Recreation Participation Research Articles

Factors Affecting the Demand for Mountain Biking at Putrajaya Challenge Park, Putrajaya

The popularity of Mountain Biking (MTB) in Malaysia is increasing.This adds to the demand for more cycling sites and special events for MTB. In line the growing demand, the Malaysian government encourages participation in active sports and recreation as a healthy lifestyle. One of the approaches is through the establishment of the Putrajaya Challenge Park (PCP). This study is conducted at PCP, one of a well-known MTB site in Malaysia. It has a network of treks where these treks are rated with different difficulty level for cyclists to choose from according to their abilityandpreferences. MTB is known to be associated with risks and high technical skills, hence it is great interest to understand the factors affecting demand in such sport. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the factors affecting the demand in MTB participation at PCP. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and obtained a total of 302 usable questionnaires. A multiple linear regression analysis is employed and it is found that three factors were significant at 95% confidence level; total travel cost, years of participation and cost of equipment upgrades. The finding from the study is to supply PCP management with the information for future adventurous recreational events in PCP or in other similar establishments. This research also identifies some key findings and makes some recommendations for future research and management.

Leisure Experiences and Social Support Systems of Latino Students With DACA Status

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the leisure experiences of undocumented Latino young adults with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status in order to note any potential links between leisure experience and success in reaching higher education. This population faces a unique set of challenges in their transition to adulthood and their pursuit of and access to higher education. Research suggests that 3 common factors among undocumented young adults who have been successful in reaching higher education are extra-familial mentors, positive social supports, and supplementary educational programming. This study used these 3 factors and the principles of contact theory to examine leisure experiences of undocumented young adults with DACA status. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 young adults with DACA status who were enrolled in higher education. The data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Due to the difficulty accessing this population, snowball sampling was used beginning with a volunteer database from a local Hispanic Alliance. The results support previous literature that has identified constraints this population faces when striving for higher education, as well as the capacity of populations that experience disadvantages for leisure constraint negotiation. The findings show leisure and recreational pursuits support the development of the above mentioned 3-factor support system, helpful in reaching higher education, from previous literature and document a severe drop off of both leisure and recreation participation after high school graduation. Limitations of the study and implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Leisure education and active participation for persons with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

ABSTRACTLeisure education programs may provide opportunities for persons with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder to learn or re-acquire leisure-related knowledge, attitudes and skills. Yet, persons with these disorders tend to discontinue leisure programs. A case study research design was created to explore leisure experiences in a five week leisure education program for 10 persons with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The program consisted of leisure education and recreation participation in the community. Three semi-structured audiotaped interviews were held over the course of the program to construct an in-depth picture of each participant’s leisure experiences in the community. Thematic data analysis suggested an understanding of leisure, developing relationships, community engagement, and autonomy support were key to participation. This study offers a unique qualitative perspective about community-based leisure experiences for people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It adds to the legacy of leisure research by addressing a gap in mental health service provision.

Searching for responsible and sustainable recreational fisheries in the Anthropocene.

Recreational fisheries that use rod and reel (i.e., angling) operate around the globe in diverse freshwater and marine habitats, targeting many different gamefish species and engaging at least 220 million participants. The motivations for fishing vary extensively; whether anglers engage in catch-and-release or are harvest-oriented, there is strong potential for recreational fisheries to be conducted in a manner that is both responsible and sustainable. There are many examples of recreational fisheries that are well-managed where anglers, the angling industry and managers engage in responsible behaviours that both contribute to long-term sustainability of fish populations and the sector. Yet, recreational fisheries do not operate in a vacuum; fish populations face threats and stressors including harvest from other sectors as well as environmental change, a defining characteristic of the Anthropocene. We argue that the future of recreational fisheries and indeed many wild fish populations and aquatic ecosystems depends on having responsible and sustainable (R&S) recreational fisheries whilst, where possible, addressing, or at least lobbying for increased awareness about the threats to recreational fisheries emanating from outside the sector (e.g., climate change). Here, we first consider how the concepts of R&S intersect in the recreational fishing sector in an increasingly complex socio-cultural context. Next, we explore the role of the angler, angling industry and decision-makers in achieving R&S fisheries. We extend this idea further by considering the consequences of a future without recreational fisheries (either because of failures related to R&S) and explore a pertinent case study situated in Uttarakahand, India. Unlike other fisheries sectors where the number of participants is relatively small, recreational angling participants are numerous and widespread, such that if their actions are responsible, they have the potential to be a key voice for conservation and serve as a major force for good in the Anthropocene. What remains to be seen is whether this will be achieved, or if failure will occur to the point that recreational fisheries face increasing pressure to cease, as a result of external environmental threats, the environmental effects of recreational fishing and emerging ethical concerns about the welfare of angled fish.

