Significant Predictors Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Physical activity, leisure-time management, perceived barriers to physical activity and mental well-being among Turkish university students

This study examined the relationship between physical activity (PA) level, free time management, mental well-being, and perceptions of barriers to PA among university students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 723 Turkish university students, which included four questionnaires to assess participants’ PA levels, conditions of mental well-being, free time management, and perceived barriers to PA. Multivariate linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with the participants’ PA level. The study found that 216 (29.9%) of participants were inactive, 325 (45%) were minimally active, and 182 (25.1%) were health-enhancing active. While 25.23% of males were inactive, 42.02% were minimally active, and 31.45% were health-enhancing active, these rates were 31.4, 45.98, and 22.62% for females, respectively. These findings highlight that 3/4 of university students have inadequate PA levels. Changes in barriers to PA (p < 0.001), free time management (p = 0.040), and mental well-being (p < 0.001) were associated with PA levels. According to the regression analysis, only increased barriers to PA was a significant predictor of PA (p < 0.001). Given the role of health science students in public health, this study could help policymakers develop new strategies to promote healthy living and address barriers to PA, such as students' free time and mental health.

Predictors of physical activity and public safety perception regarding technology adoption for promoting physical activity in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThis study aims to identify the predictors of levels of physical activity among the residents of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it seeks to understand the public's safety perception regarding the adoption of technology for promoting physical activity. MethodThis is an analytical cross-sectional study using self-administered web-based survey. A stratified sampling technique was used to select participants from adult population in Jeddah and data collection took place from May 2023 to December 2023. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to identify predictors of low-intensity (walking steps) and high-intensity physical activities. ResultA total of 462 participated in the study. Gender significantly influenced walking habits, with males more likely to walk than females (AOR = 2.37; 95 % CI: 1.55–3.62; P < 0.001). Smoking status was also a predictor, with smokers more inclined to walk compared to non-smokers (AOR = 2.15; 95 % CI: 1.20–3.82; P = 0.010). High-intensity physical activity strongly correlated with increased walking, especially among those active 3–7 days per week (AOR = 3.03; 95 % CI: 1.91–4.78; P < 0.001). Chronic diseases negatively impacted walking frequency (AOR = 0.57; 95 % CI: 0.34–0.95; P = 0.031). Furthermore, males were likelier to engage in high-intensity activities compared to females (AOR = 1.61; 95 % CI: 1.04–2.50; P = 0.033). Those walking ≥ 10,000 steps weekly were more likely to participate in high-intensity activities (AOR = 3.07; 95 % CI: 1.95–4.82; P < 0.001). Excellent self-rated health was associated with higher participation in such activities (AOR = 2.00; 95 % CI: 1.30–3.06; P = 0.002). Most respondents (84.9 %) felt safe on public walkways, and 78.1 % indicated safety perceptions influenced their walkway use. Technology use was divided, with about half (49.1 %) using apps for tracking physical activity. The majority (90.9 %) supported adding motivational features to the 'Sehhaty' app, and 73.6 % favored financial rewards for walking. However, only 45.5 % believed that public walkways are designed to encourage walking. ConclusionThe study highlights significant predictors of physical activity among general population in Jeddah. The study also revealed the impact of safety perceptions and technology use on physical activity, with strong support for motivational features in health apps. However, there is a need for improved design of public walkways to encourage walking.

The relationship between physical activity, structural deformity, and spinal mobility in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients experience structural spinal deformity, but the impact of AIS on physical activity is not widely studied. Reports of physical activity levels between children with AIS and their peers are mixed. This study sought to characterize the relationship between spinal deformity, spinal range of motion, and self-reported physical activity in AIS patients. Patients aged 11-21 completed self-reported measures of physical activity using the HSS Pedi-FABS and PROMIS Physical Activity questionnaires. Radiographic measures were obtained from standing biplanar radiographic imaging. Surface topographic (ST) imaging data was obtained using a whole-body ST scanning system. Hierarchical linear regression models analyzed the relationship between physical activity, ST, and radiographic deformity while controlling for age and BMI. 149 patients with AIS (mean age 14.5 ± 2.0years, mean Cobb angle 39.7° ± 18.9°) were included. In the hierarchical regression predicting physical activity from Cobb angle, no factors were significant predictors of physical activity. When predicting physical activity from ST ROM measurements, age and BMI served as covariates. No covariates or ST ROM measurements were significant predictors of physical activity levels for either activity measure. Physical activity levels of patients with AIS were not predicted by levels of radiographic deformity or surface topographic range of motion. Although patients may experience severe structural deformity and range of motion limitations, these factors do not appear to be associated with decreased physical activity level utilizing validated patient activity questionnaires. Level II.

