scholarly journals Understanding Behavioral Regulation Towards Physical Activity Participation: Do We Need a Paradigm Shift to Close the Gender Gap?

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1683
Author(s):  
Antonio Luque-Casado ◽  
Xian Mayo ◽  
Ana Myriam Lavín-Pérez ◽  
Alfonso Jiménez ◽  
Fernando Del Villar
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health

Despite the well-established benefits of physical activity for both physical and psychological health, current inactivity prevalence continues to be particularly alarming among adolescents and youth. Equally of great concern is the existence of striking gender differences that represent a serious threat to reverse this problem. We aimed to analyze gender-related differences in self-reported physical activity and motivational regulations in a population-based sample of Spaniard adolescents and young adults (n = 9949). To this aim, we used an explanatory mixed-methods design by integrating quantitative and qualitative data using self-determination theory (SDT) as an analytic framework. Our results reported a gender imbalance in physical activity levels and autonomous forms of motivation to the detriment of adolescent girls and young women. An earlier and steeper age-related decline both in activity and volitional types of motivation was observed in girls. Qualitative outcomes depicted a range of key cognitive and contextual mechanisms undermining the degree to which physically active behaviors are volitionally undertaken among women. These findings highlight the importance of implementing gender-sensitive policy approaches and may have a useful application in suggesting how contextual factors and exercise settings can be addressed to foster volitional types of physical activity engagement in adolescent girls and young women.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions on Pregnancy-Related Outcomes among Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen W. H. Chan ◽  
Elce Au Yeung ◽  
Bernard M. H. Law
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Gestational Weight Gain ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Gestational Weight ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health

Regular physical activity has been demonstrated to contribute to physical and psychological health. Nevertheless, pregnant women generally exhibit low levels of physical activity. Implementation of interventions that enhance the self-efficacy of pregnant women on increasing physical activity is required. This paper provides an in-depth review of studies reporting the effect of various physical activity interventions dedicated for pregnant women on pregnancy-related issues, including gestational weight gain, pain and depression, physical activity level, and quality of life among these individuals. Five databases were used in searching the literature. Findings of the included studies were presented narratively, and appraisal of their methodological quality was conducted using the quality assessment tool developed by Effective Public Health Practice Project. Review findings demonstrated that physical activity interventions are effective in enhancing physical activity levels of pregnant women. Further, they are potentially useful in alleviating pregnancy-related pain and psychological symptoms, reducing gestational weight gain, and increasing self-efficacy in enhancing physical activity levels among these individuals. Nevertheless, inconsistencies in findings between studies hamper the drawing of firm conclusions on these latter outcomes. Overall, studies demonstrated a positive effect of physical activity interventions on the well-being and physical and psychological health of pregnant women.

Men’s physical activity and dietary behaviours on Kangaroo Island, South Australia

2016 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-155
Author(s):  
Murray Drummond ◽  
Sam Elliott ◽  
Claire Drummond ◽  
Felicity Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Men’S Health ◽  
Men's Health ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Dietary Behaviours

Background: Men’s health has been subjected to diverse approaches to research over the past two decades. Much of the literature has focused on specific medical and health issues. Other contributions have focused more broadly on masculinities and its relationship to health. It is arguable that there has not been a lot of attention paid to Australian rural men’s health and even less on their understanding of health as it relates to physical activity and dietary behavior. Objectives: To gain a better understanding of these issues this paper provides rich, descriptive qualitative data from men living on Kangaroo Island, which is 13.5 kilometres off the South Australian mainland and is regarded as a rural and remote area. Methods: Qualitative data is used to develop greater understanding of the men’s attitudes and behaviours as they relate to physical activity and dietary behaviours. The semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 40 men aged between 23–64. Conclusions: The results indicated that the locality in which the men lived provided them with an excellent opportunity to be physically active and eat fresh, locally produced, foods. However, it was identified that many of the men did not have a comprehensive understanding of health and seemingly displayed low levels of health knowledge. As a result for many of these men, their physical health was left to chance. There was little evidence of any planned health promotion to assist them with making improvements to their nutrition and physical activity levels as they aged. Recommendations and population-based strategies are provided to assist men living in remote rural settings to enhance not only their health ultimately their health knowledge. This will positively impact community health.

scholarly journals Physical Activity Levels of Adolescent Girls During Dance Classes

