Physical Activity Participation Research Articles

Which social–ecological factors play a role in older adults’ participation in a blended physical activity intervention? Results of a multi-layered feedback analysis

Abstract Aim This study aimed to evaluate factors affecting older adults’ participation in a blended physical activity (PA) intervention, which comprised tailored home-based exercises and supervised on-site group sessions with peers. Specifically, the objective was to explore participants’ feedback for identifying specific requirements regarding intervention components and materials. Subject and methods In a 9-month randomized trial with a cross-over design targeting adults aged 60 and above, web- and print-based materials to promote PA were enhanced based on results of a preceding trial, and tested in n = 242 participants. Use of these adapted program components, attendance of group sessions, and acceptance of the intervention were assessed via self-administered paper-based questionnaires 3 and 9 months after baseline, as well as in interviews and group sessions. Participant feedback was analyzed via qualitative content analysis of open-ended questions, group interviews, and protocols. The social–ecological model served as a coding framework. Results Feedback covering six different levels of requirements according to the social–ecological model was analyzed. The content of the program, including the option to track perceived progress in PA, health, and fitness, as well as the group-based components, providing opportunities for social support, and training with the peer group, were appreciated by participants. Criticism and suggestions for improvement were provided with regard to instructors of the group sessions, the group atmosphere, space requirements, program scheduling, and communication. Conclusions Based on various sources of participant feedback, several requirements and recommendations regarding future characteristics of PA interventions targeting older adults in community settings can be provided.

Physical Activity Participation among Children and Youth with Mental Health Symptoms: Clinician Perspectives.

Physical activity supports mental health and well-being in children and youth. However, there are significant barriers to physical activity participation among individuals impacted by mental health disorders. This study investigates these barriers through the perspective of mental health clinicians who support children and youth. Fourteen mental health clinicians, including registered professional psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers, were interviewed in a semi-structured format. Qualitative content analysis was performed to identify key themes, including both barriers and facilitators to physical activity. Content analysis revealed that clinicians perceive both internal and external barriers and facilitators to their clients' participation in physical activity. Barriers included intrapersonal factors, such as the presence of depression, anxiety, or eating disorder symptoms; lack of motivation; and negative self-talk, as well as factors related to the influence of caregivers, financial limitations, screen time use, environmental and cultural factors, and lack of time. Facilitators included enjoyment of physical activity, knowledge about the benefits of physical activity, and caregiver participation. Mental health clinicians demonstrated clear knowledge about the barriers to and facilitators of their clients' participation in physical activity. These findings provide valuable insights that can be used to support children and youth experiencing mental health difficulty to access the beneficial effects of physical activity.

Remotely-delivered exercise training program for improving physical and cognitive functions among older adults with multiple sclerosis: Protocol for an NIH stage-I randomized controlled trial

BackgroundOlder adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) present with low physical activity participation, cognitive and ambulatory dysfunctions, and compromised quality of life (QOL). ObjectiveWe propose a NIH Stage-I, randomized controlled trial (RCT) that examines the feasibility and efficacy of a 16-week theory-based, remotely-delivered, exercise training program for improving cognitive and physical functions in older adults with MS who have moderate mobility disability without severe cognitive impairment. MethodsThis Stage-I study utilizes a parallel-group RCT design. Participants (N = 50; age ≥ 50 years) will be randomly assigned into exercise training (combined aerobic and resistance exercise) or active control (flexibility and stretching) conditions. The conditions will be undertaken within a participant's home/community over a 16-week period, and monitored remotely and supported by Zoom-based chats guided by social cognitive theory (SCT) via a behavioral coach. Participants will receive training manuals and equipment, one-on-one behavioral coaching, action-planning calendars, self-monitoring logs, and SCT-based newsletters. The primary outcomes include feasibility (e.g., recruitment and retention rates), exercise behavior and physical activity; other outcomes include physical function (lower-extremity function, mobility, walking), cognition (processing speed, learning and memory, executive function), MS symptoms, QOL, and vascular function. We will collect outcome data at baseline (Week 0), post-intervention (Week 16), and follow-up (Week-32). Data analysis will follow intent-to-treat principles using linear mixed-effects models. DiscussionThis Stage-I trial adopts an innovative approach for exercise training via telerehabilitation and is convenient and accessible for older adults with MS. If successful, the study will provide foundations for future research using remotely-delivered exercise intervention for managing the consequences of aging with MS.Trial Registration Number:NCT05930821

Exploratory Study into the Classification Agreement between Self-Reported Age of Menarche and Calculated Maturity Offset in Adolescent Girls: A Two-Year Follow-Up Study.

