Physical activity change during adolescence: a systematic review and a pooled analysis

Influence of Physical Self-Concept and Motivational Processes on Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity of Adolescents

There is a growing concern about the increasing decline in physical activity among adolescents. In the search for variables that may be related to physical activity, this study examined the influence of physical self-concept on objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of adolescents through the mediation of the needs satisfaction and two types of autonomous motivation, for academics and for physical education. Data were collected from 618 students (301 boys and 317 girls) aged 10–14 years from 24 secondary schools in Spain. The path analysis results showed that physical self-concept positively predicted needs satisfaction and this, in turn, was positively and significantly related to the two types of autonomous motivation. Finally, only the autonomous motivation for physical education significantly and positively predicted the adolescents’ MVPA. Our findings showed that there was no evidence of an indirect effect of physical self-concept on MVPA. The results are discussed along the lines of the self-determination theory, through the analysis of the role of physical self-concept in increasing adolescents’ physical activity.

Kicking goals: Exploring the experiences of girls who play Australian Rules football

ISSUE ADDRESSED

Increasing physical activity of adolescent girls is a key priority for health promotion, as their physical activity levels are generally lower than boys. This study aims to understand the experiences of adolescent girls who play Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) football and to explore girls' pathways to playing football. Understanding how AFLW and gender norms/stereotypes influence girls' experiences and self-perceptions was a key focus.

METHODS

A qualitative description design and purposive sampling were used. Six adolescent girls aged 11-17 that play football in urban Victoria, Australia participated. Short interview survey questions covering demographic and football pathway information were administered prior to online one-on-one interviews. Interviews lasted 30-45 minutes. Questions were framed broadly, open-ended and non-directive (some using image prompts). Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The results cover four themes: (a) Self-perception-participants presented with positive self-perceptions, (b) Social support-a supportive team and exposure to women playing football, and family support/involvement, were encouraging factors in pathways to playing football, (c) AFLW role models-were positive influences on participants' experience and self-perceptions and (d) Influence of gender norms/stereotypes-participant self-perceptions displayed conforming and non-conforming features of gender norms/stereotypes. Participants reported exposure to sexist commentary about girls in sport through social media and peers but instead of being discouraged, most used it as motivation or empowerment, while others were dismissive.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest increased media coverage of AFLW players may be beneficial. Education programs/initiatives which i) involve AFLW role models and ii) encourage family friendly club environments and team bonding spaces are recommended. SO WHAT?: Findings indicate that adolescent girls can thrive in their football experience, which could increase feelings of empowerment and foster positive self-perceptions, contributing to overall health. Further research in this area is recommended to expand on and strengthen our study findings.

Physical Exercise and Psychological Distress: The Mediating Roles of Problematic Mobile Phone Use and Learning Burnout among Adolescents

Psychological distress among adolescents adversely affects their development and negatively impacts them later in life. The aim of the present study was to determine whether an association exists between physical exercise and psychological distress and to explore the roles of problematic mobile phone use and learning burnout with respect to this association. A total of 2077 Chinese adolescents were evaluated by using the Physical Exercise Questionnaire, the Self-rating Questionnaire for Adolescent Problematic Mobile Phone Use, the Learning Burnout Questionnaire, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. A serial multiple mediation model was constructed using the SPSS PROCESS macro. The results showed that physical exercise was negatively associated with psychological distress in this Chinese adolescent population. Serial multiple mediation analysis revealed that problematic mobile phone use and learning burnout both independently and serially mediated the association between physical exercise and psychological distress. These findings provide evidence suggesting that increased attention should be given to problematic mobile phone use and learning burnout when establishing and implementing specific strategies that leverage greater participation in physical exercise to decrease psychological distress in adolescents.

Concordance Between the Weight of Spanish Adolescent Soccer Players, Their Self-Perceived Weight, and Their Weight as Perceived by Their Parents

PURPOSE

In the context of soccer clubs, to analyze the concordance between players' actual weight, their self-perceived weight, and their weight as perceived by their parents; to determine which variables might explain the presence of concordance between parents' perception of adolescents' weight and their actual weight. Design and study: A cross-sectional study involving 330 soccer players aged between 13 and 16. Data on personal characteristics of adolescents and parents were analyzed, as well as parents' perceptions of adolescents' weight status and their self-perception. A descriptive analysis of the personal characteristics of the sample (adolescents and parents) and an analysis of the variables explaining the presence of concordance between the parents' perception of adolescents' weight and their actual weight were performed.

RESULTS

19% of the adolescents were overweight and 3.4% were obese. The concordance between parents' perceptions of players' weight and players' actual weight was weak. The concordance between adolescents' self-perceived weight and their actual weight was moderate. The difference in BMI scores according to presence or absence of concordance was statistically significant: these scores were higher in the absence of concordance. Discordance between adolescents' weight and their parents' perception of their weight was associated with parents having lower levels of education.

CONCLUSION

A high percentage of parents and players misperceived their actual weight. This discrepancy was associated with higher BMI scores for adolescents.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Nurses should include promotion of accurate weight perception in educational interventions on excess weight.

Self-Report Motor Competence in Adolescents Aged 12-18 Years in Regional and Rural Victoria (Australia)

Background: Poor motor skills are an increasing issue for adolescents in our local communities. In regional Victoria, almost 20% of children starting school in 2018 were considered at risk or developmentally vulnerable in the domain of physical health and wellbeing. Purpose: The aim of the current study was to examine factors (how adolescents perceive their fine and gross motor skills, activities of daily living, comparison to peers) of motor competence that may be important to adolescents in regional Victoria, Australia, using the Adolescent Motor Competence Questionnaire (AMCQ). Methods: A sample of 183 Australian adolescents ([138 females (M_age = 15.59 years, SD = 1.56); 45 males, (M_age = 15.82 years, SD = 1.95); 12-18 years old] completed the AMCQ. Results: The mean AMCQ score was 87.86 (SD = 7.55), with no significant difference between males (M = 89.67 SD = 7.29) and females [M = 87.28 SD = 7.56; t (181 = 1.86 p =.065)]. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA), extracted five factors (Eiqenvalue of 1.389) explaining 43.46% of variance, representing, Ball Skills and Kinesthesis; Activities of Daily Living; Fine Motor and Gross Motor; Proprioception and Exteroception; Public Performance. Conclusion: The results highlight key factors important in describing an adolescent's motor competence within regional Victoria. With physical health a priority in local communities, understanding these factors is an important first, that which may inform development of physical activity interventions for adolescents.