Years Participating in Sports During Childhood Predicts Mental Health in Adolescence: A 5-Year Longitudinal Study

PurposeSport participation promotes mental health and prevents mental illness. However, the association between specific sport profiles and mental health has not been examined. We investigate the longitudinal association between number of years with a recreational or performance sport profile and mental health during adolescence and whether these associations differ by sex. MethodsParticipants (n = 318, 58.2% female) reported participation in sport every 4 months over 5 years, from ages 10–11 to 14–15 years. Each year, they were categorized as recreational or performance sport participants or as nonparticipants. Mental health was assessed at age 15–16 years. Multivariate linear regression was used to model the association between number of years (0–5) with a recreational and performance sport profile and mental health, controlling for sex, age, income, and age at puberty. ResultsA recreational sport profile for ≥2 years was associated with better mental health compared with 0 years of recreational sport participation; the strongest association was observed for a recreational sport profile of 4–5 years (βˆ [95% confidence interval]: 10.29 [2.60, 17.98]). A performance sport profile for ≥1 year was associated with better mental health in late adolescence compared with 0 years of performance sport participation; the strongest association was observed for a performance sport profile of 4–5 years (βˆ [95% confidence interval]: 19.48 [9.50, 29.46]). No differences by sex were observed. ConclusionBoth recreational and performance sport profiles in childhood and early adolescence are positively associated with mental health in late adolescence. To promote mental health, strategies to encourage youth to engage and remain involved in sport are warranted.

Effects of weather factors on recreation participation in a humid subtropical region.

This study examines effects of weather, temporal factors, and gasoline price on outdoor recreation participation by using a time series model. We obtained more than 5years of daily outdoor recreation visitation data by using infrared mechanical counters on a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST). Results showed that days with daily maximum temperatures of 16-22°C brought the largest number of visitors, which suggests this is the most comfortable range of daily maximum temperatures to recreate on the FNST. Daily maximum temperatures below 6°C and above 31°C and heat index values above 38°C brought significantly lower visitor numbers, suggesting these values are temperature thresholds for this region in a recreation context. A seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model showed significant negative effects of temperature, relative humidity, cold snaps, and gasoline price and a positive effect of weekends and public holidays on recreational visitations to this trail. Days with heavy rainfall (> 2.54cm) or a high heat index (≥ 35°C) were likely to negatively affect recreation participation not only on the same day, but also on the next normal weather day. These findings imply that managers of facilities that need staffing and other resources should expect to receive fewer visitors on days following adverse weather conditions, even if that day has normal weather conditions.

Understanding the factors that impact the participation in physical activity and recreation in young adults with cerebral palsy (CP)

BackgroundYoung adults with cerebral palsy (CP) are reported to be less active than their typically developing peers, have higher rates of sedentary behaviors, engage in slower tempo activities, and overall participate in a smaller variety of physical activities (PA). Functional motor level and environmental barriers have been purported to impact the ability of young adult with CP to participate in physical activity and recreational activities. ObjectiveTo examine the role functional motor level and environmental barriers have on participation in PA and recreation in young adults with CP. MethodsA survey assessing functional motor level (Gross Motor Function Classification Scale), participation in physical activity (The Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities) and recreation (The Assessment of Life Habits), and environmental barriers (The Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors) was mailed to 442 young adults with CP, between the ages of 18–30 years. Results97 surveys were returned. No differences in PA were found between GMFCS level; however, young adults in GMFCS levels I and II participated more in recreational activities than GMFCS levels III-V. Greater environmental barriers were experienced by young adults in GMFCS II-V. ConclusionsThis study showed that GMFCS level and physical/structural, policy and attitudinal barriers significantly impacted participation in recreational activities for young adults with CP. Strategies for addressing these barriers from both an individualized therapeutic and advocacy perspective are needed in order to facilitate engagement in physical activity and recreation for young adults with CP at all GMFCS levels.