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 382-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer R. O’Neill ◽  
Russell R. Pate ◽  
Michael W. Beets
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Training Data ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Dance Class ◽  
Dance Training ◽  
Instructional Level ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Background:The aims of this study were to describe the physical activity levels of girls during dance classes and to identify factors associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in those classes.Methods:Participants were 137 girls (11 to 18 years-old) enrolled in ballet, jazz, or tap dance classes from 11 dance studios. Participants wore an accelerometer during the selected dance class on 2 separate days. Factors hypothesized to be associated with MVPA were dance style, instructional level, instructor’s experience, percent of class time spent in choreography, and participants’ age, race/ethnicity, BMI-for-age percentile, and years of dance training. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models.Results:Girls engaged in 9.8 minutes of MVPA, 6.0 minutes of moderate, 3.8 minutes of vigorous, 39.3 minutes of light, and 10.9 minutes of sedentary behavior per hour of dance class participation. Jazz/tap classes provided more MVPA than ballet classes, and intermediate level classes provided more MVPA than advanced level classes. Girls with more dance training obtained more MVPA than girls with less dance training.Conclusion:Dance classes provide valuable opportunities for adolescent girls to be physically active.

Membership in Sport or Exercise Groups Predicts Sustained Physical Activity and Longevity in Older Adults Compared to Physically Active Matched Controls

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 557-566
Author(s):  
Mark Stevens ◽  
Tegan Cruwys
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Group Membership ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Sport And Exercise

Abstract Background Physical activity tends to decline in older age, despite being key to health and longevity. Previous investigations have focused on demographic and individual factors that predict sustained physical activity. Purpose To examine whether engaging in physical activity in the context of sport or exercise group membership can protect against age-related physical activity decline. Methods Drawn from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, participants were members of sport or exercise groups aged 50 and over (N = 2015) as well as nonmember controls, who were matched at baseline for age, sex, and physical activity levels (N = 1881). Longitudinal mixed effects models were used to assess the effect of sport or exercise group membership on physical activity and longevity across a 14-year follow-up. Results Members of sport or exercise groups experienced an attenuated decline in both moderate and vigorous physical activity over a 14-year follow-up compared to physically active matched controls. Sport or exercise group members were also less likely to have died at follow-up, an effect that was mediated through sustained physical activity. Conclusions Promoting membership in sport and exercise groups may be a beneficial strategy for supporting sustained physical activity and health among older people.

scholarly journals Regular Physical Activity Levels and Incidence of Restrictive Spirometry Pattern: A Longitudinal Analysis of 2 Population-Based Cohorts

2020 ◽  
Vol 189 (12) ◽  
pp. 1521-1528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Elie Carsin ◽  
Dirk Keidel ◽  
Elaine Fuertes ◽  
Medea Imboden ◽  
Joost Weyler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Heart Diseases ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Regular Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physically Active

Abstract We estimated the association between regular physical activity and the incidence of restrictive spirometry pattern. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and physical activity were assessed in 2 population-based European cohorts (European Community Respiratory Health Survey: n = 2,757, aged 39–67 years; and Swiss Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Diseases in Adults: n = 2,610, aged 36–82 years) first in 2000–2002 and again approximately 10 years later (2010–2013). Subjects with restrictive or obstructive spirometry pattern at baseline were excluded. We assessed the association of being active at baseline (defined as being physically active at least 2–3 times/week for ≥1 hour) with restrictive spirometry pattern at follow-up (defined as a postbronchodilation FEV1/FVC ratio of at least the lower limit of normal and FVC of <80% predicted) using modified Poisson regression, adjusting for relevant confounders. After 10 years of follow-up, 3.3% of participants had developed restrictive spirometry pattern. Being physically active was associated with a lower risk of developing this phenotype (relative risk = 0.76, 95% confidence interval: 0.59, 0.98). This association was stronger among those who were overweight and obese than among those of normal weight (P for interaction = 0.06). In 2 large European studies, adults practicing regular physical activity were at lower risk of developing restrictive spirometry pattern over 10 years.

Physical Activity Is Associated With Greater Visuospatial Cognitive Functioning Regardless of the Level of Cognitive Load in Elderly Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun-Hao Wang ◽  
Chia-Liang Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Regular Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Elderly Adults ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Accuracy Performance ◽  
Different Levels

The study aimed to investigate the effects of regular physical activity on visuospatial cognition in elderly adults, and to further understand the potential neural mechanisms underpinning such effects. We assessed 24 physically active elderly adults and 24 sedentary counterparts using behavioral and neuroelectric measures during a visuospatial cognitive task with different levels of cognitive load. The results showed that the active group had higher behavioral accuracy along with greater P3 amplitudes, regardless of the level of cognitive load. Moreover, the correlation results revealed that physical activity levels were positively associated with accuracy performance in both conditions, while being correlated with frontal P3 amplitudes in the high cognitively demanding condition. However, no significant effects were observed in terms of P3 latency and contingent negative variation. These findings suggest that regular physical activity might be part of an effective lifestyle to attenuate the trajectory of age-related cognitive declines, thus increasing the likelihood of individuals becoming high-functioning older adults.

