Physical Activity Settings Research Articles

Physical activity and park use of youth in Nanchang, China.

Physical inactivity is a growing issue in Chinese youth, but parks can facilitate traditional and non-traditional forms of physical activity for little to no cost. Despite this opportunity, very little is known regarding park use among Chinese youth. The purpose of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional observational study of park usage and physical activity of youth in municipal parks in Nanchang, China. Data were collected in June of 2014 in eight parks across Nanchang, Jiangxi a large city in southeast China. Physical activity was measured by a modified version of System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities. Ordered hierarchic generalized linear models were estimated using a logit link function. The influence of the park was estimated using random effects, with fixed effects and park, environmental, and park user characteristics. Youth were most often seen active in the afternoon, on weekends, and during cooler times (≤ 29 °C). Paradoxically, more children were active when air quality was poorer. Older boys were more active than younger boys, but no differences were observed in girls. More children were seen active in unstructured play compared to structured activities. The results suggest parks are an important setting for physical activity among Chinese youth, and that unstructured activities can play an important role in promoting greater youth physical activity.

Effects of a brief, pedometer-based behavioral intervention for individuals with COPD during inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation on 6-week and 6-month objectively measured physical activity: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPulmonary rehabilitation programs often fail to substantially enhance long-term physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The reasons for successful physical activity changes in patients with COPD are not well understood. The need to better understand the determinants of physical activity in patients with COPD and effective rehabilitation strategies to improve physical activity is evident.Methods/designThe STAR study (Stay Active after Rehabilitation) investigates, in a randomized controlled trial, the additional effect of a pedometer-based behavior-change intervention during inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation on objectively measured physical activity 6 weeks and 6 months post rehabilitation. The intervention uses the behavior-change techniques (1) instruction on how, where and when to perform the behavior, (2) prompt goal setting for physical activity, (3) prompt self-monitoring of behavior, and (4) feedback on behavior. The primary outcome of physical activity will be measured using a physical activity monitor (Actigraph wGT3X-BT) for a period of 7 days, firstly 2 weeks before rehabilitation begins (t0) as well as 6 weeks and 6 months after rehabilitation (t3, t4). Additionally, to predict physical activity progression after rehabilitation, a complex personal diagnostics battery, including questionnaires as well as functional assessments, is to be carried out at the start and end of rehabilitation (t1, t2). This battery is based on the foundational ideas of the Physical Activity-Related health Competence model.Five hundred and two patients with COPD, aged 18 years or older and admitted for an approved pulmonary rehabilitation, will be enrolled in the STAR study.DiscussionThe STAR study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to gain a better understanding of the personal determinants of physical activity in patients with COPD and to evaluate a pedometer-based physical activity-change intervention in the context of inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation. The results enable the future identification of patients with COPD who will find it difficult to engage in long-term physical activity after rehabilitation. Based on this, intervention strategies to promote physical activity in the content of pulmonary rehabilitation can be optimized.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, ID: NCT02966561. Registered retrospectively after the start of the recruitment in June 2016 on 22 November 2016. All protocol modifications will be registered in the trial registry.

Development of a Healthy Weight Management SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education Curriculum: Food Talk: Better U

To develop a culturally tailored, evidence-based obesity prevention program to address high burden of obesity among SNAP-Ed participants. The theory was social cognitive theory and expanded health belief model. Food Talk: Better U (FTBU) is a series of four 90-minute sessions taught by paraprofessionals focusing on improving healthy weight management practices. Lesson topics include: portion control, setting SMART goals, limiting added sugar intake, making small healthy shifts in everyday food choices, and problem-solving strategies for mitigating common barriers to healthful eating. Each lesson includes a sharing session, didactic lesson, physical activity (PA), cooking demonstration/tasting, and goal setting. Featured recipes focus on healthful versions of traditional Southern dishes. PA includes resistance exercises with emphasis on proper mechanics. Participants receive a take-home workbook for food and PA journaling, goal setting, additional physical activities, and nutrition education/PA extenders to enhance healthful practices at home (e.g., measuring cups, resistance bands). A rigorous needs assessment including literature review and interviews with SNAP-Ed eligible participants and peer nutrition educators was completed prior to FTBU development. Formative evaluation was completed in a pilot county, including class observations, participant focus group, and educator interviews. The development of FTBU is based on systematic, comprehensive needs assessment and rigorous evaluation methods, as aligned with the new direction of SNAP-Ed guidance. FTBU will serve as a foundation for obesity prevention intervention for SNAP-Ed programming in Georgia and will be expanded to eLearning and social marketing nutrition education interventions.