Dietary intake in youth with a sport-related knee injury: implications for secondary prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Dietary intake in youth with a sport-related knee injury: implications for secondary prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Object Control Skills Mediate the Relationship Between Neighborhood Vulnerability and Participation in Physical Activities

This study examined the influence of physical health and well-being vulnerability on participation in physical activities, and whether motor skill proficiency mediated this relationship. Kindergarten children (n = 260) completed the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 and the Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment survey. A multivariate analysis of covariance was used to compare the motor skills and participation in physical activities of children in schools classified as more or less vulnerable. We also examined whether motor skill proficiency mediated the relationship between vulnerability status and participation. Children in neighborhoods with higher vulnerability demonstrated lower motor skill proficiency and participation. Object control skill proficiency mediated the relationship between vulnerability and participation. Children from more vulnerable schools started their school career with less developed motor skills and a narrower array of recreation participation. Children in vulnerable neighborhoods need more opportunities to master object controls skills and access recreational activities. Fortunately, motor skill proficiency among children considered ‘at risk’ is amenable to improvement and intervention early in the children’s school career may have a beneficial impact on children’s physical activity at school and beyond the school environment.

Investigation of the Relationship Between the Dominant Brain Areas, Risk-Taking and Alexithymia of Outdoor Adventure Recreation Participants

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between dominant brain areas, alexithymia and risk-taking behavior levels of nature and adventure recreation participants. The study was carried out on 652 outdoor adventure recreation participants in different categories (air, land, water) between the years 2016–2017. After meeting normality and homogeneity of data obtained from participants of nature and adventure recreation, it was based on the mediator influence analysis method, which was established by Baron and Kenny (1986, 1176), in order to determine whether alexithymia and extrovert thinking play a mediator role in the relationship between brain dominance and risk-taking behavior. In addition, the significance of stepwise regression analysis results was checked by Sobel Test. The results show that nature and adventure recreation participants with a high level of alexithymia and with extrovert personality tend to take more risks.

Return to Sport After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Is There a Difference Between the Recreational and the Competitive Athlete?

Background: Return to sport (RTS) remains an important challenge and measure of success for athletes undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). Purpose: To determine the rate of RTS after RCR and to analyze predictive factors associated with a lower rate of return. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The electronic databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were used for the literature search. Study quality was evaluated according to the Coleman Methodology Score. Studies in English evaluating RTS after arthroscopic repair of partial- or full-thickness rotator cuff tears among athletes of all levels, ages, and sports were included. Random effects meta-analysis and metaregression were performed to investigate RTS activity rate after arthroscopic RCR and to explore study heterogeneity, respectively. Results: Fifteen studies were reviewed, including 486 patients (499 shoulders) who were treated with arthroscopic RCR and who had a mean follow-up of 40.1 months (range, 18-74.4 months). Eighteen patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 468 patients with outcome data; 347 identified themselves as athletes (81 competitive, 266 recreational). The most commonly included sports were baseball (n = 45), golf (n = 38), football (n = 23), and tennis (n = 18). RTS specific to the type of athlete was reported for 299 of 347 athletes. According to the meta-analysis, the overall rate of RTS at a similar level of play or higher was 70.2%, with 73.3% of recreational athletes and 61.5% of competitive athletes able to return. A subset of 43 baseball and softball players across 4 studies yielded a 79% rate of RTS; however, only 38% returned to the same level of play or higher. Subgroup meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in the rate of RTS between competitive and recreational athletes. Metaregression analysis revealed that the mean follow-up time and mean age at surgery were not significantly associated with RTS rate. Conclusion: Most athletes (70.2%) were able to return to a preinjury level of play after arthroscopic RCR. While recreational sports participation (73.3%) was associated with higher return, competitive sports (61.5%) and overhead sports (38%) were associated with lower return. Exactly why all athletes do not return remains uncertain and likely multifactorial.

Perceived Social Support in Recreational Activity Participation: A Study on Students

The purpose of this study is to examine university students’ perceived social support level in recreational activity participation. 536 students who were selected from 3 different universities using convenience sampling participated in the study voluntarily. As data collection form; Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS-R) and Preference Factors of Recreation Areas (PFRA) scale were used. For the analyses of the data; descriptive statistics, Independent Samples T Test used for two groups depending on the number of the variables and One Way ANOVA used for groups more than two were used. In order to find out which group demonstrated the difference found as a result of variance analyses, Tukey test -one of the multiple comparison tests- was used. In terms of recreational activity participation, the most effective factor in students’ average scores of perceived social support scale was peer support (2.690±0.372) while the least effective factor was teacher support (2.033±0.535). Total average score was found to be 2.441±0.274. The most effective factor in students’ average scores of Recreation Area Preference Agents Scale was sporting diversity (4.448±0.776) and staff (4.128±0.681) and these factors were followed by physical facilities (3.736±0.562), location (3.185±0.647) and activity diversity (3.074±0.586); respectively. Besides, there were significant differences in perceived social support levels of the study group in terms of gender and accommodation variables. It was concluded that the highest support for students’ recreational activity participation came from their peers while the lowest support was obtained from teachers. It may be argued that students staying at public dormitories used recreational areas built by municipalities more than other students. It was identified that criterion that all the student groups put the biggest emphasis on while preferring recreation areas was sporting diversity offered by the recreation areas.