scholarly journals Effects of Physical Activity and Psychological Modification-Based Intervention on Physical Fitness, Physical Activity and Its Related Psychological Variables in Female Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9510
Author(s):  
YoungHo Kim ◽  
InKyoung Park
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Female Adolescents ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health ◽  
Experimental Group

Background: The current study investigated the effects of an intervention incorporating physical activity and psychological modification strategy on physical fitness, physical activity levels, and psychological variables related to physical activity in female adolescents. Methods: Sixty female adolescents were recruited from H Middle School. Among them, 30 females (Mage = 14.35 years) were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the rest of 30 to the control group (Mage = 14.47 years) and voluntarily participated in the 12-week intervention. Results: The results indicated that the physical activity stage of female adolescents in the experimental group significantly increased over the 12-week intervention. The results revealed that all of psychological variables in the experimental group significantly improved over the intervention, while participants in the experimental group showed significantly higher scores on most of psychological variables, except cons, than those in the control group after the intervention. Moreover, most of physical fitness components in the experimental group significantly increased over the intervention. Conclusions: The current study confirmed that the physical activity-related psychological intervention was feasible for improving physical and psychological health among female adolescents.

scholarly journals Associations Between Physical Activity Parenting Practices and Adolescent Girls’ Self-Perceptions and Physical Activity Intentions

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 734-740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon J. Sebire ◽  
Anne M. Haase ◽  
Alan A. Montgomery ◽  
Jade McNeill ◽  
Russ Jago
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Parenting Practices ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Logistic Support ◽  
Multivariable Regression Models

Background:The current study investigated cross-sectional associations between maternal and paternal logistic and modeling physical activity support and the self-efficacy, self-esteem, and physical activity intentions of 11- to 12-year-old girls.Methods:210 girls reported perceptions of maternal and paternal logistic and modeling support and their self-efficacy, self-esteem and intention to be physically active. Data were analyzed using multivariable regression models.Results:Maternal logistic support was positively associated with participants’ self-esteem, physical activity self-efficacy, and intention to be active. Maternal modeling was positively associated with self-efficacy. Paternal modeling was positively associated with self-esteem and selfefficacy but there was no evidence that paternal logistic support was associated with the psychosocial variables.Conclusions:Activity-related parenting practices were associated with psychosocial correlates of physical activity among adolescent girls. Logistic support from mothers, rather than modeling support or paternal support may be a particularly important target when designing interventions aimed at preventing the age-related decline in physical activity among girls.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic and Remote Education Contributes to Improved Nutritional Behaviors and Increased Screen Time in a Polish Population-Based Sample of Primary School Adolescents: Diet and Activity of Youth during COVID-19 (DAY-19) Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1596
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Kołota ◽  
Dominika Głąbska
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Polish Population ◽  
Remote Education ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Diet And Physical Activity

The Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) pandemic has influenced the nutrition of individuals, including the diet followed, food availability, and food security. However, thus far, only a few studies have been published regarding the diet and activity of children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and remote education in this period on the diet and physical activity in a Polish population-based sample of primary school adolescents. In June 2020, the Diet and Activity of Youth during COVID-19 (DAY-19) Study was conducted on a population recruited based on stratified random sampling from all regions (schools sampled from counties, and counties from voivodeships). The sample consisted of a total of 1334 adolescents aged 10–16 years. The study assessed the diet and physical activity of the participants using a validated questionnaire which included questions about the period of remote education and the period before the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were asked about the following: consumption of fruit, vegetables, soft drinks, water, French fries, and fast food; eating meals in front of the television; and the number of days they are physically active and the number of hours they spend watching television. The obtained data were analyzed by stratifying the respondents by the gender, age, size of the city and total COVID-19 morbidity in the voivodeship. It was observed that, during the pandemic and the resultant remote education, the proportion of respondents who declared the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables had increased compared to that before the pandemic—a higher proportion consumed at least three portions of fruit per day (19.0% before pandemic vs. 27.4% during pandemic; p < 0.0001), as well as three and four or more portions of vegetables per day (11.9% vs. 14.5% and 7.5% vs. 11.1%; p = 0.0004). At the same time, the proportion of respondents consuming at least three cups of water per day had increased (41.1% vs. 47.9%; p = 0.0020), whereas the proportion of respondents who never or rarely eat their meals in front of the television had decreased (35.6% vs. 28.9%; p < 0.0001), and the proportion watching television for more than 2 h a day had increased (78.3% vs. 88.4%; p < 0.0001). Based on the results, it may be concluded that, during the period of remote education due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the dietary behaviors of the studied population of Polish adolescents were more beneficial, which included a higher intake of fruit, vegetables, and water, compared to before the pandemic. In spite of the increasing screen time, including eating in front of the television, there was no reduction in the number of days the respondents were physically active.

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