Age-related change in sedentary behavior during childhood and adolescence: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sedentary behaviors are highly prevalent in youth and may be associated with markers of physical and mental health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the age-related change in sedentary behavior during childhood and adolescence. Ten electronic databases were searched. Inclusion criteria specified longitudinal observational studies or control group from an intervention; participants aged ≥5 and ≤18 years; a quantitative estimate of the duration of SB; and English language, peer-reviewed publication. Meta-analyses summarized weighted mean differences (WMD) in device-assessed sedentary time and questionnaire-assessed screen-behaviors over 1-, 2-, 3-, or more than 4-year follow-up. Effect modification was explored using meta-regression. Eighty-five studies met inclusion criteria. Device-assessed sedentary time increased by (WMD 95% confidence interval [CI]) 27.9 (23.2, 32.7), 61.0 (50.7, 71.4), 63.7 (53.3, 74.0), and 140.7 (105.1, 176.4) min/day over 1-, 2-, 3-, and more than 4-year follow-up. We observed no effect modification by gender, baseline age, study location, attrition, or quality. Questionnaire-assessed time spent playing video games, computer use, and a composite measure of sedentary behavior increased over follow-up duration. Evidence is consistent in showing an age-related increase in various forms of sedentary behavior; evidence pertaining to variability across socio-demographic subgroups and contemporary sedentary behaviors are avenues for future research.

The Importance of Parents' Income and Education Level in Relation to Their Preschool Children's Activity Level at Leisure

Previous research indicate that socioeconomic status positively corresponds with adults’ and adolescents’ physical activity levels. This study investigated the relationship between parents’ education and income, and preschool children’s physical activity level. A total of 244 Norwegian preschool children aged four to six and their parents were enrolled in the study. The children wore an Actigraph GT1M accelerometer for seven consecutive days to measure their physical activity level. Parents completed a questionnaire that provided information about their education level and income level. To examine the relationship between the parents’ education and income and their children’s physical activity level at leisure, the Kruskal-Wallis H test was conducted. The results revealed that neither mothers’ nor fathers’ education level or income, were associated with their children’s minutes in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at leisure. The preschool curriculum of Norway may be one explanation why socioeconomic status was not linked to physical activity in this study. Another possibility is that this study was limited to full-time students with two parents. More research is needed to determine whether parent income or education is linked to physical activity among more diverse or older children in Norway.

Age-varying Bi-directional Associations Between Momentary Affect and Movement Behaviors in Children: Evidence From a Multi-wave Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

BACKGROUND

The bi-directional associations between affective states and movement behaviors (e.g., physical activity, sedentary behavior) have been observed in children. It is unclear if the strength of these bi-directional associations varies with age as children transition from childhood to adolescence.

PURPOSE

This multi-wave ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study investigates the acute time-varying associations between affect and movement behaviors among youth.

METHODS

Children (N = 195, baseline mean age = 10.72, range = 8-12 years, mean BMI-z = 0.49, 51% female) participated in a six-wave EMA study across three years. Each EMA survey captured momentary positive and negative affect. Time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time in the 15-min window before and after each EMA survey was calculated using accelerometry data. Time-varying effect models (TVEM) examined the acute bi-directional associations between momentary positive/negative affect and MVPA/sedentary time across ages 8 to 14.

RESULTS

Children provided 14,246 valid activity-matched EMA surveys across all waves. TVEM plots revealed that the directionality and the strength (time-varying slopes) of associations between momentary affect and activity levels vary across ages. Positive affect was associated with higher MVPA levels and lower sedentary time at younger ages, whereas negative affect linked to lower MVPA levels and more sedentary time at older ages.

CONCLUSIONS

The acute associations between momentary affect and (in)activity levels may vary as a function of children's age. Applying TVEM to intensive longitudinal data could provide valuable information for developing age-tailored interventions that promote healthy lifestyles among children and adolescents.

Are Self-Efficacy and Perceived Environmental Characteristics Determinants of Decline in Physical Activity Time?

CONTEXT

This study analyzed whether self-efficacy (SE) and perceived environmental characteristics (EC) are determinants of the decline in physical activity (PA) time in adolescents.

METHODS

This used longitudinal observational approach, with 4 years of data collection, involving 355 adolescents (57.7% girls and 42.3% boys), average age of 11.8 years (0.1 y), from João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil. SE and EC were measured by scales and PA by a questionnaire. Ordinal logistic regression was used to associate SE and EC with a decline in PA.

RESULTS

There was a linear trend toward a decrease in average PA duration (58.3 [13.7] min/wk/y) and a rise in average access to places for PA (point per year) (0.6 [0.1]), urban safety (0.2 [0.1]), and traffic safety scores (0.5 [0.1]). The results of multivariable analysis indicated that SE and EC were not associated with the decline in PA.

CONCLUSION

There was a decline in PA time, and SE and perceived EC were not determinants of this decline.

Risk factors and risk profiles for neck pain in young adults: Prospective analyses from adolescence to young adulthood-The North-Trøndelag Health Study

The objective was to investigate risk factors and risk profiles associated with neck pain in young adults using longitudinal data from the North-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT). Risk factors were collected from adolescents (13-19 years of age), and neck pain was measured 11 years later. The sample was divided into two: Sample I included all participants (n = 1433), and Sample II (n = 832) included only participants who reported no neck/shoulder pain in adolescence. In multiple regression analyses in Sample I, female sex (OR = 1.9, 95% CI [1.3-2.9]), low physical activity level (OR = 1.6, 95% CI [1.0-2.5]), loneliness (OR = 2.0, 95% CI [1.2-3.5]), headache/migraine (OR = 1.7, 95% CI [1.2-2.6]), back pain (OR = 1.5, 95% CI [1.0-2.4]) and neck/shoulder pain (OR = 2.0, 95% [CI 1.3-3.0]) were associated with neck pain at the 11-year follow-up. Those with a risk profile including all these risk factors had the highest probability of neck pain of 67% in girls and 50% in boys. In Sample II, multiple regression analyses revealed that female sex (OR = 2.2, 95% CI [1.3-3.7]) and perceived low family income (OR = 2.4, 95% CI [1.1-5.1]) were associated with neck pain at the 11-year follow-up. Girls and boys with a perceived low family income had a 29% and 17% higher probability of neck pain than adolescents with a perceived high family income. The risk profiles in both samples showed that co-occurrence of risk factors, such as headache/migraine, neck/shoulder pain, back pain, low physical activity level, loneliness, and perceived low family income cumulatively increased the probability of neck pain in young adulthood. These results underline the importance of taking a broad perspective when studying, treating, and preventing neck pain in adolescents.