The effects of goal priming on cortisol responses in an ego-involving climate

ObjectivesThis study examined the potential for a motivational priming session to buffer the psychophysiological stress response to an ego-involving climate in a physical activity setting. Research in Achievement Goal Perspective Theory (AGPT) suggests that creating a caring/task-involving climate can have beneficial effects on participants in physical activity settings, even buffering the physiological response to stress. However, less is known about how individuals might buffer that response when an ego-involving climate is occurring beyond their control. DesignMale college students (N = 38) between the ages of 18 and 30 years (Mage=20.68,SD=2.66) were randomly assigned to either a control group with no exposure to AGPT or an experimental (i.e., AGPT motivational priming) group, and took part in an ego-involving juggling session. Psychophysiological stress responses (e.g., cortisol) were assessed. MethodPrior to juggling, the experimental group received a motivational priming session that briefly reviewed the body of AGPT literature, while the control group received information on the history of Sport Psychology as a professional field. Cortisol was measured at five time points throughout the study via saliva samples. Participants also completed pre- and post-measures of self-reported anxiety and self-confidence (CSAI-2). ResultsResults showed a marked increase in cortisol (as measured by percent change from baseline) in the control group, but not the experimental group. Psychological responses were stable across groups. ConclusionProviding athletes and exercisers with nothing more than basic information on AGPT can reduce their physiological markers of psychosocial stress in ego-involving climates. Such education may be a beneficial practice for coaches, physical educators, and trainers.

Underserved Boys’ Self-efficacy, Pacer Performance and Ethnicity In A Summer Sports Camp

Childhood obesity is prevalent in the United States. It occurs with a higher rate among minority children and particularly during the summer time. Physical activity (PA) participation is vital in curbing obesity epidemic. To promote PA, it is crucial to understand its underlying psychological factors such as self-efficacy (SE). Research indicates SE is related to children’s fitness performance. However, few studies have examined the association among minority children. PURPOSE: This study investigated the relationship between underserved boys’ SE and PACER performance and whether these variables differed by ethnicity in a summer sports camp. METHOD: Participants included 94 boys (13.1 ± 2.1yrs) enrolled in summer sports camp in 2015. The boys came from low-income families and were 20.2% African American, 20.2% Caucasian, and 59.6% Hispanic American. Their social self-efficacy (SSE) and physical activity self-efficacy (PASE) were measured using a previously validated questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale during the first week of the camp, and fitness performance was assessed by PACER in the third week of the camp. RESULTS: SSE was significantly correlated with PASE (r = 0.52, p < 0.01), while PASE was significantly correlated with PACER performance (r = 0.26, p<0.01). A MANOVA yielded a significant main effect for ethnicity (λ = .81, F (6, 178) = 3.32, p < .01, η2 = .10). Follow-up tests revealed significant ethnicity differences in the mean scores of PASE only (F (2, 94) = 6.86, p < .01, η2 = .13), with African American boys scoring the highest (M = 4.16), followed by Hispanic American boys (M = 3.82) and Caucasian boys (M = 3.51). CONCLUSION: Similar to previous research, boys in this study believing in their physical activity ability had better PACER performance than boys who did not. This finding provides additional evidence for the importance of physical activity self-efficacy in physical activity settings. Observed ethnicity differences support the notion that ethnicity is related to children’s self-efficacy. This study was funded by the Sydney and J.L. Huffines Institute for Sports Medicine and Human Performance at Texas A&M University.

