Predictors Of Physical Activity Research Articles

The Relationship Between Social Integration and Physical Activity, Diet, and Sleep Among Youths: Cross-sectional Survey Study.

Social integration has been shown to predict physical activity (PA), diet, and sleep in adults. However, these associations have not been well-studied in youth samples. Using a life course perspective, it is imperative to study this in youths as social and health behaviors are established early in life. The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between social integration and PA, diet, and sleep for urban, middle-school youth. Cross-sectional baseline data from middle-school youths (N=73) who participated in an afterschool health behavior intervention were included in this study. Time with friends significantly predicted moderate to vigorous intensity PA (β=.33, P=.02). Time spent with family was significantly related to fruit consumption (t66=1.38, P=.005) and vegetable consumption (t72=1.96, P=.01). Social integration appears to be related to both PA and nutrition behaviors in youths. Future research should expand on our findings to explain how different domains of social integration may impact youths' health behaviors. RR2-10.2196/37126.

Moderating Effect Of Gender-Based Differences On Physical Activity And Fatigue Among Recovered COVID-19 Patients

PURPOSE: Clinical data point toward gender-based differences in COVID-19 severity. However, there is insufficient research examining whether gender differences predict physical activity (PA) and fatigue severity in patients recovering from COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the PA and fatigue severity in a cohort of patients recovering from COVID-19 and measure the extent to which gender-based differences moderate the relationship of PA with fatigue. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample comprised patients recovering from COVID-19 over at least 3 months. Recovered patients were stratified into two groups based on gender. The survey included items pertaining to sociodemographic, a fatigue severity scale (FSS) and a self-reported international PA questionnaire (IPAQ). Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted in analysis. To assess the moderating effect of gender in this research, a simple moderator regression analysis was done using the PROCESS macro, version 3.5.3. The data were analyzed using statistical software. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients (44 women and 43 men) met the inclusion criteria. Compared with men, most women were more likely to report sedentary behavior (70%) and high fatigue severity (64%). A significantly higher number of women had a low PA score on the IPAQ compared with men (p = .002). Compared with men, there was a significant difference in the proportions of women who had greater fatigue (p = .001). The results of multiple linear regression analyses for the association between gender and total METs of PA and fatigue severity as dependent variables showed that the gender is considered a significant independent predictor of total PA and fatigue severity (R2 = .17, p = .003; R2 = .34, p = .002), respectively. Gender moderates the relationship between self-perceived fatigue and total PA (= .001, SE = .006, p = .03), which suggests that gender is a moderator of the effect of total PA on fatigue severity. CONCLUSION: the current study illustrated the incidence of lower levels of PA and a higher FSS result in women who had recovered from COVID-19. Considering the importance of increasing PA levels and decreasing fatigue levels, longitudinal studies to encourage PA engagement among female and to control fatigue are recommended.

Application of the Multi-Process Action Control Model to Predict Physical Activity During Late Adolescence

The aim of this study was to apply the Multi-Process Action Control model to examine how the additions of regulatory and reflexive processes predict physical activity (PA) behaviors among adolescents. Our sample included 1,176 Grade 11 students (Mage = 15.85 ± 0.38) recruited from a large school board in Southern Ontario. Participants completed a questionnaire including measures of self-reported PA and PA cognitions derived from the Multi-Process Action Control model. Results found the reflective process explaining 16.5% of the variance in PA, with the additions of regulatory and reflexive processes significantly improving the explained variance by 5.1% and 8.2%, respectively. Final models revealed coping planning (estimate = 45.10, p = .047), identity (estimate = 55.82, p < .001), and habit (estimate = 64.07, p < .001) as significant predictors of PA. Findings reinforce the need for integrative models to better understand PA, with coping planning, habit formation, and development of an active identity to be salient targets for intervention during adolescence.