Predicting physical activity in kidney transplant recipients: an application of the Health Action Process Approach model

ABSTRACT Despite numerous physical, psychological, and social benefits of physical activity (PA), few kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) positively participate in PA. It is essential to understand the influencing factors of PA in KTRs. This study aimed to apply the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model to explore the influencing factors of PA in KTRs. This was a prospective study involving 320 participants. Pre-actional self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, risk perception, social support, PA intention, and demographic and clinical data were measured at Time 1. Coping self-efficacy, planning, recovery self-efficacy, and PA behavior were assessed 3 months later. The hypothesized relationships were examined by structural equation modeling. Findings revealed significant direct effects of pre-actional self-efficacy, negative outcome expectancies, positive outcome expectancies, and social support on intention. Planning and recovery self-efficacy were significant predictors of PA. The HAPA model provided a validated and useful framework for predicting the factors influencing PA behavior in KTRs.

The physical self-concept across childhood: Measurement development and meaning for physical activity

The physical self-concept is considered a significant predictor of physical activity and persistence in childhood and youth. Based on Shavelson, Stanton, and Hubner's (1976) hierarchical structure of self-concept, several approaches have been developed to measure physical self-perception. A multi-dimensional fitness-based approach by Marsh (1990) shows a valid method for measuring physical self-concept in all age groups from 8 years old to adulthood. Furthermore, following standard childhood fitness test dimensions, instruments have been developed for middle to late childhood (Dreiskämper, Tietjens, Honemann, Naul, & Freund, 2015a) and early childhood (Tietjens et al., 2018). However, based on Harter's (1980) approach of a more global and general skills-summarizing self-perception profile, other studies – preliminary coming from a motor development perspective – focused on measuring children's self-perception based on fundamental movement skills such as object control, locomotion, and stability. In this line, Estevan and Barnett (2018) proposed an adaption of Fox and Corbin's (1989) model. However, several research questions have remained unanswered because these different research directions have not been integrated yet: 1) How is the physical self-concept in childhood constructed, and how can it be measured? 2) How does the physical self-concept develop across childhood (and is this consistent with the assumptions about the self-concept as defined by Shavelson et al., 1976)? And 3) What is the role of physical self-concept in behavior (i.e., PA) and its antecedents in childhood (and how)? The purpose of this discussion paper is to address these three more or less open questions from a self-concept research perspective. To this end, the models of Shavelson et al. (1976) and Marsh (1990) will be drawn upon to integrate the recent research developments into a new classification of the physical self-concept and its development throughout childhood.

Role of Environmental Quality of Life in Physical Activity Status of Individuals with and without Physical Disabilities in Saudi Arabia.

The promotion of physical activity (PA) in various subgroups of the population such as people with physical disabilities has been spotlighted in the revised guidelines of The World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland. In order to update public health interventions, there is a need to identify factors that may promote or prevent engagement in PA for special subgroups of the population. This study aims to calculate the PA levels of individuals with and without physical disabilities in Saudi Arabia, their assessment of the environmental (EQoL), and the predictive role of EQoL in PA. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the EQoL domain in standardized WHOQoL Questionnaire were administered on both groups of the population. The study sample comprised 116 individuals with physical disabilities and 243 individuals without any form of disability as a control group. A regression analysis was performed to analyze the predictors of PA in both groups. Findings showed that among the individuals with disabilities, older people were more likely to engage in PA as compared to the younger age group (p < 0.05) and males were significantly less likely to meet the PA criteria. Some of the EQoL features such as safety increased the likelihood of PA up to 2.3 times (p < 0.05) in individuals with physical disabilities. In addition, opportunities for leisure activities were a significant predictor of PA among both groups of individuals with and without physical disabilities (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that upcoming public health interventions should focus on improving various dimensions of EQoL for the promotion of physical activity among individuals with physical disabilities. Additional studies are needed to further explore various sociodemographic and environmental factors which can affect the PA status of disabled groups.

