Women's Participation In Physical Activity Research Articles

A Mixed-Methods Study of Women's Empowerment through Physical Activities: Relationships with Self-Efficacy and Physical Activity Levels.

Participation in empowering physical activities may increase self-efficacy and facilitate long-term engagement. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study examined the relationship between physical activity empowerment, exercise self-efficacy, and engagement. Midwestern women (N = 147) aged 18-65, 90% white, completed an online cross-sectional survey that captured exercise engagement and self-efficacy for exercise. Participants entered up to five types of physical activities and ranked them from most to least empowering. Physical activities were coded by training type for statistical comparisons using independent t-tests. After survey completion, seventeen women completed a 30 min, 8-question semi-structured interview. Women ranked resistance training as the most empowering physical activity type (38%), followed by running (14%). Total and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and self-efficacy for exercise scores did not vary between women empowered by cardiorespiratory or resistance training (i.e., total physical activity t(136) = 1.13, p = 0.11; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity t(136) = 2.42, p = 0.06; and self-efficacy for exercise t(136) = 0.66, p = 0.07). Themes identified from the interviews included: (1) women's physical activity participation barriers are gender-centric, (2) physical activity participation benefits extend beyond physical health, (3) some exercise types are more empowering than others, and (4) empowerment and enjoyment are closely related. Exploring empowerment in exercise may reveal mechanisms to facilitate exercise self-efficacy and engagement in physical activity.

Gender inequality is associated with gender differences and women participation in physical activity.

Living standards determine population's physical activity (PA); however, more women are systemically insufficiently active, suggesting social gender inequality factors. Thus, we assessed the association between gender inequality, PA differences between genders, and total PA. We used three independent cross-sectional databases at country-level: PA prevalence (i.e., Active Lifestyle) from the World Health Organization with 1.9 million individuals from 168 countries; daily steps (smartphone registers) of 693 806 people from 46 countries and sport participation in the 2016 Summer Olympics with 11 191 athletes. Gender Inequality Index was used to evaluate aspects surrounding gender equality controlling for overall economic and health status. Higher gender inequality was associated with gender differences in PA (Active Lifestyle, 0.402, P<0.001; Steps, 0.542, P<0.001; Olympic participation, 0.346, P=0.001). Likewise, lower gender inequality was associated with increased women activity (Active Lifestyle, -0.838, P<0.001; Steps, -0.81, P<0.001; Olympic participation, -0.577, P<0.001), and men activity (Active Lifestyle, -0.453, P<0.001; Steps, -0.461, P=0.002). Lower women PA levels could be influenced by gender inequality. Public health policies aimed to improve women living conditions which may promote their participation in PA and sport.

What are the Barriers and Enablers to Physical Activity Participation in Women with Ovarian Cancer? A Rapid Review of the Literature

Engagement in regular physical activity is recommended for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer due to aggressive treatment approaches, an increased risk of disease recurrence and low survival rates. To synthesize the current available evidence identifying barriers and enablers to participation in physical activity among women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Peer-reviewed articles in electronic databases including CINAHL, Cochrane, Medline, Psych INFO and Scopus and key studies' reference lists. Although evidence pertaining to the study population was limited, the findings of this review suggest women with ovarian cancer experience similar barriers and enablers to the general population and other cancer cohorts. The primary barriers to physical activity participation reported by this population were treatment or disease related side effects, fear of injury or falling and the absence of physical activity counselling. Key enablers reported to facilitate physical activity participation were the implementation of individualized interventions with targeted goals in addition to support from health and medical professionals. Future research on ovarian cancer populations is warranted to further explore perceived barriers and enablers. Nurses working within the oncology field are well positioned clinically to facilitate physical activity engagement and identify and overcome barriers to participation within a population that experiences high mortality rates and disease recurrence.

Correlates of Physical Activity During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review with Implications for Evidence-based Practice.

Numerous attempts have been made to improve women's physical activity participation during pregnancy, but activity levels remain low. To examine systematically the associations of physical activity participation during pregnancy with non-modifiable correlates (not subject to change) and modifiable theoretical correlates of physical activity. This systematic review followed PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis) guidelines. It includes cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that assessed non-modifiable correlates and modifiable theoretical correlates of physical activity. Five electronic databases were searched for studies published in the English language between 2010 and 2017. An author-developed data collection tool was used to examine selected variables; effect sizes were determined; and study bias was assessed. Ten studies were included in the final review. Overall, effect sizes for non-modifiable correlates of physical activity were small to moderate, except for mental health (d=1.35) and prior physical activity (d=0.63). By contrast, modifiable theoretical correlates of physical activity (e.g., self-efficacy [d=0.96-1.42] & intention to be physically active [d=1.62]) had moderate to large effects in the expected direction with physical activity during pregnancy. The findings underscore the importance of developing physical activity interventions for pregnant women that are guided by modifiable theoretical correlates, taking into consideration non-modifiable correlates of physical activity. Clinicians should help pregnant women to increase self-confidence in their ability to be physically active and provide anticipatory guidance to overcome barriers to physical activity.

Effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity in women

PurposeThis study investigated the effects of obesity on breast size, thoracic spine structure and function, upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity participation in women living independently in the community. MethodsA total of 378 women were divided into 3 groups (Not Overweight: body mass index (BMI) = 22.5 ± 0.2 kg/m2 (mean ± SE); Overweight: BMI = 27.4 ± 0.3 kg/m2; Obese: BMI = 35.4 ± 0.3 kg/m2). Outcome variables of breast volume (mL), thoracic flexion torque (N·m), thoracic kyphosis (degrees), upper torso musculoskeletal pain (score) and time spent in physical activity (min) were calculated and compared among the 3 groups, adjusting for between-group differences in age. ResultsThere was a significant main effect of BMI on all outcome variables. Participants classified as Obese displayed significantly larger breasts, had greater thoracic flexion torques and reported less time participating in physical activity relative to the participants who were classified as Not Overweight and Overweight. Participants in the Obese group also displayed significantly more thoracic kyphosis and reported significantly more upper torso musculoskeletal pain compared to their counterparts who were classified as Not Overweight. ConclusionThis study is the first to demonstrate that increased obesity levels were associated with compromised kyphosis and loading of the thoracic spine, as well as increased symptoms of upper torso musculoskeletal pain and reduced time spent in physical activity in women living in the community. We recommend further research to determine whether evidence-based interventions designed to reduce the flexion torque generated on the thoracic spine can improve these symptoms of upper torso musculoskeletal pain and the ability of women with obesity to participate in physical activity.

Factors influencing women in physical activity programs in Malaysia.

The majority of research on factors associated with women participation in physical activity (PA) has been in developed countries with limited research in developing countries. Few women in Malaysia are active at the recommended levels for health, and activity rates are less than developed countries. Little research has focused specially on physically active Malaysian women and the factors that contribute to them becoming and staying active in PA programs. This lack of knowledge hinders the tailored development and implementation of PA programs to meet their needs. The aim of this study was to identify the factors of participation in PA programs for Malaysian women. The social-ecological model was used to investigate and theme the factors. Focus group discussion was conducted with participants in six PA programs targeted specifically to women. Thirty-seven women were involved in the focus group discussion, with ages ranging from 19 to 82 years. Inductive and deductive content analysis was conducted from verbatim transcripts using NVivo. Inductive content analysis allowed raw data and second-order themes to emerge. Findings revealed social support structures, tailored programs for women, and location were key contributors that encouraged women to participate in these programs. The similarity in contributors between women in non-western and western countries signifies a prime opportunity for bi-lateral relationships to be formed to enable the enhancement of program development relevant to different ethnicities and cultures within or across countries.

Motivation and Barriers for Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Women.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between motivation and barriers for physical activity, and physical activity behavior in women living in socioeconomic disadvantage. This study also examined whether weight control intentions moderate those associations.MethodsData from 1664 women aged 18–46 years was collected at baseline and three-year follow-up as part of the Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality study. In mail-based surveys, women reported sociodemographic and neighborhood environmental characteristics, intrinsic motivation, goals and perceived family barriers to be active, weight control intentions and leisure-time physical activity (assessed through the IPAQ-L). Linear regression models assessed the association of intrinsic motivation, goals and barriers with physical activity at baseline and follow-up, adjusting for environmental characteristics and also physical activity at baseline (for longitudinal analyses), and the moderating effects of weight control intentions were examined.ResultsIntrinsic motivation and, to a lesser extent, appearance and relaxation goals for being physically active were consistently associated with leisure-time physical activity at baseline and follow-up. Perceived family barriers, health, fitness, weight and stress relief goals were associated with leisure-time physical activity only at baseline. Moderated regression analyses revealed that weight control intentions significantly moderated the association between weight goals and leisure-time physical activity at baseline (β = 0.538, 99% CI = 0.057, 0.990) and between intrinsic motivation and leisure-time physical activity at follow-up (β = 0.666, 99% CI = 0.188, 1.145). For women actively trying to control their weight, intrinsic motivation was significantly associated with leisure-time physical activity at follow-up (β = 0.184, 99% CI = 0.097, 0.313).ConclusionsResults suggest that, especially in women trying to control their weight, intrinsic motivation plays an important role in sustaining physical activity participation over time. Also, weight goals for being physically active seem to play a role regarding short-term physical activity participation in this particular population. Addressing these motivational features may be important when promoting physical activity participation in women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Psychosocial Variables Related to Why Women are Less Active than Men and Related Health Implications