Predicting physical activity change in cancer survivors: an application of the Health Action Process Approach

PurposePrevious research has not examined the utility of the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) to predict physical activity (PA) change in cancer survivors. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of a HAPA-based model in predicting temporal change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in cancer survivors.MethodsParticipants enrolled in the Wearable Activity Technology and Action Planning (WATAAP) trial completed validated questionnaires (n = 64) to assess HAPA constructs (action and maintenance self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, action planning, risk perceptions, and intention) and wore an ActiGraph to measure PA at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks later. Data were analyzed using variance-based structural equation modeling with residualized change scores for model variables.ResultsConsistent with predictions, changes in action self-efficacy (β = 0.490, p < 0.001, ES = 0.258) and risk perceptions (β = 0.312, p = 0.003, ES = 0.099) were statistically significant predictors of intention change over time. Changes in intention (β = 0.217, p = 0.029, ES = 0.040) and action planning (β = 0.234, p = 0.068, ES = 0.068) predicted changes in MVPA. Overall, the model accounted for significant variance in intention (R2 = 0.380) and MVPA (R2 = 0.228) change.ConclusionsChanges in intention and action planning were important correlates of MVPA change over 24 weeks. Further, changes in action self-efficacy and risk perceptions predicted changes in intention. Implications for cancer survivors: interventions that foster risk perceptions and self-efficacy, strengthen intentions, and promote action planning may be effective in promoting sustained PA change in cancer survivors.

Exploring the importance of diversified physical activities in early childhood for later motor competence and physical activity level: a seven-year longitudinal study

BackgroundResearch indicates that childhood motor competence (MC) can predict physical activity (PA) levels later in life and it has been argued that frequently engaging in a wide diversity of physical activities will eventually improve children’s MC. However, no longitudinal or experimental studies have confirmed this theoretical rationale. The aims of this study are to explore the longitudinal associations between diversified physical activities at age six and later MC and PA (time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA) (age nine and 13). Furthermore, we explore to what extent the longitudinal association between diversified physical activity and PA is mediated by MC.MethodsLongitudinal data from the Copenhagen School Intervention Study were used for this analysis, where 704 participated (69% response rate). Diversified physical activity (self-reported), MC (The Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder battery of postural stability and locomotor skills) and PA (accelerometer) were assessed in the children at age six, age nine and age 13. A total of 654 participated in at least two of the measures and, therefore, were included in the analysis. Two structural equation models were constructed, with diversified physical activity at age six and MC and PA at age nine as predictors of PA and MC at age 13.ResultsThe data from both models demonstrated good model fit. Diversified physical activity at 6 years of age was significantly associated with physical activity and MC at age 13, when adjusting for sex, age, intervention, weight, height, and previous levels of PA and MC. Diversified physical activity at age six was also positively associated with PA and MC at age nine, which were, in turn, positively related to PA at age 13 but to a lesser degree than diversified PA at age six. The association between diversified physical activity at age six and PA at age 13 was not mediated by MC at age nine.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that diversified physical activity at age six is important for the development of MC and PA in adolescence. Increasing the diversity of children’s daily physical activities, not only the amount and intensity, seems important for future PA behavior and thereby health promotion in a life course perspective.

The role of social support in physical activity for cancer survivors: A systematic review.

Social support is conceptualized and operationalized in many ways, making it challenging to understand what types of support best predict physical activity (PA) in cancer survivors. This review examined associations between social support and PA among cancer survivors. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched eight databases for studies that reported an association between social support and PA among adult cancer survivors. We conducted an appraisal and a narrative synthesis of the findings from quantitative studies. Fifty studies representing 28 366 participants were included. Studies collectively included concepts addressing the presence of relationships, others' PA behavior, perceptions of being supported, and function/quality. Findings were mixed in suggesting a positive or null association with PA. While results are not definitive, this review takes a step toward mapping the social support literature in PA for cancer survivors. Limitations include the homogeneity of the participants in extant studies, and the secondary focus on testing the effects of social support on outcomes. Future research systematically testing the effects of social support is important for facilitating PA in this population.