A Social Identity Approach to Understanding and Promoting Physical Activity

Against the backdrop of a global physical inactivity crisis, attempts to both understand and positively influence physical activity behaviours are characterized by a focus on individual-level factors (e.g. cognitions, attitudes, motivation). We outline a new perspective, drawn from an emerging body of work exploring the applicability of social identity and self-categorization theories to domains of sport and health, from which to understand and address this pervasive problem. This social identity approach suggests that the groups to which people belong can be, and often are, incorporated into their sense of self and, through this, are powerful determinants of physical activity-related behaviour. We start by reviewing the current state of physical activity research and highlighting the potential for the social identity approach to help understand how social factors influence these behaviours. Next, we outline the theoretical underpinnings of the social identity approach and provide three key examples that speak to the analytical and practical value of the social identity approach in physical activity settings. Specifically, we argue that social identity (1) can be harnessed to promote engagement in physical activity, (2) underpins exercise group behaviour, and (3) underpins effective leadership in exercise settings. We conclude by identifying prospects for a range of theory-informed research developments.

Social cognitive correlates of physical activity among persons with multiple sclerosis: Influence of depressive symptoms

BackgroundPhysical inactivity and elevated depressive symptoms are both highly prevalent and correlated among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Variables from Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) might be differentially correlated with physical activity in persons with MS who have elevated depressive symptoms. PurposeThis study investigated the influence of elevated depressive symptoms on correlates of physical activity based on SCT in persons with MS. MethodsParticipants (mean age = 50.3 years, 87% female, 69% Caucasian) completed questionnaires on physical activity, depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, social support, outcome expectations, functional limitations, and goal setting. The questionnaires were delivered and returned through the U.S. Postal Service. The sample (N = 551) was divided into 2 subgroups (i.e., elevated vs non-elevated levels of depressive symptoms) for statistical analyses. Bivariate correlations and stepwise multiple regressions were conducted using SPSS. ResultsSelf-efficacy (r = 0.16), functional limitations (r = 0.22) and goal-setting (r = 0.42) were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with physical activity among the elevated depressive sample. The regression analysis indicated that self-efficacy predicted physical activity in Step 1 (β = 0.16, p < 0.05), but was no longer significant when goal-setting (β = 0.06, p > 0.05) entered the model. All social cognitive variables were significantly associated with physical activity levels (r = 0.16–0.40, p < 0.001) among the non-elevated depressive sample. Self-efficacy predicted physical activity in Step 1 (β = 0.24, p < 0.001), but it was no longer significant once goal-setting, functional limitations, and self-evaluative outcome expectations entered the model. ConclusionBased on SCT, self-efficacy and goal-setting represent possible targets of behavior interventions for increasing physical activity among persons with MS who have elevated depressive symptoms. There is a larger set of targets among those with MS who do not have elevated symptoms.

Physical activity motivation and benefits in people with multiple sclerosis

Purpose: Multiple sclerosis is a degenerative neurological disease that affects 2.1 million people worldwide. There is no cure, but an expanding body of research supports the positive impact of physical activity and suggests physical activity has benefits for the individual’s psychological and physical well-being.Material and methods: Using Self-Determination Theory as a framework, mixed methods with a focus on qualitative interviews were used to explore physical activity motivation and benefits with a sample of highly active people with multiple sclerosis (n = 15). Disability level ranged from not disabled to wheelchair bound with the majority of participants reporting minimal impact from multiple sclerosis. Survey data were collected using a number of open-ended questions along with measures of self-efficacy, self-determined motivation, physical activity, and quality of life. Additionally, eight individuals participated in semistructured telephone interviews focused on (a) motivation and strategies used to maintain physical activity and (b) the benefits and impact of physical activity in their lives.Results: The main findings were consistent with Self-Determination Theory; participants described feelings of accomplishment and competence in both their physical activity and daily life, as well as a sense of independence and autonomy. Similarly, all participants cited benefits, and the main themes were enhanced satisfaction with life and an overall positive outlook on life.Conclusion: Results provide insight into the role of physical activity in a highly active sample and have implications for professionals working in physical activity settings with the multiple sclerosis population. Interventions aimed at increasing long-term physical activity adherence should focus on increasing autonomy and competence for physical activity in the individual and promoting potential increased quality of life outcomes from physical activity participation.Implications for RehabilitationMultiple sclerosis is a chronic degenerative neurological disease that the individual lives with for a majority of the lifespan.Physical activity is one means that has been shown to aid is the control of multiple sclerosis symptoms.Increasing patient understanding of the benefits of using physical activity as a means to control multiple sclerosis symptoms may result in long-term physical activity adherence.Physical activity interventions that develop feelings of competence and independent choice in the patient may be more successful for long-term participation.