Social Support, General Self-Efficacy, Fear of Falling, and Physical Activity Among Older Adults in a Middle-Income Country.

Objectives: To investigate the levels and interrelationships between fear of falling (FOF), physical activity (PA), social support (SS), and general self-efficacy (GSE) among older adults in a Nigerian community. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey involving 100 older adults (65.0% females; mean age = 74.25 ± 8.01 years) consecutively recruited from Nnewi community. Participants’ FOF, PA, GSE, and SS were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman rank order correlation, and structural equation modeling at a 0.05 level of significance. Results: The participants’ mean FOF, PA, GSE, and SS scores were 15.22 ± 7.43 (fearful), 114.76 ± 90.18 (low), 21.64 ± 8.25 (low) and 5.72 ± 1.19 (high) respectively. There were significant correlations between each pair of FOF, PA, GSE, and SS scores of the participants (p < .05). FOF and GSE were significant predictors of PA while GSE and SS were significant predictors of FOF. Conclusion: FOF and SS were high while PA and GSE were low in this sample of Nigerian older adults. Significant correlations existed between FOF, SS, GSE, and PA, with FOF and GSE being predictors of PA while GSE and SS significantly predicted FOF. Measures should be geared towards reducing FOF and improving PA, GSE, and SS in this group.

Psychometric Testing of Attitudes Toward Physical Activity Scale for Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Pediatric Cancer.

Purpose: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of pediatric cancer experience chronic health problems following treatment, many of which could be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. This report describes the development of the AYA Cancer Survivor Attitude (AYA-CSA) Scale, an attitudinal scale that is associated with physical activity in AYA survivors of pediatric cancer. Methods: AYA survivors (n = 100) completed a survey to evaluate their attitudes toward engagement in physical activity. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was assessed by exploratory factor analysis, correlation with physical activity intention and physical activity behavior, and prediction of physical activity, after adjusting for past physical activity, survivor age, gender, and family income. Results: Data demonstrated a single 6-item scale with excellent internal consistency (α = 0.82). Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with physical activity intention (r = 0.553, p < 0.001) and physical activity behavior (r = 0.489, p < 0.001). After controlling for past physical activity and demographic covariates, survivor age, attitude toward physical activity, and intention were significant predictors of physical activity, and the overall model (F(6, 77) = 7.722, p < 0.001) predicted 39.5% of the variability in physical activity. Conclusion: The AYA-CSA scale demonstrates good reliability and construct validity, most important of which was the ability to predict actual physical activity in AYA survivors of pediatric cancer. This reliable and valid measure is an important tool in the design of behavioral interventions to improve physical activity engagement in AYA survivors.

Connectedness to Nature Does Not Explain the Variation in Physical Activity and Body Composition in Adults and Older People.

Connectedness to nature (CN) is a significant predictor of pro-environmental behaviours, human health and well-being. However, research on how this connection to the natural world might promote a more active lifestyle and improve body mass composition according to gender is lacking. This study investigated the influence of CN on physical activity (PA) and body composition in adults and older people. We recruited a sample of 219 individuals (77 men and 142 women), and a self-administered questionnaire was used to measure CN and obtain demographic data. Body composition was assessed by bioimpedance, and PA was assessed by accelerometry. Correlations and stepwise multiple regressions were used in data analysis. CN’s association with other variables was more pronounced in women than in men, and we only identified significant associations with steps/day and body composition. However, this variable would not be included in the regression models that we developed. Adiposity levels and muscle status were significant predictors of PA in women. In both genders, age, percentage of fat mass and fat-free mass were selected as regressors in the models developed for visceral fat area and muscle condition (R2 Adjusted ≥ 0.908).