Between-session and inter-rater reliability of the modified tuck jump assessment in healthy adult athletes

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the between-session and inter-rater reliability of the modified tuck jump assessment (TJA). DesignReliability study. SettingHuman movement laboratory. ParticipantsSixteen recreational participants (8 females, 8 males; mean age: 22.4 years) participated in the study. Participants performed the modified TJA in two sessions separated by one week. Main outcome measuresBetween-session and inter-rater reliability were determined by two independent raters. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable difference (SDD) were calculated. ResultsThe between-session reliability for the total scores was excellent for rater 1 (ICC = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.78–0.98) and rater 2 (ICC = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.89–0.99), with SEM's and SDD's ranging between 0.5-0.7 and 1.3–2.1 respectively. The inter-rater reliability for the total scores was good for session 1 (ICC = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.58–0.95) and session 2 (ICC = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.66–0.96). In general, there was poor agreement for item analysis for both raters between sessions as well as between raters. ConclusionThe modified TJA revealed excellent between-session and good inter-rater reliability for the total score. Reliability for the between-session was poor for the individual items. The relatively poor reliability for the individual items imply that caution is warranted when solely interpreting the total score.

Content development, accessibility and feasibility of a self‐report tool for use in programmes serving youth with cognitive disabilities: The Participatory Experience Survey

Participation in community-based recreation and leisure activities may afford valuable opportunities to young people with cognitive disabilities (CD) to develop important self-determination skills needed for success in adulthood. To evaluate whether these programmes are achieving their intended impact, it is important to have a tool that captures the perspective of the participants using an accessible method. This article describes the content development and evaluation of accessibility and feasibility of the Participatory Experience Survey (PES). Participant observation and focus group sessions were conducted in conjunction with a summer youth programme hosted by a special education advocacy organisation. Photos were used to guide identification of factors influencing both negative and positive experiences. Findings informed question content. Three groups of stakeholders, parents of youth with CD (Group 1), service providers (Group 2), and experts in cognitive disability and/or programme planning (Group 3) reviewed the PES to provide feedback on the relevance and accessibility of the measure. After stakeholder feedback was incorporated, cognitive interviewing was conducted with young people with CD to assess instrument accessibility and appropriateness for use in context. Youth described their participation in three categories: personal, social and environmental. Stakeholder Groups 1 and 2 identified 15 questions as needing revisions. Seven additional questions were added based on suggestions from stakeholder Group 3. Cognitive interviewing led to revision of 13 questions and removal of 16 questions due to issues related to vocabulary, item meaning, response bias, repetitiveness and length. The PES has the potential to offer programmes a means to more fully include young people with disabilities in programme evaluations, leading to better-structured, more supportive programmes. Additional validity and feasibility work is needed to confirm these initial findings.

Modeling the role of social identity in constraint negotiation for ultra-endurance gravel cycling

Understanding constraints to participation in recreation and leisure is a common research topic. This article used social identity theory to increase our understanding of leisure constraints, negotiation, motivation, and planned participation. Using a large online sample of ultra-endurance gravel racers (n = 916), this study used structural equation modeling to explore the relationship between social identity and constraints, negotiation, motivation, and planned participation. Similar to previous research, the modeling of constraints provided marginal model fit, and the implications of this continued measurement difficulty are discussed. Social identity had a significant direct relationship with motivations, constraints, and negotiation strategies. Social identity also demonstrated a significant indirect effect on planned participation. These findings suggest that social identity plays a significant role in the constraint negotiation process, as well as leisure participation more broadly.