Menarche is a significant pubertal event influencing girls' participation in physical activity. As menarche is a sensitive matter, a non-invasive substitute is needed to help classify girls' maturity status and provide physical literacy to them in this regard. The objective of this exploratory study was to investigate the classification agreement between self-reported age of menarche and calculated maturity offset in adolescent girls from South Africa by making use of various statistical methods. Fifty-eight girls, n = 13 pre- and n = 45 post-menarche (Status Quo method) aged 13.51 ± 3.51 years at baseline, were analyzed (2010-2012). Independent t-testing, cross-tabulation, Roc Curve statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the classification agreement between markers. All four statistical methods revealed the potential to categorize different maturity groups through the maturity offset equation, although the accuracy declined with increased age. A realized power of 0.92 was found for the group in the first year of the study, with a gradual and significant decline over time. Cross-tabs showed a significant moderate predictive effectiveness (Chi-square = 0.042) during T1, closer to PHV (13.51 years) although also declining significantly with increased age (T2, 14.51 years) beyond PHV (Chi-square = 0.459). Although positive results were found, caution must be used when using maturity offset equations in different homogenic populations due to their unique growth characteristics.

Physical activity and depression symptoms in people with osteoarthritis-related pain: A cross-sectional study.

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain and is associated with high rates of depression. Physical activity reduces depression symptoms and pain levels. It remains unknown if physical activity is associated with lower symptoms of depression irrespective of pain levels in individuals with osteoarthritis. We explored whether pain mediated or moderated the relationship between levels of physical activity engagement and depression symptoms. Individuals with osteoarthritis who were waiting for an orthopaedic consultation at a public hospital in Melbourne, Australia, were recruited. Data collected on pain levels, physical activity engagement and depression symptoms. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participant characteristics. Moderation and mediation analyses were used to establish the impact of pain on the relationship between physical activity and depression, after adjusting for demographic and joint specific characteristics. The results indicated that the inverse association between physical activity and depression depended on the level of pain, such that the association was stronger in people with greater pain. The mediation results confirm that participating in physical activity is indirectly, inversely associated with symptoms of depression through lower levels of pain. The highest levels of pain were associated with the most potential benefit in terms of reduction in symptoms of depression from engaging in physical activity. Physical activity may be particularly important to manage depression symptoms in people with greater osteoarthritis-related pain as patients with the highest pain may have the greatest benefits.

Exploring the Acute Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality Biking on Self-Efficacy and Attention of Individuals in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: A Feasibility Study.

The role of exercise programs during substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is considered particularly supportive in fostering positive psychological and behavioral changes. The treatment of SUD is a challenging and demanding process. Therefore, it is crucial to discover innovative methods to enhance and facilitate it. Integrating exercise into a virtual environment is an innovative approach for drug rehabilitation, offering multiple benefits to individuals undergoing treatment. The aim of this feasibility study was to explore the acute effects of cycling exercise in an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment on attentional control and self-efficacy expectations of individuals undergoing SUD treatment. A total of 20 individuals (mean age of 37.75 years) enrolled in a SUD treatment program participated in the study. They were instructed to complete a single session of cycling with a self-selected duration within the VR system. Following the cycling session, pre-post measures indicated a statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy expectations and attentional control measured with the Stroop test. The results revealed that participants expressed high levels of intention for future use, interest/enjoyment, and positive attitudes toward the VR exercise system. Qualitative data indicated that participants found the VR exercise system enjoyable, expressed a strong intention to use it, and did not encounter technical difficulties or negative emotions. In conclusion, it seems that engaging in a brief period of self-selected exercise within a virtual environment can result in temporary activation of cognitive changes, heightened self-efficacy expectations, and a motivating approach to increasing physical activity participation among individuals with SUD, thus suggesting the feasibility of this approach.