Social Cognitive Correlates of Physical Activity among Chinese University Employees: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Despite the well-documented benefits of leisure time physical activity, university employees are often reported to be at high risk of physical inactivity and low fitness levels. However, few efforts have been made to identify modifiable correlates of physical activity among this population. From the perspective of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), the current study aims to examine the relationship between physical activity and a series of demographic variables (e.g., age, gender, income, education), self-reported fitness, and social cognitive variables. Data were collected through mail-based surveys from a convenience sample consisting of 116 Chinese university employees (age = 36.59 ± 8.7 y). An array of SCT variables, namely, exercise self-efficacy (r = 0.55, p < 0.01), barrier self-efficacy (r = 0.35, p < 0.01), exercise social support (r = 0.37, p < 0.01), importance of physical self (r = 0.30, p < 0.01), outcome expectations (r = 0.24, p < 0.05), and satisfaction with health(r = 0.32, p < 0.01) were found to be positively correlated with physical activity in Chinese faculty and staff, and most of the correlations were moderate to large in magnitude. Further regression analyses indicate that exercise self-efficacy (β = 0.29, p < 0.01) and exercise social support from friends (β = 0.70, p < 0.01) emerge as significant predictors of physical activity after controlling for age, gender, occupation (faculty or staff), and self-reported fitness. It is concluded that these SCT variables are important correlates of university employees’ physical activity behavior. Future physical activity promotion interventions in this population should incorporate strategies to improve one’s confidence in maintaining regular physical activity and enhance social support from friends, which are likely to increase the effectiveness of these programs.

The relationship between tree canopy and social capital on physical activity in college students

Objective Rates of physical activity (PA) are low, especially among college students. Tree canopy and social capital have been correlated with higher rates of PA. This study assessed the relationship between tree canopy and social capital on minutes of PA. Participants Students from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, located in Southern Nevada, were surveyed on social capital and self-reported minutes of PA. Methods Tree canopy coverage was calculated within a 1 km walk buffer around each participant’s home. Logistic regression was used to determine if tree canopy and social capital predicted meeting PA recommendations of 150 minutes/week. Results 42.4% of participants met the PA recommendations and males were more likely than females to meet them (odds ratio [OR] = 0.517). Social capital was a significant predictor of PA (OR = 1.308) while tree canopy was not. Conclusions Exploration of social capital to increase PA and further investigations into correlates of PA for college students in sprawling desert environments are recommended.

Exploring the Relationships of Physical Activity, Emotional Intelligence, and Mental Health Among College Students

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship among physical activity (PA), emotionalintelligence (EI), and mental health in a sample of university undergraduate students (n=438). All participants were asked to complete three standardized assessments: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Results showed that participants who reported higher levels of PA scored significantly higher in Global EI (p = 0.031) and mental health (p = 0.049) compared to participants with moderate and low levels of PA. Results also indicated that whereas Global EI was a significant predictor of PA, it was mediated by the relationship between mental health and PA.

Predicting Factors of Physical Activity among University Students, Thailand

OBJECTIVES: This descriptive research was aimed at examining the predicting factors of physical activity among university students.&nbsp; MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four hundred undergraduate students at Burapha University, Bangsaen campus, were invited to participate in this study. Data were collected by using questionnaires and multiple linear regressions statistic was used for analyzing the predicting factors of physical activity.&nbsp; RESULT: The research findings revealed that 41 percent of the research participants had a high level of physical activity. Their perceived self-efficacy (ß = 0.43, p &lt; 0.01), interpersonal influences (ß = 0.19, p &lt; 0.01) and perceived benefit (ß = 0.14, p &lt; 0.01) were the significant predictors of physical activity, accounted for 37.9 % of the variance.&nbsp; CONCLUSION: Encouraging young adults to take care of their own health and motivating them to engage in physical activity organized by university health promotion agencies would finally result in their health benefits. Strategies targeted at physical activity, perceived self–efficacy, interpersonal influences and perceived benefit of physical activity should be developed for promoting behaviors of physical activity and exercise.

Predicting 2-year weight loss through temporally specific earlier losses, relevant behaviors, and their psychological correlates: Implications for behavioral treatment architectures.