Predicting Physical Activity Among Children: Investigating Interaction Effects in the Theory of Planned Behavior

ABSTRACTPurpose: The theory of planned behavior (TPB) has been criticized for not including interactions between the variables assumed to predict behavior. This study sought to test how TPB variables interact to predict physical activity (PA) in children. Method: Four hundred thirty-eight children (Mage = 8.6 years, SD = 1.6 years) completed a TPB questionnaire and a PA questionnaire at Time 1. The PA measure was repeated 2 months later. Path analyses were performed to test the hypothesized model including interaction terms between TPB variables. Simple slopes analyses were also carried out to examine the statistically significant interaction terms. Results: Path analyses confirmed the classical hypotheses of TPB (R2 for intentions = .39, R2 for PA = .12) and also demonstrated only statistically significant Attitudes × Perceived Behavioral Control and Subjective Norms × Attitudes interactions (R2 change for intentions = .01, p = .009). Simple slopes analyses revealed that the strength of the association between perceived behavioral control and intentions was only statistically significantly higher (t = 2.18, p = .05, d = 0.34, 95% CI [0.03, 0.65]) when attitudes were high compared with when attitudes were low. The link between attitudes and intentions was only statistically significant at a low level of subjective norms but not at a high level. Conclusion: The integration of interaction effects between TPB variables did not increase for the variance of PA explained by the model. More research appears to be necessary to explore how the TPB could be augmented to better predict PA in children.

Interaction between self-regulation, intentions and implicit attitudes in the prediction of physical activity among persons with obesity.

Both explicit and implicit motivational processes predict physical activity (PA); however, their respective contributions may depend on interindividual differences. This study examined the moderating role of trait impulsivity and executive functions in the associations between PA intentions, implicit attitudes toward sedentary behavior, and PA measured with accelerometers in persons with obesity. Participants (N = 76; Mage = 56 years, SD = 11.9; MBody Mass Index = 39.1, SD = 6.5) completed baseline questionnaires measuring their PA intentions and trait impulsivity. They also performed 2 computerized tests measuring implicit attitudes toward sedentary behavior and executive functions. PA was assessed 4 months later with an accelerometer. Implicit attitudes toward sedentary behavior and executive functions interacted to predict PA. Higher implicit attitudes were associated with significantly lower PA in participants with low and moderate executive functions but not high executive functions. These results support the role of implicit processes and cognitive factors in health-related behavior adoption through time. Practically, these variables may be useful to identify individuals at risk of abandoning PA after programs who thus may benefit from complementary interventions (e.g., provide feedback on implicit attitudes and develop self-regulatory skills). (PsycINFO Database Record

Social antecedents in physical activity: Tracking the self‐determination theory sequence in adolescents

AbstractThe aim of the study was to test the self determination theory (SDT) sequence to predict physical activity (PA) and intention to be active during adolescence: social factors (father, mother, friends, and physical education teacher) → basic psychological needs (BPN) → types of motivation were assessed→ PA and intention to be active. Participants were 1,150 adolescents, Mage = 15.01 (1.55), who completed questionnaires. Structural equation modeling supports the SDT sequence model. Results revealed that intrinsic and extrinsic motivation positively predicted both PA and intention to be active while amotivation did so negatively. Moreover, social factors behaved differently with BPN, finding positive relationships between father, friends, and physical education teachers with competence, autonomy, and relatedness, whereas mother's support does not influence the sequence. The study shed light on the SDT theory to provide a better understanding of physical activity behaviors and intentions during adolescence.

Multidimensional Physical Self‐Concept in Underserved Urban High School Students: Predicting Physical Activity

The purpose of this study was to predict physical activity (PA) using multidimensional physical self‐concept theory with underserved urban inner city youth. Eight‐hundred and sixty‐five, mostly African‐American, high school students from a large Midwest inner city participated in the current study. Using structural equation modeling, we found support for multidimensional self‐concept theory. We argue against one‐dimensional models of self‐esteem as two discrete physical self‐concepts accounted for significant variance in PA. Endurance and sport self‐concepts both contributed to predicting unique variance (15%) in PA.

Which school- and home-based factors in elementary school-age children predict physical activity and sedentary behavior in secondary school-age children? A prospective cohort study.

To examine which school- and home-based factors at age 11 to 12 (6th grade, elementary school) predict physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) at age 13 to 14 (8th grade, secondary school). Data at both time points were collected from 472 children (mean age baseline = 10.97, SD age = 0.41) and their parents. Children and parents completed self-reported questionnaires. Children's height and weight were measured and children wore a pedometer for 7 days. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that predominantly boys (β = -.11), children with higher levels of pedometer-determined PA (β = .44) and more parental logistic support (β = .11) at age 11 to 12 displayed higher levels of pedometer-determined PA at age 13 to 14 (R2 = 39.1%). Similar results emerged for self-reported moderate-to-vigorous PA (R2 = 36.7%). Finally, lower levels of screen-based SB at age 13 to 14 (R2 = 32.5%) were most strongly related to lower levels of screen-based SB (β = .41), a medium/high socioeconomic status (β = -.18), and higher levels of parental PA explicit modeling (β = -.18) at age 11 to 12. Children's PA/SB and the supportive role of parents at age 11 to 12 are strong predictors of PA and screen-based SB at age 13 to 14.