INTERASPIRE a global cross-sectional survey of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) across six WHO regions

Abstract Introduction This survey of secondary prevention of CVD was conducted through National Societies of Cardiology across all WHO regions and included Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, UAE, Poland, Portugal, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore. Purpose The overall aim of INTERASPIRE was to assess the clinical implementation of risk reduction initiatives to reduce cardiovascular risk in line with lifestyle, risk factor and therapeutic targets defined in international and national guidelines on CVD prevention. Methods A consecutive sample of patients (> 18 and < 80 years) admitted to public hospitals in selected regions within each participating country with an acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI), Non-ST elevation MI, acute myocardial ischaemia or for elective revascularisation was identified retrospectively from medical record systems. Patients were invited to attend a clinical visit with trained research assistants at least 6 months but not more than 2 years after their event. The assessment included self-reported smoking status validated with an expired breath carbon monoxide measurement, self-reported participation in physical activity using the Godin validated questionnaire and standardised measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, blood lipids and blood glucose including an oral glucose tolerance test. Results 4548 (21.1% women) patients attended the clinical visit. 12.6% were smoking with wide variation across countries (1.9 – 27.3%). 48% of those who were smoking at the time of hospital admission had continued to smoke. 66.5% reported being sedentary with wide variation across countries (51.3 – 90.5%). 24% were obese and 40% centrally obese with a large difference between men (32.3%) and women (69.4%). 38% achieved a blood pressure target of < 130/80 mmHg, 19.2% achieved an LDL-C target of < 1.4 mmol/l and in patients with self-reported diabetes 56% achieved a target HbA1c of < 53 mmol/mol (7%). In those who did not report having diabetes, a further 9.8% had undetected diabetes and 26.9% impaired glucose tolerance. 48% were prescribed all four classes of cardioprotective drugs (antiplatelets, beta blockers, ACE/ARB, lipid lowering agents) with wide variation between countries (25% - 75%) and 88.3% were prescribed both antiplatelets and lipid lowering agents. Only 1219 (26.8%) were advised to attend cardiac rehabilitation with wide variation (4.5% to 58.9%) between countries. Overall only 9.0% (men 9.1%, women 9.1%) of all patients attended cardiac rehabilitation. Figure 1 shows the distribution of the INTERASPIRE Guideline Target Score. Conclusion There is substantial room for improvement in secondary prevention in patients with coronary disease globally. It is of concern that only 9% of patients received cardiac rehabilitation despite it being a Class 1 recommendation in all prevention guidelines with wide variation in advice and uptake between countries.Figure 1

Bone and muscle differences in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: The mediating role of physical activity

Children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience an increased risk of fracture, which may be related to altered bone development. We aimed to assess differences in bone, muscle and physical activity (PA), and explore if better muscle and PA measures would mitigate bone differences between children and adolescents with T1D and typically developing peers (TDP). We matched 56 children and adolescents with T1D (mean age 11.9 yrs) and 56 TDP (11.5 yrs) by sex and maturity from 171 participants with T1D and 66 TDP (6-17 yrs). We assessed the distal radius and tibia with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), and the radius and tibia shaft bone and muscle with pQCT. We also measured muscle function from force-related measures in neuromuscular performance tests (push-up, grip test, countermovement and long jump). We compared PA based on questionnaire scores and accelerometers between groups. Bone, muscle, and neuromuscular performance measures were compared using MANOVA. We used mediation to explore the role of PA and muscle in bone differences. Children and adolescents with T1D had 6–10 % lower trabecular density, bone volume fraction, thickness and number at both distal radius and tibia, and 11 % higher trabecular separation at the distal radius than TDP. They also had 3–16 % higher cortical and tissue mineral density, and cortical thickness at the distal radius, 5–7 % higher cortical density and 1–3 % higher muscle density at both shaft sites compared to TDP. PA mediated the between-group difference in trabecular number (indirect effect −0.04) at the distal radius. Children and adolescents with T1D had lower trabecular bone density and deficits in trabecular micro-architecture, but higher cortical bone density and thickness at the radius and tibia compared to TDP. They engaged in less PA but had comparable muscle measures to those of TDP. PA participation may assist in mitigating deficit in trabecular number observed in children and adolescents with T1D.