The differential impact of motivational climate on adolescents’ psychological and physiological stress responses

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether motivational climates have a differential impact on adolescent psychological and physiological stress responses (i.e., salivary cortisol). It is important to investigate this relationship, as psychological stress and stress-responsive hormones have been implicated in a variety of biochemical processes deleterious to mental and physical health. Although youth consistently respond positively to caring, task-involving (C/TI) physical activity settings, ego-involving (EI) climates remain prevalent in youth sport contexts. DesignMiddle school students (N = 47) were separated by gender and randomly assigned to either a C/TI or EI 30 min instructional juggling session. MethodSalivary cortisol was measured at four times over the 3 h study, including one baseline (t = 0 min; juggling session start) and three response measures (t = +30, t = +45, and t = +60 min). Psychological stress and motivational responses were also examined, including anxiety, affect, enjoyment, and effort. Individual items were utilized to substantiate stress perceptions and assess psychological responses. ResultsResults revealed EI climate procured a significant rise in salivary cortisol and greater humiliation, self-consciousness, shame, negative affect, and anxiety, relative to the C/TI group, while adolescents in the C/TI group responded more favorably (e.g., greater effort and enjoyment). ConclusionsThese findings suggest the motivational climate can differentially impact adolescents’ stress responses, with EI climates eliciting both physiological and psychological stress responses in youth. In contrast, C/TI climates may buffer performance related stressors that accompany group achievement settings and yield a protective response.

Educator engagement and interaction and children's physical activity in early childhood education and care settings: an observational study protocol

IntroductionThe benefits of regular physical activity for children are significant. Previous research has addressed the quantity and quality of children's physical activity while in early childhood education and care (ECEC)...

Relación Entre Motivación, Actividad Física Realizada En El Tiempo Libre Y La Intención Futura De Práctica De Actividad Física. Estudio Comparativo Entre Adolescentes Argentinos Y Españoles

&lt;p&gt;Los objetivos del presente trabajo son estudiar las diferencias en orientación motivacional, motivación intrínseca, nivel de práctica actual e intención de práctica futuraentre estudiantes de Argentina y de España, y conocer la influencia que las tres primeras variables tienen sobre la última. Diferentes cuestionarios validados fueron administrados a una muestra de 1597 estudiantes de educación física de Argentina y España con edades comprendidas entre 14 y 18 años. Los resultados sugieren ligeras diferencias entre los sujetos de ambos países mientras que los análisis de regresión revelan la emergencia de la motivación intrínseca y la práctica actual como principales predictores de la intención de realizar práctica de actividad física en el futuro en ambos contextos. Se discuten los resultados desde las principales teorías consideradas en el abordaje del estudio de la motivación en contextos de actividad física en los últimos años y en el marco de estudios interculturales.&lt;/p&gt;

Positive Behavior Management in Physical Activity Settings, With Web Resources (3rd ed.)

Positive Behavior Management in Physical Activity Settings, With Web Resources (3rd ed.)