The development and initial validation of the Health and Reproductive Survey (HeRS)

Background:

Due to the diversity in profiles associated with the female reproductive cycle and their potential physiological and psychological effects, monitoring the reproductive status of exercising females is important from a practical and research perspective. Moreover, as physical activity can influence menstrual function, the effects of physical activity energy expenditure on reproductive function should also be considered.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to develop and establish initial face and content validity of the Health and Reproductive Survey (HeRS) for physically active females, which is a retrospective assessment of menstrual function from menarche (first menstruation) to menopause (cessation of menstruation).

Methods:

Face validity was evaluated qualitatively, and the initial content validity was established through a principal component analysis. The face validity process was completed by 26 females aged 19–67 years and the content validity was established through a survey sent to a convenience sample of 392 females, of which 230 females (57.9% and aged 18–49 years) completed the survey.

Results:

The revisions made following the face validation improved the understanding, flow, and coherence of the survey. The principal component analysis indicated that, at a minimum, the survey measures these constructs: menstrual cessation and associated moderators, athletic participation and performance levels (as associated with menstruation change and the menstrual cycle), age and menstrual cessation, hormonal contraception (“birth control”), and menarche and associated moderators.

Conclusion:

The Health and Reproductive Survey (HeRS) is a partially validated tool that can be used by researchers to characterize the menstrual status of physically active females relative to their physical activity status.

Barriers and facilitators of physical activity participation for young people and adults with childhood-onset physical disability: a mixed methods systematic review

AIM

To understand the attitudes, barriers, and facilitators to physical activity participation for young people and adults with childhood-onset physical disability.

METHOD

Seven electronic databases (Embase, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, AMED, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and ERIC) were searched to November 2019. English language studies were included if they investigated attitudes, barriers, or facilitators to physical activity for young people (≥15y) or adults with childhood-onset physical disabilities. Two reviewers applied eligibility criteria and assessed methodological quality. Data were synthesized in three stages: (1) thematic analysis into descriptive themes, (2) thematic synthesis via conceptual framework, and (3) an interpretive synthesis of the thematic results.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies were included. Methodological quality varied, with only four qualitative studies and one quantitative study meeting all quality items. An overarching theme of 'finding the right balance' emerged. Six subthemes relating to capability, opportunity, and motivation contributed to physical activity participation being seen as 'the right fit' or 'all too hard'. The interpretive synthesis found social connections, social environment support, and an appropriate physical environment were essential to 'finding the right balance' to be physically active.

INTERPRETATION

Physical activity participation for young people and adults with childhood-onset physical disabilities is primarily influenced by the social and physical environment. What this paper adds Physical activity participation for young people and adults with childhood-onset physical disabilities is primarily influenced by environmental factors. 'Finding the right balance' between enabling and inhibitory factors was important to physical activity participation being perceived as 'the right fit'. The opportunity for social connection is an important motivator for physical activity participation for young people and adults. The physical environment continues to act as a barrier to physical activity participation for those with physical disabilities.

Improving Physical Activity Levels in Prevocational Students by Student Participation: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

A consistent finding in the literature is the decline in physical activity during adolescence, resulting in activity levels below the recommended guidelines. Therefore, promotion of physical activity is recommended specifically for prevocational students.

OBJECTIVE

This protocol paper describes the background and design of a physical activity promotion intervention study in which prevocational students are invited to participate in the design and implementation of an intervention mix. The intervention is expected to prevent a decline in physical activity in the target group.

METHODS

The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated in a two-group cluster randomized controlled trial with assessments at baseline and 2-year follow-up. A simple randomization was applied, allocating 11 schools to the intervention group and 11 schools to the control group, which followed the regular school curriculum. The research population consisted of 3003 prevocational students, aged 13-15 years. The primary outcome measures were self-reported physical activity levels (screen time, active commuting, and physical activity). As a secondary outcome, direct assessment of physical fitness (leg strength, arm strength, hip flexibility, hand speed, abdominal muscle strength, BMI, and body composition) was included. An intervention-control group comparison was presented for the baseline results. The 2-year interventions began by mapping the assets of the prevocational adolescents of each intervention school using motivational interviewing in the structured interview matrix and the photovoice method. In addition, during focus group sessions, students, school employees, and researchers cocreated and implemented an intervention plan that optimally met the students' assets and opportunities in the school context. The degree of student participation was evaluated through interviews and questionnaires.

RESULTS

Data collection of the SALVO (stimulating an active lifestyle in prevocational students) study began in October 2015 and was completed in December 2017. Data analyses will be completed in 2021. Baseline comparisons between the intervention and control groups were not significant for age (P=.12), screen time behavior (P=.53), nonschool active commuting (P=.26), total time spent on sports activities (P=.32), total physical activities (P=.11), hip flexibility (P=.22), maximum handgrip (P=.47), BMI (P=.44), and sum of skinfolds (P=.29). Significant differences between the intervention and control groups were found in ethnicity, gender, active commuting to school (P=.03), standing broad jump (P=.02), bent arm hang (P=.01), 10× 5-m sprint (P=.01), plate tapping (P=.01), sit-ups (P=.01), and 20-m shuttle run (P=.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The SALVO study assesses the effects of a participatory intervention on physical activity and fitness levels in prevocational students. The results of this study may lead to a new understanding of the effectiveness of school-based physical activity interventions when students are invited to participate and cocreate an intervention. This process would provide structured health promotion for future public health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN35992636; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN35992636.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/28273.