Current trends in sport injury prevention

Participation in sport and recreation has important positive implications for public health across the lifespan; however, the burden of sport-related musculoskeletal injury is significant, with the greatest risk being in youth and young adults. Moving upstream to primary prevention of injury is a public health priority that will have significant implications for reducing the long-term consequences of musculoskeletal injury including early post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The primary targets for the prevention of musculoskeletal injury in sport include neuromuscular training (NMT), rule modification, and equipment recommendations. Currently, there is significant high-quality evidence to support the widespread use of NMT warm up programs in team and youth sport, with an expected significant impact of reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injury by over 35%. Policy disallowing body checking in youth ice hockey has led to a >50% reduction in injuries, and rules limiting contact practice in youth American football has significant potential for injury prevention. There is evidence to support the use of bracing and taping in elite sport to reduce the risk of recurrent ankle sprain injury but not for use to prevent the primary injury, and wrist guards are protective of sprain injuries in snowboarding. Future research examining the maintenance of NMT programs across real-world sport and school settings, optimization of adherence, additional benefit of workload modification, and evaluation of rule changes in other sports is needed.

The influence of motivation versus experience on recreation satisfaction: How appreciative- versus achievement-oriented recreation experience preferences relate to hunter satisfaction

We present methods derived from customer satisfaction research that clarify factors influential to the satisfaction of recreation participants. We conducted mail surveys of Minnesota wild turkey hunters to explore differences between the explicit (i.e., stated) and implicit (i.e., derived from the relationship to satisfaction) importance of recreation experience preferences. Revised importance performance analysis, importance grid analysis, and penalty reward contrast analysis revealed differences between the explicit and implicit importance of recreation experiences and clarified how activity success may influence the relationship between experiences and satisfaction. We found some support for our hypothesis that experiences related to achievement (of goals for an activity) may more strongly relate to satisfaction than experiences related to appreciation (of nature) or affiliation (with family and friends). Our results emphasized the importance of activity-specific experiences over activity-general experiences for both successful and unsuccessful hunters and exposed a “motivation matching” process related to harvest success.

THE EFFECT OF RECREATIONAL SPORT PARTICIPATION ON ACADEMIC MOTIVATION

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of recreational sport participation on academic motivation. Totally, 144 students (108 male, 36 female) were taken part in this research. Data was gathered through Academic Motivation Scale which was developed by Vallerand et al. (1992) and translated to Turkish Language by Karaguven (2012). The scale has 28 items. In evaluation part for questionnaires answered by participants, in addition to Kolmogorov Smirnov normality test, T-Test and One Way ANOVA tests were applied. According to the results, it was statistically determined that there were significant differences on recreational participation, free time activity, recreational practising frequency and age (p 0,05).

Leisure Education in Japan

The term “therapeutic recreation (TR)” was introduced in Japan in 1980. Since then, there have only been a few significant practices in social welfare as well as in rehabilitation settings. Previous research suggested adjusting TR approaches to make TR programs suitable for long-term care facilities, including culturally appropriate recreational activities. The number of Japanese Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRSs) has increased, and there is a TR Study Group that meets regularly to share research, curriculum, and accreditation matters related to fukushi recreation and TR. This article describes the Leisure Education Program (LEP) in Japan, which has been conducted since 1996, focusing on how the program has evolved to address participants’ needs. There have been various fukushi recreation programs in the past that emphasized either “Functional Improvement” or “Recreation Participation” using the Leisure Ability Model (LAM). LEP is a useful recreation program that forms a link between “Functional Improvement” and “Recreation Participation.” This article suggests that a TR service model—the Self-Determination and Enjoyment Enhancement Model—can be more effective in meeting the needs of individuals with higher brain dysfunction.Subscribe to TRJ

Influence of Age and Time on Women’s Recreation Participation: A Case of Kibera Informal Settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya

Influence of Age and Time on Women’s Recreation Participation: A Case of Kibera Informal Settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya Purity K Mureithi, Andanje Mwisukha, Vincent Onywera Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess how age and leisure time influence participation in recreational activities among women in Kibera Informal Settlement. Chi-square (x2) test of independence at a significance level of 0.05 was used to test the existing relationship between the frequency of participation in recreational activities, age and available leisure time. Data was collected through questionnaires from (n=384) women residing in Kibera Informal settlement. Findings showed that the majority of women were self-employed, earned less than Ksh.10, 000 per month, had attained primary level of education, they were aged between 20-25 years and they had family sizes of 1 to 2 children. Both age and leisure time were major determinants of frequency of participation in recreational activities. Findings of the study suggest that the ministries of Health and Sports should educate the members of the public within the informal settlement areas on the health benefits of recreation and good time management to encourage frequent participation in recreational activities, recreation service providers to avail affordable and pleasanter recreational facilities/programmes to cater for all ages. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/ijgws.v7n2p10