Inequality in Active Public Park: A Case Study of Benjakitti Park in Bangkok, Thailand

Public Park is considered as one of the important settings for physical activity, especially in urban area. Parks support physical activity through their accessibility; their provision to facilitate active pursuits; their capacity to provide opportunities to a wide range of users; and their semi-permanent nature. The study explores the characteristics of park use in Benjakitti Park, one of the most prominent district parks in Bangkok, Thailand. The study conducts a 7 days of SOPARC (System Observing Play and Recreation in Community) observation to understand the characteristics of park use and physical activities. The study also conducts a survey questionnaire of 206 park users to understand their perceptions and preferences. It is found that the park is an active park with an average of 2,663 visitors per day and 46.2% of users are engaged in moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (43.1%) and sedentary behaviour (10.8%). The highest level of MVPA is found in adult users (72.4%), which mostly are office workers who visit the park after working hours for exercise. The study also finds that the high number of MVPA in the park creates negative externalities, such as the conflict between users and the exclusion of children and users who wants to enjoy less vigorous physical activity in the park. These externalities create inequality of park access and discourage groups of user who want to visit the park for different purposes other than physical activity and exercise. The study concludes that planning and designing active Public Park should provide equal opportunity for all urban residents to access and engage in any types of park activity.

Understanding Children’s Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life: An Expectancy-Value Approach

This review paper explores the motivational processes in physical education related to physical activity and health-related quality of life among children and adolescents. First, we review the existing body of literature relating to children’s health-related quality of life. Next, we present the expectancy-value model of achievement choice as a framework for investigating how children’s motivation in physical activity settings interacts with physical activity and health-related quality of life. In the following section, we discuss social-contextual factors within the motivational climate, and how they can enhance or constrain decisions to be physically active and influence health-related quality of life. We conclude by identifying emerging research issues, implications for practice, and suggestions for future research directions.

Predicting changes in student engagement in university physical education: Application of control-value theory of achievement emotions

ObjectivesBased on Pekrun’s (2006) control value theory of achievement emotions, this study examined both distal and proximal predictors of change in students' behavioral and emotional engagement during one semester of university physical education classes. DesignShort-term longitudinal design. MethodStudents (N = 202) completed questionnaires on three separate occasions during one semester. At the beginning of the semester, demographic information and behavioral and emotional engagement were reported. At the mid-point in the semester, control beliefs, extrinsic value beliefs, and discrete activity emotions toward the physical education context (i.e., enjoyment; anger; boredom) were completed. At the end of the semester, behavioral and emotional engagement were measured once again. ResultsA series of confirmatory factor analyses provided evidence for factor validity and reliability in the measured constructs and longitudinal measurement invariance tests established that any detected change in student engagement was associated with true change. Findings from a path analysis revealed that initial emotional engagement was a predictor of control and extrinsic value appraisals as well as enjoyment and boredom, but not anger. Extrinsic value positively predicted enjoyment while control negatively predicted anger. Finally, a distinct pattern of relations was established between enjoyment, boredom, and changes in engagement. ConclusionsDifferences in the predictive relations of boredom and anger on changes in student engagement highlights the unique contributions of measuring discrete emotions. Overall, findings partially support the applicability of using Pekrun's control value framework in physical activity settings.

No emotion is an island: an overview of theoretical perspectives and narrative research on emotions in sport and physical activity

Within sport and physical activity settings emotions have typically been conceived and explored from an individualistic or intrapersonal perspective, although researchers are increasingly turning their attention to the interpersonal aspects of emotions and emotion regulation. In this paper, we provide a theoretical overview of the social or interpersonal aspects of emotions from a psychological perspective, and we also consider theoretical perspectives of emotion as intersubjective, social, performative and embodied. We then provide a review of narrative research on emotion in sport and physical activity contexts and provide suggestions for future research in this area. We suggest that narrative approaches can advance research on emotions in sport and physical activity by exploring how emotions arise within the context of social relationships; by exploring how emotional stories or narratives function and are used by athletes, coaches, and others within sport and physical activity contexts; by examining how emotions are created, recreated, and sustained through the stories people tell; by examining how collective and group-based emotions are intertwined with one’s identity and identity development; and by highlighting the ways in which social and cultural narratives within sport shape athletes’ emotional experiences. We conclude by describing some challenges we have faced in conducting qualitative research from a narrative lens, and we describe how we have navigated these issues as a way of offering some ‘lessons learned’ from our own research.