Maintaining loss of weight beyond an initial 6-9months remains problematic, with research indicating little recent progress. A poor understanding of how and when prior weight loss, behavioral changes, and psychosocial predictors are associated with long-term weight changes persists. To better-inform behavioral treatments for long-term success with weight loss, women with obesity (N=86; Mage =48.6years) volunteered for research incorporating community-based weight-management treatments. They were assessed at months 6, 12, and 24 on theory-based psychosocial and behavioral factors, and over 24months on weight. Considering the included times and temporal ranges, it was found that change in weight from month 6-24 was the strongest predictor of 24-month weight change, and physical activity and fruit/vegetable intake at month 24 best predicted that change in weight. Self-regulation, self-efficacy, and mood at month 24 best predicted both physical activity and fruit/vegetable intake at month 24, with body satisfaction also a significant predictor of physical activity. From these data, mediation analyses found that the predictions of long-term weight loss by scores of self-regulation, self-efficacy, body satisfaction, and mood at month 24 were significantly mediated by fruit/vegetable intake and physical activity in separate equations. Findings indicated both psychosocial and behavioral targets, and timing for those targets, most indicative of long-term success with weight loss.

Exploring Factors Associated with Physical Activity in Latino Immigrants.

Latinos are at increased risk for developing chronic conditions. Regular physical activity (PA) assists in protecting adults from developing type 2 diabetes, excess weight, and heart disease, making PA important for health promotion. This cross-sectional, descriptive investigation was conducted with adults 18 years of age and older in a predominately Latino community. Perceptions of factors which influenced PA were examined. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were performed. Immigrant Latino males engaged in PA significantly more often than female participants. In Latino participants, those who engaged in walking activities were more likely to engage in both vigorous (r = .341, p<.005) and moderate PA (r = .317, p <.001). Self-efficacy and acculturation were significant predictors of PA. Acculturation was associated with physical activity, even after adjusting for perceived stress. Findings highlight the continued importance of self-efficacy to foster health promotion in Latino communities.

Pattern of Physical Activity among Undergraduate Medical Students: A Multicentric Cross-sectional Study Across Bihar, India

Introduction: Inspite of the fact that the medical students have a greater awareness about a healthy lifestyle; their academic stress to perform well may poorly affect their pattern of physical activity and thus, compromise their overall health. Aim: To assess the level of physical activity among undergraduate medical students studying in various institutions across the state of Bihar and to evaluate the Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) score so as to measure the intensity of physical activity performed by the participants. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among the undergraduate students, studying in different medical colleges across Bihar, India. An Online Google Form was created using a short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The collected data was analysed using Stata (Version 13) software. Results were presented as frequencies, mean and standard deviation. Chi-square test was applied to test for significant association at 0.05 level of significance. To identify the predictors of physical activity, multiple logistic regression analysis of the data was done. Results: A total of 1200 students participated in the study. Among these, 64.3% were males and 35.7% were females. More than half of the participants (57.6%) were aged &lt;21 years. Majority of the participants (67.7%) had normal weight followed by overweight/obese (22.8%). Approximately, half of the participants (54.4%) reported availability of gym in their campus and only 26.7% of the participants were following regular routine of physical exercise. Maximum students under the study were residing in the hostel (89.4%); who were reaching college mainly by walking (74.8%), {OR=17.5 (12.9-23.5)}. On multivariate analysis; Body Mass Index (BMI), age, having an availability of gym in the campus and following a regular routine of physical exercise were found to be significant predictors of physical activity. Conclusion: In present study, the majority were sufficiently physically active. However, the low physical activity was observed among the overweight/obese participants is a distressing fact which may reflect the need to integrate the physical education electives in the curriculum

Prediktori fizičke ativnosti u ranoj adolescenciji - doprinos opšte fizičke forme i fizičkog self-koncepta