National trends and ecological factors of physical activity engagement among U.S youth before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cohort study from 2019 to 2021

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate the trends and ecological determinants of physical activity among U.S. children and adolescents during the 2019–2021 period, encompassing the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset and subsequent years.MethodsUtilizing data from the National Survey of Children’s Health over three years, this cohort study analyzed physical activity levels and ecological determinants among 82,068 participants aged 6–17. The sample included 36,133 children (44%) and 45,935 adolescents (56%), with variables assessed by caregiver reports.ResultsThe analysis revealed a significant decline in physical activity among children from 2019 to 2020, followed by a recovery in 2021, whereas adolescents showed a continued decrease without recovery. Over the study period, children were consistently more active than adolescents. Better health status, normal weight, less screen time, stronger peer relationships, higher parental involvement, better family resilience and greater school participation were consistently correlated with increased physical activity in both age groups. Sleep duration was a predictor of activity only in children, while mental health status was solely a predictor in adolescents. Neighborhood environment consistently predicted children’s activity levels but was a significant factor for adolescents only in 2020.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the differing impacts of the pandemic on physical activity between children and adolescents, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions, particularly for adolescents whose activity levels have not recovered from the pandemic period. Age-specific physical activity interventions should consider sleep duration and neighborhood environmental factors when targeting children and mental health factors when focused on adolescents.

Impact of rehabilitation unit-based physical activity therapy versus symptomatic supportive treatment on older patients with advanced cancer: a non-randomized controlled study

ObjectivesRelatively few studies have investigated the effects of rehabilitation-based physical activity therapy as a treatment for older patients with advanced cancer. This study evaluated the effects of individualized precise and structured exercise interventions, prescribed by a rehabilitation physician, on fatigue, quality of life (QOL), and physical activity in older patients with advanced cancer.MethodsAfter admission to the rehabilitation department, older cancer patients were divided into groups receiving conventional symptomatic supportive therapy (SST) or physical activity therapy plus conventional symptomatic supportive therapy (PAT). The SST group was given symptomatic supportive treatment, exercised on their own, and were observed at home after their symptoms improved. The PAT group was required to implement physical exercise along with SST, involving 30 min of moderate-intensity exercise per day and 5 days per week, and were discharged after 4 weeks and instructed to continue to exercise outside the hospital. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) at 4 and 8 weeks was the primary endpoint of the study, while the secondary endpoints included patients’ QOL, physical activity, and exercise adherence rate.ResultsSixty-five patients were included; 37 (56.92%) chose to enter the PAT group, and 28 (43.08%) chose to enter the SST group. After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, CRF relief and QOL improvement were significantly better in the PAT group than in the SST group (p < 0.05), whereas global health status did not differ between the two treatment groups (T1: p = 0.84; T2: p = 0.92). Mild physical activity significantly increased for the PAT group at T1 and T2 (T1: p = 0.03; T2: p = 0.005). At the T2 time point, the PAT group exhibited a higher level of participation in moderate-intensity physical activities as well as a higher total leisure activity score (p < 0.05). Thirty-three patients (94.29%) completed the PAT exercise program during hospitalization. Only four (12.12%) patients achieved moderate-intensity exercise, while the other 29 (87.88%) patients were able to continue exercising after their exercise intensity was decreased.ConclusionsImplementation of precise and individualized exercise interventions, prescribed by the rehabilitation team, can lead to the reduction of CRF and improvement of QOL, and change in behavior related to physical activity.

Using a Human-Centered Design Process to Evaluate and Optimize User Experience of a Website (InPACT at Home) to Promote Youth Physical Activity: Case Study.

Web-based physical activity interventions often fail to reach the anticipated public health impact due to insufficient use by the intended audiences. The purpose of this study was to use a human-centered design process to optimize the user experience of the Interrupting Prolonged sitting with ACTivity (InPACT) at Home website to promote youth physical activity participation. Qualitative interviews were conducted to assess engagement and pain points with the InPACT at Home website. Interview data were used to create affinity maps to identify themes of user responses, conduct a heuristic evaluation according to Nielsen's usability heuristics framework, and complete a competitive analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of competitors who offered similar products. Key themes from end user interviews included liking the website design, finding the website difficult to navigate, and wanting additional features (eg, library of watched videos). The website usability issues identified were lack of labeling and categorization of exercise videos, hidden necessary actions and options hindering users from decision-making, error-prone conditions, and high cognitive load of the website. Competitive analysis results revealed that YouTube received the highest usability ratings followed by the Just Dance and Presidential Youth Fitness Program websites. Human-centered design approaches are useful for bringing end users and developers together to optimize user experience and impact public health. Future research is needed to examine the effectiveness of the InPACT at Home website redesign to attract new users and retain current users, with the end goal of increasing youth physical activity engagement.