Quality Predictors of Abdominal Fetal Electrocardiography Recording in Antenatal Ambulatory and Bedside Settings

Background: Fetal electrocardiography using an abdominal monitor (Monica AN24™) could increase the diagnostic use of fetal heart rate (fHR) variability measurements. However, signal quality may depend on factors such as maternal physical activity, posture, and bedside versus ambulatory setting. Methods: Sixty-three healthy women wore the monitor at home and 42 women during a hospital stay. All women underwent a posture experiment, and all home and 13 hospital participants wore the monitor during daytime and nighttime. The success rate (SR) of fHR detection was analyzed in relation to maternal physical activity, posture, daytime versus nighttime, and other maternal and fetal predictors. Results: Ambulatorily, the SR was 86.8% for nighttime and 40.2% for daytime. The low daytime SR was largely due to effects of maternal physical activity and posture. The in-hospital SR was lower during nighttime (71.1%) and similar during daytime (43.3%). SR was related to gestational age, but not affected by pre-pregnancy and current body mass index or fetal growth restriction. Conclusions: The success of beat-to-beat fHR detection strongly depends on the home/hospital setting and predictors such as time of recording, activity levels, and maternal posture. Its clinical utility may be limited in periods of unsupervised recording with physical activity or posture shifts.

Leveraging the Habit-forming Aspects of Technology to Increase Levels of Physical Activity

The use of technology to promote physical activity has been rapidly gaining popularity as technological advances find ever-broadening applications. Though some technology aspects (i.e., on-screen video games) were for long perceived to be incompatible with efforts to diminish physical inactivity, evolving technology has made incorporating newer forms possible in physical activity settings. Professionals interested in physical activity continue to explore and embrace more technology applications with features that advance movement goals. For example, technologies such as the Striiv pedometers, which use virtual challenges and virtual rewards to make movement habitual, demonstrate how habit-forming technology could help to spur sustainable healthy levels of physical activity. This article proposes increased exploration and utilization of habit-forming technology features to encourage more physical activity time in and outside of the physical education classroom. It suggests deliberately seeking technologies with built-in virtual challenges and reward systems to help create and sustain robust physical activity habits necessary for health.

Do They Need Goals or Support? A Report from a Goal-Setting Intervention Using Physical Activity Monitors in Youth.

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and different goal setting and strategies in youth. The study took into consideration different sources of support as well as gender variations. Classmate and Teacher Support scales were used to evaluate support in physical education (PE) classes, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was reported. Garmin Vivofit® activity trackers were used during an 8 week-long intervention to count daily steps. Data was collected from 65 adolescents (mean age 17.2 ± 0.2), 74 young adolescents (mean age 15.3 ± 0.2) and 57 children (mean age 11.5 ± 0.4). An experimental design was employed, with “goal” and “do your best” groups given different step goal strategies. The results show that both groups achieved a comparable number of steps. Two-way ANOVA showed interactional effects between gender and teacher support. There were no such effects for MVPA and number of steps. Although classmate support in PE was reported to be reasonably high, the findings show that it does not play a significant role in increasing MVPA behaviors in youths. However, the problem of significantly lower support given to adolescent girls by PE teachers should be embedded into the teaching context of PE students and counteracted in school setting realities.

Trash to Treasure: Using Recyclables in Physical Activity Settings

Americans produce approximately 250 million tons of trash every year, and almost 35 percent of those are of recyclable materials. There are over 1,200 landfills in the United States, and many have caused and will potentially cause significant damage to the environment. It is important for the next generation to know that what is perceived as “trash” can be made into something “valuable” and fun. The purpose of the article is to provide physical educators with helpful ideas for using recyclable items in various physical activity settings. Steps for making hoops and agility ladders from newspapers and magazines, dice from cereal boxes, jump ropes from plastic bags, and hand-held stilts from coffee cans are illustrated. Ideas such as balancing a tennis ball on a milk jug and building an obstacle course with cardboard boxes are also demonstrated. Finally, three physical activities using these recyclables are presented.