The Relation between Physical Education Teachers' (De-)Motivating Style, Students' Motivation, and Students' Physical Activity: A Multilevel Approach

Research suggests that physical education (PE) teachers can play a crucial role in the promotion of students’ physical activity. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, this study investigated how students’ perceptions of PE teachers (de-)motivating style relate to students’ device-based physical activity levels during PE. Moreover, it was examined whether students’ motivation plays an intervening role in this relation and whether students’ physical activity differs according to their gender and lesson topic. A sample of 302 secondary school students aged between 11 and 16 years (M = 13.05, SD = 1.04) completed a questionnaire assessing their perceptions of teachers’ (de-)motivating style and their personal motivation toward PE. Students also wore ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers during the PE lesson. Multilevel structural equation modeling revealed that the teachers’ motivating style had a significant positive relation with students’ autonomous motivation, both at the student level and the class level, and teachers’ controlling style had a significant positive relation with students’ controlled motivation and amotivation at both levels. However, in terms of students’ physical activity levels, students’ gender, the lesson topic, and teachers’ controlling style seemed to be more decisive than students’ motivation and teachers’ motivating style.

Important park features for encouraging park visitation, physical activity and social interaction among adolescents: A conjoint analysis

Little is known about what park features adolescents perceive as most important for encouraging them to visit and be active and social in parks. This study examined the relative importance of park features for encouraging these behaviours among adolescents and explored differences according to gender and frequency of visitation. Adolescents were recruited from secondary schools in diverse areas of Melbourne, Australia. In Phase 1 (2018-2019), participants [n = 222; 14.0 years (SD 1.1); 46% female] rated photographs of 40 park features in an online survey, indicating the degree to which each feature encouraged them to visit, and be active and social in the park. In Phase 2 (2019-2020), the top ten-rated features from Phase 1 for each outcome (overall and by gender and frequency of visitation) were presented in Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint tasks to another sample of participants [n = 244; 14.7 years (SD 1.3); 46% female]. The most important feature for encouraging visitation was large swings; for physical activity was sports courts; and for social interaction was a café. Grassy open space was important for all behaviours, and preferred park features varied among sub-groups. The results highlight which park features park planners and designers should prioritise to support active and social park use among adolescents.

Do neighbourhood characteristics matter in understanding school children’s active lifestyles? A cross-region multi-city comparison of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Hong Kong

Many studies have explored the influence of individual and neighbourhood factors on active school travel (AST), this novel study is the first to examine how AST and formal extracurricular activities are associated with children’s active lifestyles. The aims of this study were to (a) create an active lifestyle variable (ALIFE) measured in terms of total weekly minutes of AST and extracurricular activities, and (b) explore how ALIFE is associated with different attributes at the individual, household and neighbourhood levels, and how these relationships differ for children aged 10 and 11 years old across the three cities: Glasgow, Edinburgh and Hong Kong. We found environmental factors to be important indicators of lower AST, for example greater parking facility density. The most substantial contribution to children’s overall ALIFE was household income, those from the lowest household group having almost 2 h less ALIFE per-week than those from the highest income.

Influence of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity in children: A scoping review of the literature

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

There is an urgent concern about physical inactivity among children caused by recent restrictions for containing the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This scoping review aims to identify the impact of the pandemic and related factors on children's physical activity (PA).

METHODS

Twenty-one studies published in 2020 that evaluated PA among children under the age of 18 were extracted from electronic databases. The survey contexts, samples, PA measurement methods, and main findings of each study were categorized and summarized.

RESULTS

The review yielded the following results: 1) the PA of children and adolescents mostly decreased; 2) the decrease in PA was more prevalent in boys and older children and adolescents; 3) the decrease in PA was less prevalent in children who live in detached houses, houses with more space, rural areas, and with more family members; and 4) parental support and consideration of location and activity types may help children maintain or increase their PA during the pandemic.

CONCLUSION

This review shows a decline in PA among children and raises concerns about the pandemic's impact on physical and mental health. Declines in PA appear greater among children who participate in organized team sports and those with limited space and opportunity for habitual PA at home or in their neighborhood. Public support for children and families should consider these findings to prevent the negative effects of physical inactivity.

Socio-ecological correlates of physical activity in a nationally representative sample of adolescents across Ireland and Northern Ireland

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Adolescent physical activity (PA) can be categorized into different levels.

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Categories include inactive, somewhat active, active, or daily active.

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Demographic, intrapersonal and interpersonal factors varied by PA category.

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Depending on PA category, school- and community-related factors also varied.

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As Every Move Counts, future correlate analyses may benefit from PA categorization.

Physical activity (PA) is associated with a range of health benefits for adolescents. Few adolescents meet one hour daily of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The World Health Organisation (WHO) now recommends an ‘on average’ accumulation. In light of these updates, comparing correlates associated with meeting versus not meeting the PA guidelines provides limited understanding of adolescent behavioural choices. The aim of this study was to fractionate PA behaviour and investigate influential socio-ecological correlates across a diverse range of PA categories. A nationally representative sample (N = 6,563; age = 13.5 ± 1.9 years; male = 46.2%) completed a researcher supervised self-report survey. Empirically established instruments assessing the socio-ecological correlates of PA were included. Levels of MPVA were categorised into daily active (60mins.MVPA.daily), active (60mins.MVPA.5–6 days), somewhat active (60mins.MVPA.3–4 days) or inactive (60mins.MVPA.0–2 days). Descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses and multivariate blockwise binary logistic regression models were run separately for each PA category. Few were daily active (12.7%), 33.6% active, 36.5% somewhat active and 17.2% were inactive. Results showed that correlates differed in terms of direction and strength, depending on individual activity status. Increasing age was positively associated with being somewhat active, but not with being active or daily active. Attending an ‘all-girls school’ was negatively associated with daily active. High interpersonal support from family, friends or teachers was negatively associated with inactive or somewhat active, reducing the likelihood of adolescents remaining in these unhealthy PA categories. This novel information is useful for exploring previously established inconsistent relationships with PA. More sensitive categorisation and intervention tailoring to diverse PA categories is required.