‘He wants to play football but not available here … ’ Parent perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child physical activity and sport participation

ABSTRACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have higher physical activity participation levels than non-Aboriginal children. However, this trend reverses in adulthood. Data came from the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) at age 8–13 years. Using conventional content analysis, interviews with primary caregivers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were analyzed to understand current sports and physical activity participation, what children would like to do, and associated barriers. Sport (individual and team) and play were identified as important; with football and water sports most frequently mentioned as activities that children enjoy. Dancing was frequently mentioned as an activity that children enjoy and would like to participate in … These findings identify preferences for physical activity and sports participation, including activities that have cultural significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in addition to exercise. These activities can act as mediums for family, kinship, community and cultural connection.

The Importance of Physical Activity in Terms of Mental Health: Investigating the Role of Regular Physical Activity in the Relationships Between Happiness, Mental Well-Being, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Relevant studies indicate that sports increase happiness and helps protect mental health. However, the importance of physical activity in terms of its effects on happiness and mental health needs to be demonstrated. In this study, the purpose was to reveal the effect of doing regular physical activity in investigating the relations between happiness, mental well-being, stress, anxiety, and depression. Data were collected with the Perceived Stress Scale, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, the short form of Oxford Happiness Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A total of 1715 people, 854 males, and 861 females, between the ages of 18-78 participated in the present study. When the results were examined in terms of the condition of physical activity, it was determined that the participants who do physical activity regularly had higher happiness and mental well-being scores than those who not doing regular physical activity, and their stress and depression levels were lower. No differences were detected between the anxiety levels in terms of doing regular physical activity conditions. Different squared multiple correlation coefficients were calculated in predicting happiness, in different models having been compared, and in groups that were formed regarding the physical activity participation condition. It was observed that negative emotional structures explained happiness better without mental well-being in the non-sporting group. The opposite result was obtained when mental well-being mediated the relation between negative emotional structures and happiness.

Quality of life and physical activity levels among colorectal cancer patients: An observational study.

This study investigated the influence of physical activity on the quality of life of patients with postsurgical colorectal cancer in Jordan. A total of 108 colorectal cancer patients aged ≥18 years who underwent surgery at the King Hussein Cancer Center participated voluntarily. The exclusion criteria were severe comorbidities, absolute contraindications to physical activity, and concurrent cancers. Data collection involved phone interviews using The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire due to coronavirus disease 2019 restrictions. Significant positive differences in the quality of life subcategory "physical score" were observed between active and less active patients, favoring the active group. However, no significant differences were found in the impact of physical roles on quality of life between active and less active patients. Participation in physical activity is associated with enhanced physical function in both active and less active colorectal cancer patients. We recommend the implementation of physical activity programs and clinics at King Hussein Cancer Center. Future experimental studies assessing the impact of tailored physical activity training on quality of life are warranted.

Gerakan Literasi Fisik Anti Malas Bergerak di Sekolah Master Indonesia

The younger generation, as the nation's future, must receive special attention, particularly regarding health. The health development of children and adolescents significantly impacts a country's resilience. One approach to enhancing physical activity in schools is through the concept of physical literacy. Similar to general literacy, physical literacy aims to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of physical activity for health. This concept is intended to be maintained throughout life and significantly influences an individual's participation in physical activities. Consequently, this community service program aims to foster physical literacy, increase awareness of the benefits of physical activity for health, and provide enjoyable physical activity experiences. The program was conducted at the Indonesian Master's School with 32 participants aged 12-15. Activities included the physical literacy assessment by filling out a questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, health education, gymnastics, games, providing a poster, and a follow-up plan in the form of health promotion through the digital platform. The results of physical activity assessment and evaluation through pre-test and post-test indicated that participants were aware of the importance of physical activity. Although awareness of physical activity is good among the majority of participants, the application of physical activity in daily life needs to be improved. In fact, Indonesian people tend to engage in low levels of physical activity, which can lead to increased rates of obesity as well as the risk of other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Emotional Distress and Physical Activity Engagement in U.S. Veterans With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Qualitative Study.