Vast empirical evidence suggests a high significance of physical activity (PA) for health and well-being. Still, researches show a decline of PA in youth worldwide. Early adolescence is a particularly sensitive period because then children adopt healthy habits and build a positive attitude towards PA. Examining the significance and contribution of potential factors to overall PA in early adolescence is of theoretical and practical relevance. Thus, this study aimed to explore the validity of physical fitness and physical self-concept in the prediction of overall PA in early adolescence, taking into account gender and Body Mass Index (BMI). The sample consisted of 417 primary school students (54.9% boys), the average age 13.6 years (SD=0.73) who participate in regular physical education classes three times per week, each class 45 minutes. Physical self-concept was measured using the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ). To assess everyday physical activity, we used the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). Anthropometric measurements included the body height and bodyweight of the respondents. Physical fitness, i.e., flexibility, muscular strength (abdominal endurance strength and lower-limb explosive strength), and cardiorespiratory endurance were measured using the EUROFIT test battery. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that physical self-concept predicts 35% of the variance of PA over and above gender and dimensions of physical fitness. Significant predictors of physical activity were dimensions of physical self-concept: Physical Activity, Sports Competence, and Endurance. The interaction of Gender and Self Esteem contributed significantly indicating that higher Self Esteem had a significant role in the level of PA only in male adolescents. The main finding is that physical self-concept plays a crucial role in the prediction of the level of overall PA in which early adolescents will be engaged. The results support findings showing that intervention programs aimed to improve PA should encourage positive physical self-concept of adolescents with appropriate content and procedures.

Physical activity guideline compliance among a national sample of children with various developmental disabilities

BackgroundResearchers have reported relatively low estimates of physical activity among children with various developmental disabilities. However, there are inconsistencies within these reports due to methodological issues. ObjectiveThe goals of this study were to estimate the prevalence of meeting national physical activity guidelines among children with various developmental disabilities and examine the relative influence of different disability descriptors on meeting the guidelines. MethodsA sample of 3,010 U.S. children between the ages of 6 and 17 years with parent-reported diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental disability, and/or intellectual disability was drawn from the combined 2016 and 2017 datasets of the National Survey of Children’s Health. Multivariate logistic regression analyses explored the unique contributions of multiple child characteristics and disability descriptors, such as diagnosis type, severity, complexity, and functionality, toward meeting physical activity guidelines and compared the likelihood of meeting guidelines between children with these diagnoses. ResultsThe results of this study reveal that the majority of children with developmental disabilities are not achieving adequate levels of daily physical activity, with only 19% of the study sample engaging in 60 min of physical activity daily. Child age and functionality were significant predictors of meeting physical activity guidelines among children within the sample. ConclusionsThe findings of this study highlight the potentially limiting view of physical activity participation when diagnosis type is considered alone and demonstrate the importance of considering function and other individual factors as significant predictors of physical activity among children with disabilities.

Fall related self efficacy: A significant barrier for physical activity in ambulatory multiple sclerosis patients

Aim: Increasing the level of physical activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is very important to cope with the symptoms associated with disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychosocial and physical barriers related to physical activities in MS patients.Material and Methods: Fifty four MS patients who were able to walk at least 100 meters without walking aids were enrolled in this study. The patients were evaluated for their level of physical activity, walking distance, severity of pain and fatigue, fall related self-efficacy and their level of social support.Results: There were no correlation was found between the level of physical activity and the negative symptoms of pain and fatigue (rho: 0.-256 p: 0.06- rho: -0.218 p: 0.112 respectively). While the correlation of the level of physical activity with the level of ambulation was low, that of the fall related self-efficacy was found to be moderate (rho: -0.590, p=0.000). Additionally, no correlation was found with the level of social support (rho: -0.185, p=0.181). Conclusion: Pain and fatigue alone do not effect physical activity level in MS patients. However, fall related self-efficacy is a significant predictor of physical activity. It should not be ignored in programs aimed towards increasing physical activity.

Individual and environmental correlates of school-based recess engagement

The purpose of this study was to examine individual variables associated with children's levels of recess physical activity (PA), as well as environmental influences that influence children's engagement during recess. Participants (n = 146) were 4–6th grade students across seven schools. PA data were collected using the Fitbit Flex. Psychological need satisfaction at recess data were collected with a basic psychological need satisfaction for recess PA survey. Observations of recess activity engagement and the quality of the recess environment were also collected at 134 recess periods (n = 8340 children) across nine schools. Results of multi-level regression analyses indicated that gender and recess time were significant predictors of physical activity during recess. In examination of the environmental level factors, multi-level regression analyses revealed that ‘adult engagement and supervision’ was the only significant predictor for recess engagement in boys and girls. These findings suggest the amount of time allocated, and the quality of the recess environment must be included in evaluation of the critical factors relevant to engagement of students in physically active recesses.