM.

Assessing Physical Activity in Older People: Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

Background: Physical activity (PA) is difficult to assess and few instruments are relevant to older people. We have developed a self-administered PA questionnaire (HPAQ) for the Hertfordshire Cohort Study; we report its feasibility and validity and describe PA participation in older people. Methods: 525 participants completed the HPAQ; 15 women also completed the EPAQ-2 for validation. Activity participa- tion was described using percentage participation, estimated energy expenditure and cluster analysis. Results: Most participants found the HPAQ simple to complete. Agreement between the HPAQ and EPAQ-2 was good. Activities with highest participation rates and energy expenditures were walking (99.6%, 149.8 MET.h/mth) for men and home activities (100%, 287.1 MET.h/mth) for women. Clustering identified three patterns of activity participation for men (Keep Fit, Indoors & Less active), and two for women (Keep Fit & Indoors). Conclusions: The HPAQ is a feasible and valid PA questionnaire for older people. Clustering identified different patterns of PA participation.

Physical activity leisure‐time participation of boys with developmental coordination disorder

Physical activity leisure‐time participation of boys with developmental coordination disorder

Childhood and Contemporaneous Correlates of Adolescent Leisure Time Physical Inactivity: A Longitudinal Study

Purpose Although concurrent influences on adolescent physical activity are well documented, longitudinal studies offer additional insights about early life antecedents of participation. The aim of this study was to examine associations between childhood and contemporaneous factors and patterns of physical activity participation during adolescence. Methods Physical activity participation at ages 15 and 18 was assessed among members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study cohort using the interview-based Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between childhood factors (socioeconomic status, family “active–recreation” orientation, home activities, motor ability, intelligence, and psychiatric disorder), contemporaneous factors (parental health, body mass index, predicted VO 2 max, general health, television viewing, smoking, and alcohol use) and “persistent inactivity,” “declining participation,” or “persistent activity” during adolescence. Results In multivariate models, persistent inactivity during adolescence was associated with lower childhood family active–recreation orientation, and poorer cardiorespiratory fitness and general health during adolescence. Declining participation was more likely among those who reported fewer activities at home during childhood. Persistent activity was associated with better cardiorespiratory fitness and watching less television during adolescence. Conclusions This study found that childhood and contemporaneous factors were associated with persistent inactivity, persistent activity and declining participation during adolescence. The findings highlight several factors from the family and home environment of potential importance in early intervention programs to support adolescent participation in physical activity.

Physical activity programmes for secondary schools in Wales: Implications from a pilot scheme

In 2004 a pilot scheme was launched in Wales to address the physical activity participation patterns of young people. A large survey (n = 1834) was conducted at six schools to investigate the participation patterns of 12 − 14-year-olds. The data gathered informed the design and delivery of programmes of extra-curricular activities introduced at each of the schools in 2005. The implementation of these was based on a partnership between physical education professionals and sports development practitioners. A review of the programmes (from seven interviews with gatekeepers plus 11 focus groups involving 43 young people) revealed that they were perceived to be successful around three central themes: the activities provided, and by whom; those engaging with the programme, and why; and the role of the key agents (the School Sports Organizers).

Physical Activity and Young People: Beyond Participation

The quantitative literature on physical activity participation patterns leaves many questions about the place and significance of physical activity in the lives of young people unanswered. This paper begins to address this absence by attempting to understand physical activity from the point of view of young people and in relation to other aspects of their lives. It discusses interviews with 28 female and 34 male students from three Australian high schools chosen because they provided the opportunity to include students from different geographical, social and cultural locations. Students were asked to reflect upon their past and current engagement in physical activity, and the impact of factors such as their location, family, and school in their access and interest. Different spaces and places proved important in the nature of the physical activity available, its significance to young people and the kinds of identities which could be constructed.

Health Locus of Control and Participation in Physical Activity

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the physical activity participation patterns of college students when defined by their Health Locus of Control orientation. One thousand thirty-three college-aged students completed the Wellness Activity Profile, a questionnaire that yielded data on Health Locus of Control and self-reported frequency of participation in physical activities. Discriminant analyses indicated that the combination of physical activities associated with internally and externally oriented students were different for both males and females. Participation in high caloric expenditure activities was more frequent among internal subjects (Male: bicycling, volleyball, other individual sports, and snorkel/scuba diving; Female: basketball, weight training, tennis, fast walking/jogging/running, and judo/karate), while low caloric expenditure activities were associated with an external orientation (Male: baseball/softball, sailing, fishing, golf, and other recreational sports; Female: track and field jumping and fishing).