This article reviews psychosocial influences on women’s participation in physical activity as they differ from men and how associated activity differences impact women’s risk for a number of chronic diseases. This topic directly aligns with the mission of this special edition related to disparities in women’s health as the typically lower level of physical activity in females directly impacts their health. On average, females participate in physical activity at lower rates than their male counterparts. These lower rates of physical activity are directly related to both incidence of and outcomes from cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and breast and gynecological cancers. The relationship between psychosocial factors that are understood to affect physical activity differs between men and women. Specifically, self-efficacy, social support, and motivation are empirically substantiated factors that found to impact physical activity participation among women differently than men. Understanding these relationships is integral to designing effective interventions to target physical activity participation in women so that the related health risks are adequately addressed.

A qualitative exploration of barriers and motivators to physical activity participation in women treated for breast cancer

Purpose: The adoption and maintenance of a physically active lifestyle among women after breast cancer is an important priority for public health and rehabilitation science. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore breast cancer survivors’ perceptions of the factors influencing their ability to maintain a self-directed physical activity program. Method: Nine women participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Data were coded into perceived barriers and motivators to maintenance of physical activity using thematic analysis. Results: Women identified a range of physical (e.g. cancer-related physical symptoms), environmental/organizational (e.g. bad weather, lack of equipment/facilities, lack of knowledge, time constraints) and psychosocial (e.g. lack of motivation, low social support, low confidence/skill) barriers. They also identified perceived physical (e.g. weight management, health improvement or maintenance, increase energy) and psychosocial (e.g. improve body image, experience enjoyment, social support, positive emotions) motivators. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with research on barriers and motivators to physical activity initiation, and can be used to develop self-directed physical activity programs that target active breast cancer survivors to sustain regular engagement. Furthermore, the barriers and motivators identified represent key variables for further investigation.Implications for rehabilitationThe present study identifies a number of perceived physical, psychosocial and organizational/environmental barriers to naturally occurring physical activity participation among active breast cancer survivors that should be addressed to ensure they maintain a physically active lifestyleThis study also provides evidence that comprehensive approaches that address physical and psychosocial motivators to physical activity should be developed to assist women with a history of breast cancer maintain their physical activity levels

Keeping Women Active: An Examination of the Impacts of Self-Efficacy, Intrinsic Motivation, and Leadership on Women's Persistence in Physical Activity

Physical inactivity in women is a worldwide problem that has not only been well-documented but has provoked much government concern and policy activity. However, an even more important issue is encouraging women's persistence in physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the links between women's experiences of participation in a government-funded physical activity festival, their intentions to continue participation, and their participation behavior six months after the festival. Results from semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 women revealed that enhanced self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, and supportive leadership had motivated the women's future intentions to participate. Follow-up surveys showed their levels of interest and participation in physical activity had been maintained. These results enhance our understanding of the relationship between key outcomes of women's physical activity participation and their persistence in physical activity.

Speaking of the self and understanding physical activity participation: what discursive psychology can tell us about an old problem

Since McGannon and Mauws' article on discursive psychology and adherence to physical activity, papers have extended the dialogue towards developing associated qualitative research methods to understand sport and exercise. The present article furthers this dialogue in the context of understanding the self and women's physical activity participation using discursive psychology and discourse analysis. An example of discursive psychology ‘in use’ was employed to theorise women's physical self (i.e. who they are) and physical activity behaviour as a collection of conversations within broader discourse(s). The power relations perpetuated by a micro‐talk within discourses also contributed towards theorising a discursive psychological view of the self and physical activity participation. The implications of a discursive psychological view of the self combined with discourse analysis for understanding women's physical participation are discussed within the context of this example.

Cultural and social factors affecting women's physical activity participation in Taiwan

The world is becoming a global village and within many professions, including physical education and sport, individuals have multiple opportunities to work and socialize with people from different ethnic backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, religions, etc. Due to the increasing cultural diversity, it is important for physical education and sport professionals to understand how cultural and social factors of different ethnic groups and countries may influence a person from participating in physical activity. The aim of this paper was to examine some of the traditional and recent cultural and social factors that have an impact on women's participation in physical activities in Taiwan. Factors such as changes within the family structure, equal education opportunities, and the growing attention from the government toward physical activity for all have motivated and encouraged women in Taiwan to participate in physical activity. The other aim of this paper was to emphasize the importance of Taiwanese women's physical activity participation and to encourage continued involvement in physical activities.