The Association of Family, Friends, and Teacher Support With Girls' Sport and Physical Activity on the Island of Ireland

BACKGROUND

The current study was the largest physical activity (PA) surveillance assessment of youth undertaken in Ireland in recent years. The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of social support, while controlling for age and screen time, on PA and sport participation, across a representative sample of Irish female youth.

METHODS

A total of 3503 children (mean age: 13.54 [2.05] y) across the island of Ireland participated. Participants completed a previously validated electronic questionnaire while supervised in a classroom setting, which investigated their (1) levels of PA; (2) screen time; (3) community sport participation; and (4) social support (friend, family, and teacher) to be physically active/partake in sport.

RESULTS

There were significant differences, with medium and large effect sizes, for social support from friends and family across types of sports participation. Specifically, girls who participated in the most popular team sports, when compared with the most popular individual sports, reported higher social support scores for friends and family structures.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study confirm the contributing influence of friends and family as sport and PA support networks for girls. Interventions should consider the importance of culturally relevant team sports for PA engagement in female youth.

Associations Between Physical Activity Enjoyment and Age-Related Decline in Physical Activity in Children-Results From a Longitudinal Within-Person Study

Physical activity declines from childhood to adolescence. Affective factors may partially account for this decline. The present study investigated whether within-person changes in children's enjoyment of physical activity are associated with the age-related decline in physical activity. Children (N = 169, 54% female, 56% Hispanic; 8-12 years old at enrollment) took part in a longitudinal study with six assessment waves across 3 years. At each wave, enjoyment of physical activity was reported, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured with an accelerometer across seven consecutive days. MVPA and enjoyment of physical activity both declined across waves. Multilevel analyses revealed that within-person changes in enjoyment moderated the effects of age on within-person changes in MVPA. Enjoyment appeared to be a dynamic factor that buffered against the age-related decline in physical activity in youth. These findings call for health promotion interventions that encourage enjoyable physical activities.

Sports Participation from Childhood to Adolescence is Associated with Lower Body Dissatisfaction in Boys-A Sex-Specific Analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to analyze the association between body dissatisfaction and sports participation from childhood to adolescence in a school-based sample of adolescents, according to sex.

METHODS

A total of 1011 adolescents of 13.1 ± 2.3 years of age were evaluated. Body dissatisfaction was assessed by the Silhouettes Scale and sports participation for at least one consecutive year was retrospectively assessed by closed specific questions related to childhood and adolescence periods. Body mass index (BMI) and abdominal obesity were objectively measured. Habitual practice of physical activity (PA), socioeconomic status (SES), and ethnicity were assessed through questionnaires.

RESULTS

Sports participation from childhood to adolescence was observed in 55.1% of boys and in 41.2% of girls. Boys with body dissatisfaction showed lower habitual PA in leisure time (Baecke score = 4.38 ± 2.27 vs. 5.15 ± 2.25, p < 0.05) and in total (Baecke score = 9.34 ± 2.64 vs. 9.96 ± 2.68, p < 0.05) than those who were satisfied. No differences were observed among girls. Sports participation from childhood to adolescence was associated with 42% less chance of having body dissatisfaction in boys (OR = 0.58 [95%CI = 0.36-0.94]). No significant association was observed among girls.

CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE

Sports participation from childhood to adolescence was negatively associated with body dissatisfaction in boys. The continuity of physical activity during youth may be an important modifiable factor to reduce body dissatisfaction.

Changes in Physical Activity, Sleep, Mental Health, and Social Media Use During COVID-19 Lockdown Among Adolescent Girls: A Mixed-Methods Study

BACKGROUND

To suppress the transmission of coronavirus, many governments, including that of the island of Ireland, implemented a societal lockdown, which included school closures, limits on social gatherings, and time outdoors. This study aimed to evaluate changes in physical activity (PA), mental health, sleep, and social media use among adolescent girls during lockdown.

METHODS

281 female pupils (12-14 y) taking part in the ongoing Walking In Schools study on the island of Ireland self-reported PA, mental health, sleep, and social media use before (September-October 2019) and during lockdown (May-June 2020), via questionnaires. These were supplemented with open-ended structured interviews conducted with 16 girls during lockdown.

RESULTS

During the period of lockdown and school closures, pupils tried new forms of PA and undertook PA with family, but there was no significant change in self-reported PA. There was a decline in health-related quality of life and motivation for exercise; however, self-efficacy for walking and happiness with appearance increased. There was no change in sleep quality or social media usage.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the many challenges that schools face as they reopen, there is a need to continue to prioritize PA and motivation for exercise to support health and well-being in adolescent girls.

Influence of weather conditions on children’s school travel mode and physical activity in 3 diverse regions of Canada

Children who engage in active school transportation (AST) have higher levels of physical activity (PA). Climate and weather were shown to influence adults’ daily travel behaviours, but their influence on children’s AST and PA has been less examined. This study examined the influence of weather conditions on children’s AST and overall PA. Children in grades 4 to 6 (N = 1699; age, 10.2 ± 1.0 years) were recruited in schools located in urban, suburban and rural areas, stratified by area-level socioeconomic status, in 3 different regions of Canada (Trois-Rivières, Québec; Ottawa, Ontario; Vancouver, British Columbia). Mode of school travel was self-reported and physical activity was measured using a pedometer. We used publicly available data on total precipitation and early morning temperature. AST increased with temperature only among girls. Daily precipitation was negatively associated with boys’ and girls’ PA while warmer temperature was associated with increased PA on weekend days. We also observed that season and region moderated the relationship between weather conditions and children’s physical activity behaviours. Our results suggest that daily weather variations influence children’s AST and PA to a greater extent than seasonal variations. Interventions designed to help children and families adapt to weather-related barriers to AST and PA are needed.

Novelty: In Canada, weather conditions may influence children’s active behaviours daily. Associations between weather conditions, choice of travel mode and physical activity vary by sex, season, and region. Weather affects children's PA differently during the week than on weekends.

Agent-Oriented Goal Models in Developing Information Systems Supporting Physical Activity Among Adolescents: Literature Review and Expert Interviews

Background

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are becoming increasingly popular in supporting the fight against low physical activity (PA) levels among adolescents. However, several ICT solutions lack evidence-based content. Therefore, there is a need to identify important features that have the potential to efficiently and consistently support the PA of adolescents using ICT solutions.