PREDICTORS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG CZECH AND AMERICAN CHILDREN WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT

Research is scarce in relation to using social-cognitive theory inclusive of social-cognitive, affective and environmental constructs to predict physical activity (PA) and fitness with hearing impaired (HI) children. Hence, the purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the ability of social cognitive variables (e.g., self-efficacy and social support), environmental (i.e., time outside) and affective constructs (e.g., physical activity enjoyment) to predict PA. Children from the Czech Republic and the USA (N = 64, M age = 14.1) with hearing impairments completed questionnaires assessing predictor variables and PA. Using multiple regression analyses we accounted for 29% of the variance in PA. Based on standardized beta-weights, the best predictors of PA were gender, country, and a block of social-cognitive constructs. Compared to males and females from the Czech Republic and to females in the USA, American males receiving social support from their friends and who enjoyed physical education were the children most likely to be physically active. Future research examining environmental influences more fully (e.g., school settings, after school programs) both within the USA and cross-culturally and adult influences beyond parents (e.g., teachers, coaches) are encouraged.

Can the theory of planned behaviour predict the physical activity behaviour of individuals?

The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) can identify cognitions that predict differences in behaviour between individuals. However, it is not clear whether the TPB can predict the behaviour of an individual person. This study employs a series of n-of-1 studies and time series analyses to examine the ability of the TPB to predict physical activity (PA) behaviours of six individuals. Six n-of-1 studies were conducted, in which TPB cognitions and up to three PA behaviours (walking, gym workout and a personally defined PA) were measured twice daily for six weeks. Walking was measured by pedometer step count, gym attendance by self-report with objective validation of gym entry and the personally defined PA behaviour by self-report. Intra-individual variability in TPB cognitions and PA behaviour was observed in all participants. The TPB showed variable predictive utility within individuals and across behaviours. The TPB predicted at least one PA behaviour for five participants but had no predictive utility for one participant. Thus, n-of-1 designs and time series analyses can be used to test theory in an individual.

Vitamin C Status is associated with Physical Fitness and Activity Indices in College Men: a cross‐sectional study

Fruit and vegetable consumption has been shown to predict physical activity (PA) in college students. This study examined the specific association between plasma vitamin C, found predominately in fruits and vegetables, and indices of PA in college students. Fifty healthy, non‐smoking men who did not take vitamin supplements or engage in regular vigorous activity were recruited. Participants (23.2±0.6 y; 24.7±0.5 kg/m2) provided a fasting blood sample and a 24‐h recall, and completed PA assessments including a step test. Participants were fitted with a pedometer and recorded steps for three complete days. Vitamin C concentrations ranged from 12 to 50 μmol/L. Diet quality was not correlated with plasma or dietary vitamin C. Participants with inadequate vitamin C status (&lt;28 μmol/L, n=21) had significantly lower fitness levels and daily step counts, and were less likely to engage in moderate‐to‐vigorous exercise compared to vitamin C‐adequate peers. These relationships between vitamin C status and PA were independent of diet quality and fruit and vegetable consumption. These data indicate that college men are at risk for marginal vitamin C status, a condition linked to reduced fitness and PA.

Multilevel predictors of adolescent physical activity: a longitudinal analysis.