Physical activity is recommended as part of guideline-based care for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at all stages of the disease. However, physical activity interventions are less effective in individuals with co-occurring emotional distress (i.e., depression and/or anxiety symptoms). Interventions that dually promote improved physical and mental health in COPD are needed. The first step for intervention development is understanding individuals' experience of these factors. To understand the experience of emotional distress in U.S. Veterans diagnosed with COPD and to explore how emotional distress impacts physical activity engagement. Structured interviews informed by the cognitive and behavioral models of psychopathology were conducted with 29 United States Veterans with COPD (89.66% male, age 67.72 ± 6.55 years, 93.10% White) at the VA Boston Healthcare System. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and underwent thematic analysis. Three major themes encapsulating 17 codes emerged through thematic analysis: (i) the experience of emotional distress in Veterans with COPD; (ii) the complex relationship between emotional distress, physical activity engagement, and COPD; (iii) contextual and personal factors. Veterans' interpretation of their COPD symptoms as unpredictable and uncontrollable and COPD-related physical limitations influenced their experience of emotional distress, while the experience of emotional distress both promoted and deterred physical activity engagement. Veterans were motivated to engage in physical activity despite experiencing emotional distress when they faced a responsibility in daily life. They identified motivational strategies and self-regulation techniques to manage emotional distress and to foster physical activity.

Participation in physical activity and sport in adolescent girls from Middle Eastern backgrounds

ABSTRACT Objectives This study investigated the barriers and facilitators to physical activity and sport participation among adolescent girls from Middle Eastern backgrounds. These factors were explored through the perspectives of both adolescent girls and parents of adolescent girls, living in Australia. Design A qualitative study design was used to understand perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity and sport in adolescent girls. Participants were 18 adolescent girls and 9 parents of adolescent girls, all of Middle Eastern backgrounds, living in Western Sydney, Australia. Data were collected through five focus groups and four one-on-one interviews, separated for girls and parents. Data were analysed using an inductive approach and thematic analysis. Results Three main themes (family, social support, religion and culture) and nine subthemes were identified. The main facilitators for physical activity and sport included the values and presence of an active family role model, religion to encourage lifelong physical activity skills, and promotion of physical activity from peers, school, and social media. The predominant barriers to physical activity and sport included established cultural norms and traditional gender roles, which were often influenced by religion and culture, and extended time using technology. Conclusion The findings of the current study show the complex relationships between family, religion, and culture when promoting physical and sport participation. Such factors highlight the need to develop culturally tailored physical activity interventions that consider the perceived barriers and facilitators for adolescent girls' participation from Middle Eastern backgrounds.

The Relationship Between School-Age Children’s Physical Activity and Their Leisure Activity Interests: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT Physical activities and leisure engagement are important occupations that children partake in. However, the association between physical activities and leisure engagement preferences in children remains largely unexplored in Australian contexts. As such, this study investigated the relationship between children’s physical activities and their leisure activity engagement preferences. A study was conducted involving 27 pairs of school-aged children and their parents/caregivers. Children completed the Preferences for Activities of Children and Children’s Leisure Assessment. Parents/caregivers completed the Children’s Physical Activity Questionnaire. Spearman rho correlations and linear regression analyses with bootstrapping were completed. Children’s games and sports activity variety was significantly correlated with active school activity duration (rho = .452, p = .018). In addition, children’s preferences for instrumental indoor activities predicted sports frequency on weekdays (R2 = .446, p = .003). Similarly, self-enrichment activities variety was predictive of sports activities frequency on weekdays (R2 = .446, p = .006) and weekends (R2 = .151, p = .026). Finally, children’s sociability in instrumental indoor activities predicted active leisure activity duration on weekends (R2 = .120, p = 043). Findings suggest that children’s leisure engagement preferences are predictive of their participation in physical activities. Specific aspects of leisure participation, such as variety and sociability, can also predict children’s physical activity levels. When promoting physical activities, it is important to understand children’s leisure engagement preferences so that clinicians can develop individualized plans by incorporating children’s interests. This will inform child-centered goal setting and intervention planning. Further research in this area is recommended.

Students’ Engagement in Extra-Curricular Physical Activities, Physical Fitness, and Mental Health

Students’ Engagement in Extra-Curricular Physical Activities, Physical Fitness, and Mental Health

Measurement of basic psychological needs for physical activity participation for college students with intellectual disabilities: A validation study.

Measurement instruments to understand self-determined motivation towards physical activity among college students with intellectual disabilities are needed to develop programs to support physical and psychological health and well-being. The purpose of the current study was to validate a modified questionnaire measuring basic psychological needs towards physical activity among college students with intellectual disabilities. A total of 108 college students with intellectual disabilities completed the modified questionnaire. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire was examined. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a six-factor model had good model fit. Cronbach's alpha values showed acceptable reliability evidence of the instrument as a whole, although some alpha values in subdomains of the instrument were below acceptable values. The modified questionnaire was found to have acceptable validity evidence. Further studies are needed with refinement of answer options and the addition of more questions to increase reliability.