Objective

This study aims to create evidence-based models of requirements for ICT solutions supporting PA by combining scientific evidence from literature and health experts. In addition, we test the suitability of agent-oriented goal models in this type of modeling process.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify evidence-based functional, quality, and emotional goals that have previously been proven to be relevant in supporting PAs among youth using ICT solutions. The identified goals were presented in the form of goal models. These models were used to collaborate with health experts to receive their input on the topic and suggestions for improvement. The initial goal models were improved based on the feedback from the experts.

Results

The results indicated that agent-oriented goal modeling is a suitable method for merging information from the literature and experts. One strength of agent-oriented goal models is that they present emotional requirements together with quality and functional requirements. Another strength is the possibility of presenting results from a literature review in a systematic manner and using them thereafter in the communication process with stakeholders. Agent-oriented goal models that were created were easy to understand for health experts without previous experience in requirements engineering, which facilitates and supports collaboration with nontechnical stakeholders.

Conclusions

The proposed agent-oriented goal models effectively merged information from scientific literature and experts in the field and presented early functional, quality, and emotional requirements in a holistic and coherent manner. We believe that the created models have high potential to help requirements engineers and developers to provide more efficient ICT solutions that support PA among adolescents in the future.

Studying Behaviour Change Mechanisms under Complexity

Understanding the mechanisms underlying the effects of behaviour change interventions is vital for accumulating valid scientific evidence, and useful to informing practice and policy-making across multiple domains. Traditional approaches to such evaluations have applied study designs and statistical models, which implicitly assume that change is linear, constant and caused by independent influences on behaviour (such as behaviour change techniques). This article illustrates limitations of these standard tools, and considers the benefits of adopting a complex adaptive systems approach to behaviour change research. It (1) outlines the complexity of behaviours and behaviour change interventions; (2) introduces readers to some key features of complex systems and how these relate to human behaviour change; and (3) provides suggestions for how researchers can better account for implications of complexity in analysing change mechanisms. We focus on three common features of complex systems (i.e., interconnectedness, non-ergodicity and non-linearity), and introduce Recurrence Analysis, a method for non-linear time series analysis which is able to quantify complex dynamics. The supplemental website provides exemplifying code and data for practical analysis applications. The complex adaptive systems approach can complement traditional investigations by opening up novel avenues for understanding and theorising about the dynamics of behaviour change.

Comparison of Physical Activity Levels in Youths before and during a Pandemic Lockdown

This study aimed to compare physical activity (PA) levels before and during a pandemic lockdown among adolescent Polish youths in relation to meeting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and identify potential environmental factors that may affect these levels. An online survey tool that included validated measures of adolescents’ MVPA and socio-environmental, potential confounders was administered to youths (e.g., lack of classmates, motivation, possibility of choosing any physical exercise time, possibility of choosing your own exercises, home environment). The analytic sample comprised 127 adolescents aged 15.4 ± 0.5 years on average (52% girls and 48% boys). The results highlight that among adolescents who did not meet the WHO MVPA recommendations before the lockdown, 13.4% had an increased frequency of PA (from 2.9 to 5.4 day/week) (p = 0.01) during the lockdown. In the group who did meet these recommendations before the lockdown, 50% significantly decreased their level of MVPA below the WHO’s recommendations (p = 0.01). Self-rated health for PA showed a significantly strong correlation with MVPA in the group of students who met the WHO recommendations before the pandemic (r = 0.76; p < 0.05) but failed to maintain that recommendation during the COVID-19 restriction. The results suggest a negative impact of the pandemic on PA undertaken by youths. Based on these results we see the need for increased action by both Physical Education (PE) teachers and parents to motivate and support youngsters in taking up systematic PA consciously.

The evidence for the impact of policy on physical activity outcomes within the school setting: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Despite the well-established health benefits of physical activity (PA) for young people (aged 4-19 years), most do not meet PA guidelines. Policies that support PA in schools may be promising, but their impact on PA behavior is poorly understood. The aim of this systematic review was to ascertain the level and type of evidence reported in the international scientific literature for policies within the school setting that contribute directly or indirectly to increasing PA.

METHODS

This systematic review is compliant with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Six databases were searched using key concepts of policy, school, evaluation, and PA. Following title and abstract screening of 2323 studies, 25 progressed to data synthesis. Methodological quality was assessed using standardized tools, and the strength of the evidence of policy impact was described based on pre-determined codes: positive, negative, inconclusive, or untested statistically.

RESULTS

Evidence emerged for 9 policy areas that had a direct or indirect effect on PA within the school setting. These were whole school PA policy, physical education, sport/extracurricular PA, classroom-based PA, active breaks/recess, physical environment, shared use agreements, active school transport, and surveillance. The bulk of the evidence was significantly positive (54%), 27% was inconclusive, 9% was significantly negative, and 11% was untested (due to rounding, some numbers add to 99% or 101%). Frequency of evidence was highest in the primary setting (41%), 34% in the secondary setting, and 24% in primary/secondary combined school settings. By policy area, frequency of evidence was highest for sport/extracurricular PA (35%), 17% for physical education, and 12% for whole school PA policy, with evidence for shared use agreements between schools and local communities rarely reported (2%). Comparing relative strength of evidence, the evidence for shared use agreements, though sparse, was 100% positive, while 60% of the evidence for whole school PA policy, 59% of the evidence for sport/extracurricular PA, 57% of the evidence for physical education, 50% of the evidence for PA in classroom, and 50% of the evidence for active breaks/recess were positive.

CONCLUSION

The current evidence base supports the effectiveness of PA policy actions within the school setting but cautions against a "one-size-fits-all" approach and emphasizes the need to examine policy implementation to maximize translation into practice. Greater clarity regarding terminology, measurement, and methods for evaluation of policy interventions is needed.

Brief Report: Youth Living With Perinatally Acquired HIV Have Lower Physical Activity Levels as They Age Compared With HIV-Exposed Uninfected Youth

BACKGROUND

Few studies have evaluated physical activity patterns or their association with vascular inflammation among youth living with perinatally acquired HIV (YPHIV).