BackgroundTo examine how factors from a social ecologic model predict physical activity (PA) among adolescents using a longitudinal analysis.MethodsParticipants in this longitudinal study were adolescents (ages 10-16 at baseline) and one parent enrolled in the Transdisciplinary Research on Energetics and Cancer-Identifying Determinants of Eating and Activity (TREC-IDEA) and the Etiology of Childhood Obesity (ECHO). Both studies were designed to assess a socio-ecologic model of adolescent obesity risk. PA was collected using ActiGraph activity monitors at two time points 24 months apart. Other measures included objective height and weight, adolescent and parent questionnaires on multilevel psychological, behavioral and social determinants of PA, and a home PA equipment inventory. Analysis was conducted using SAS, including descriptive characteristics, bivariate and stepped multivariate mixed models, using baseline adjustment. Models were stratified by gender.ResultsThere were 578 adolescents with complete data. Results suggest few statistically significant longitudinal associations with physical activity measured as minutes of MVPA or total counts from accelerometers. For boys, greater self-efficacy (B = 0.75, p = 0.01) and baseline MVPA (B = 0.55, p < 0.01) remained significantly associated with MVPA at follow-up. A similar pattern was observed for total counts. For girls, baseline MVPA (B = 0.58, p = 0.01) and barriers (B = -0.32, p = 0.05) significantly predicted MVPA at follow-up in the full model. The full multilevel model explained 30% of the variance in PA among boys and 24% among girls.ConclusionsPA change in adolescents is a complex issue that is not easily understood. Our findings suggest early PA habits are the most important predictor of PA levels in adolescence. Intervention may be necessary prior to middle school to maintain PA through adolescence.

Using Social Cognitive Theory to Predict Physical Activity and Fitness in Underserved Middle School Children

Few researchers have used social cognitive theory and environment-based constructs to predict physical activity (PA) and fitness in underserved middle-school children. Hence, we evaluated social cognitive variables and perceptions of the school environment to predict PA and fitness in middle school children (N = 506, ages 10-14 years). Using multiple regression analyses we accounted for 12% of the variance in PA and 13-21% of the variance in fitness. The best predictors of PA were barrier self-efficacy, classmate social support, and gender; whereas, only gender predicted fitness. The results affirmed the importance of barrier self-efficacy and gender differences. Our findings regarding classmate social support are some of the first to illuminate the importance of school-specific peers in promoting PA.

Adolescent Physical Activity: Does Implementation Intention Have a Role?

The current study tested the utility of an integrated social cognitive model to predict physical activity (PA) intentions and behavior in New Zealand adolescents. Seventy-two adolescents (mean age = 16.92, SD = 0.66) completed measures consistent with the integrated model (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control [PBC], goal intention, task-efficacy, barrier efficacy, and implementation intention). Pedometer data (Yamax SW200 pedometer) were collected for 7 days, and a self-report 7-day recall questionnaire was administered at the end of this week. A series of hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the contribution of the model to PA goal intention, implementation intention, self-reported and objective PA. The integrated model accounted for 41% of goal intention, 33% of implementation intention, and 41% and 18% of subjectively and objectively measured PA, respectively. PBC had the strongest association with goal intention whereas attitude had the strongest association with implementation intention. Task-efficacy made the greatest contribution to objectively measured PA, whereas implementation intention had the strongest association with subjectively measured PA. These findings have implications regarding PA measurement in adolescent populations, and suggest that social cognitive variables play an important role in adolescent PA. Recommendations for future research are discussed.

Protection Motivation Theory and Physical Activity

The purpose of this study was to examine the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) to predict physical activity (PA) behaviour in a large, population-based sample of adults. One thousand six hundred and two randomly selected individuals completed two telephone interviews over two consecutive six-month periods assessing PMT constructs. PMT explained 35 per cent and 20 per cent of the variance in intention and behaviour respectively. Coping cognitions as moderators of threat explained 1 per cent of the variance in intention and behaviour. Age and gender as moderators of threat did not provide additional variance in the models. We conclude that salient PMT predictors (e.g. self-efficacy) may guide the development of effective PA interventions in the general population.

Using Social Cognitive Theory to Predict Physical Activity in Inner-City African American School Children

Researchers using social cognitive theory and employing built environment constructs to predict physical activity (PA) in inner-city African American children is quite limited. Thus, the purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the ability of important social cognitive variables (e.g., self-efficacy) and built environment constructs (e.g., neighborhood hazards) to predict African American children's PA. Children (N = 331, ages 10-14) completed questionnaires assessing social cognitive theory constructs and PA. Using multiple regression analyses we were able to account for 19% of the variance in PA. Based on standardized beta weights, the best predictors of PA were time spent outside and social support derived from friends. These findings illuminate the valuable role of PA support from peers, as well as the simple act of going outside for inner-city African American children.