METHODS

We assessed YPHIV and youth perinatally HIV-exposed but uninfected (YPHEU) in the PHACS Adolescent Master Protocol with at least one Block physical activity questionnaire (PAQ) completed between ages 7-19 years. Physical activity metrics were as follows: (1) daily total energy expenditure (TEE) and (2) physical activity duration (PAD) defined as the minutes of daily moderate and vigorous activities. In a subgroup, we measured serum biomarkers of coagulation (fibrinogen and P-selectin) and endothelial dysfunction (soluble intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin) obtained within 3 months of a single PAQ. Repeated measures linear regression models were used to compare the trajectories of log-transformed TEE and PAD by HIV status, adjusting for confounders. Spearman correlations were calculated to assess the relationship of TEE and PAD with vascular biomarkers.

RESULTS

Five hundred ninety-six youth (387 YPHIV and 209 YPHEU) completed 1552 PAQs (median PAQs completed = 3). The median age at enrollment (Q1, Q3) was 11 (9, 13) years. TEE and PAD increased with age in both YPHIV and YPHEU. However, even after adjusting for confounders, YPHIV had significantly less increase per year than YPHEU for TEE (5.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): -9.9% to -1.4%, P = 0.010] less) and PAD (5.2% [95% CI: -9.2% to -1.1%, P = 0.016] less). Among 302 youth with biomarker measures (187 YPHIV and 114 YPHEU), we observed little correlation with TEE or PAD.

CONCLUSIONS

Both groups had increases in physical activity levels as they aged, but YPHIV had smaller increases throughout adolescence compared with YPHEU, which may impact long-term health.

Effects of combat sports on functional network connectivity in adolescents

PURPOSE

To explore the effects of combat sports on functional network connectivity (FNC) in healthy adolescents.

METHODS

Resting-state fMRI data were acquired from the combat sports (CS) group (n = 32) and non-athlete healthy control (HC) group (n = 29). Resting-state networks (RSNs) were obtained based on independent component analysis (ICA), and FNC analysis was performed. Then, the intra-network and inter-network connections were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Compared with the HC group, the CS group demonstrated increased intra-network FC within the sensorimotor network (SMN), visual network (VIN), and cerebellum network (P < 0.01, FDR correction). Besides, decreased inter-network FC was found in the SMN-VIN, SMN-auditory network, SMN-default mode network, attention network (AN)-VIN, and AN-executive control network connections (P < 0.01, FDR correction).

CONCLUSION

This study showed a complex relationship between combat sports and FNC in adolescents. The observed FNC patterns in the CS group may reflect training-related brain network optimization, early signs of subclinical brain damage, or preexisting differences. The extensive effects of combat sports on FNC in adolescents could expand our understanding of neuromodulatory mechanisms.

Physical Activity in Adolescents with and without Type 1 Diabetes during the New Zealand COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown of 2020

Physical activity (PA) is an important part of lifestyle management for adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Opportunities for PA were reduced by COVID-19 restrictions. Therefore, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to compare PA among adolescents with and without T1D during the first New Zealand (NZ) COVID-19 lockdown. PA levels of adolescents aged 11-18 years with T1D (n = 33) and healthy controls (n = 34) were assessed through self-reported and parent proxy-reported questionnaires. Overall, PA levels during lockdown were below recommended levels. PA levels did not differ between T1D and control participants (p = 0.212) nor between genders (p = 0.149). Younger adolescents tended to be more active than older adolescents (p = 0.079). PA level was negatively associated with BMI z-score (r = -0.29, p = 0.026) but was not associated with socioeconomic status (SES) or T1D-related parameters. In the T1D group, higher HbA1c was associated with lower school decile (r = -0.58, p < 0.001) and higher BMI z-score (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Overall, young people were insufficiently active during lockdown, and some sub-groups were more affected than others by the restrictions. Pandemics are likely to be part of our future, and further studies are needed to understand their impact on the health and wellbeing of adolescents.

Effect of commercial wearables and digital behaviour change resources on the physical activity of adolescents attending schools in socio-economically disadvantaged areas: the RAW-PA cluster-randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There has been increasing interest in using wearable activity trackers to promote physical activity in youth. This study examined the short- and longer-term effects of a wearable activity tracker combined with digital behaviour change resources on the physical activity of adolescents attending schools in socio-economically disadvantaged areas.

METHODS

The Raising Awareness of Physical Activity (RAW-PA) Study was a 12-week, multicomponent intervention that combined a Fitbit Flex (and accompanying app), and online digital behaviour change resources and weekly challenges delivered via Facebook. RAW-PA was evaluated using a cluster-randomised controlled trial with 275 adolescents (50.2% female; 13.7 ± 0.4 years) from 18 Melbourne secondary schools (intervention n = 9; wait-list control group n = 9). The primary outcome was moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), measured using hip-worn ActiGraph accelerometers. The secondary outcome was self-reported physical activity. Data were collected at baseline, 12-weeks (immediately post-intervention), and 6-months post-intervention (follow-up). Multilevel models were used to determine the effects of the intervention on daily MVPA over time, adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between intervention and wait-list control adolescents' device-assessed MVPA immediately post-intervention. At 6-months post-intervention, adolescents in the intervention group engaged in 5 min (95% CI: - 9.1 to - 1.0) less MVPA per day than those in the wait-list control group. Males in the intervention group engaged in 11 min (95% CI: - 17.6 to - 4.5) less MVPA than males in the wait-list control group at 6-months post-intervention. No significant differences were observed for females at either time point. For self-reported physical activity, no significant effects were found at 12-weeks and 6-months post-intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining a wearable activity tracker with digital behaviour change resources and weekly challenges did not increase inactive adolescents' accelerometer-derived and self-reported physical activity levels immediately post-intervention. This contrasts previous research that has suggested wearable activity tracker may increase youth physical activity levels in the short-term. Lower engagement in MVPA 6-months post-intervention was observed for males but not for females, though it is unclear why this finding was observed. The results suggest wearable activity trackers, in combination with supporting materials, may not be effective for increasing physical activity levels in adolescents.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12616000899448 . Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Registered 7 July 2016.

The Effect of Teacher Autonomy Support on Leisure-Time Physical Activity via Cognitive Appraisals and Achievement Emotions: A Mediation Analysis Based on the Control-Value Theory

Analyzing students' emotional experience in physical education (PE) is of crucial importance as it may fill an important gap in research examining the role of PE for students' leisure-time physical activity (PA). Based on the control-value theory of achievement emotions, the purpose of this study was to test the assumption that multi-dimensional autonomy support of the PE teacher may affect students' leisure-time PA via their appraisals of control and value and achievement emotions experienced in PE. Variance-based structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed model in a sample of 1030 students aged between 11 and 18 years (M = 13.4, SD = 1.48) stemming from schools with the lowest educational level among secondary schools in Germany. The results indicated that in particular cognitive autonomy support positively predicted students' self-efficacy and intrinsic value. Whereas appraisals of self-efficacy were negatively related to the experience of anxiety, intrinsic value was a major positive predictor of enjoyment. Enjoyment, in turn, was of substantial relevance for leisure-time PA. The findings offer a meaningful contribution in understanding students' emotional experiences and remind PE teachers of their opportunity to adopt an autonomy-supportive teaching style to positively influence the emotions of their students.

Randomized Controlled Trial to Increase Physical Activity Among Hispanic-American Middle School Students

BACKGROUND

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) declines during adolescence, particularly among girls. In this randomized control trial, we examined MVPA in a physical activity intervention compared to physical education (PE) class as usual (TAU), stratified by sex and weight classification. Standardized BMI (zBMI) overtime was also examined.

METHODS

Hispanic-American middle school students (N = 193) were recruited from a school district in Houston, Texas. Participants were randomized to either a circuit-based physical activity intervention or TAU (PE class as usual). MVPA was assessed using accelerometry at baseline and 6 months. Repeated measures ANCOVA were conducted to examine changes in MVPA, overall and stratified by sex and weight classification. This procedure was repeated for zBMI.

RESULTS

Participants were 12.10 ± 0.63 years old and 53% were girls. Overall those in intervention increased weekday MVPA more than TAU (F(1,190) = 7.03, p < .01). Intervention girls increased weekday MVPA; whereas TAU girls decreased weekday MVPA (F(1,99) = 7.36, p < .01). Among those with obesity, there was no difference in MVPA between conditions (F(1, 56) = 0.33, p = .57), but Intervention decreased zBMI significantly more than TAU (F(1, 56) = 6.16, p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Structured PE classes grounded in behavioral theory may be an important strategy to prevent typical decreases in MVPA during adolescence, particularly among girls and for youth with obesity.

Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity trajectories during adolescence and young adulthood predict adiposity in young adulthood: The Iowa Bone Development Study

This study examined the associations of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) trajectories in adolescence through young adulthood with adiposity in young adults. Participants from The Iowa Bone Development Study cohort were longitudinally assessed (N = 297; 57% female). Accelerometry-measured MVPA (min/day) at ages 15 through 23 years, and fat mass and visceral adipose tissue mass indices (kg/m2, g/m2) derived from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans at age 23 years were analyzed. Latent trajectory analyses classified MVPA into two patterns. Multivariable linear regression analyses showed that being in the high MVPA trajectory group was associated with lower fat mass index z-scores. Individuals who were consistently active with high MVPA (vs. moderately active with decreasing MVPA) during adolescence up until early young adulthood had less accumulation of total body adiposity in young adulthood. This study suggests that adopting a consistently active lifestyle throughout adolescence can result in healthier body composition in young adulthood.

The effect of a one-year vigorous physical activity intervention on fitness, cognitive performance and mental health in young adolescents: the Fit to Study cluster randomised controlled trial

Background

Physical activity (PA) may positively stimulate the brain, cognition and mental health during adolescence, a period of dynamic neurobiological development. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) or vigorous PA interventions are time-efficient, scalable and can be easily implemented in existing school curricula, yet their effects on cognitive, academic and mental health outcomes are unclear. The primary aim of the Fit to Study trial was to investigate whether a pragmatic and scalable HIIT-style VPA intervention delivered during school physical education (PE) could improve attainment in maths. The primary outcome has previously been reported and was null. Here, we report the effect of the intervention on prespecified secondary outcomes, including cardiorespiratory fitness, cognitive performance, and mental health in young adolescents.

Methods

The Fit to Study cluster randomised controlled trial included Year 8 pupils (n = 18,261, aged 12–13) from 104 secondary state schools in South/Mid-England. Schools were randomised into an intervention condition (n = 52), in which PE teachers delivered an additional 10 min of VPA per PE lesson for one academic year (2017–2018), or into a “PE as usual” control condition. Secondary outcomes included assessments of cardiorespiratory fitness (20-m shuttle run), cognitive performance (executive functions, relational memory and processing speed) and mental health (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and self-esteem measures). The primary intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis used linear models and structural equation models with cluster-robust standard errors to test for intervention effects. A complier-average causal effect (CACE) was estimated using a two-stage least squares procedure.

Results

The HIIT-style VPA intervention did not significantly improve cardiorespiratory fitness, cognitive performance (executive functions, relational memory or processed speed), or mental health (all p > 0.05). Subgroup analyses showed no significant moderation of intervention effects by sex, socioeconomic status or baseline fitness levels. Changes in cardiorespiratory fitness were not significantly related to changes in cognitive or mental health outcomes. The trial was marked by high drop-out and low intervention compliance. Findings from the CACE analysis were in line with those from the ITT analysis.

Conclusion

The one-academic year HIIT-style VPA intervention delivered during regular school PE did not significantly improve fitness, cognitive performance or mental health, but these findings should be interpreted with caution given low implementation fidelity and high drop-out. Well-controlled, large-scale, school-based trials that examine the effectiveness of HIIT-style interventions to enhance cognitive and mental health outcomes are warranted.

Trial registration

ISRCTN registry, 15,730,512. Trial protocol and analysis plan for primary outcome prospectively registered on 30th March 2017.

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03286725. Secondary measures (focus of current manuscript) retrospectively registered on 18 September 2017.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12966-021-01113-y.

Predicting school students' physical activity intentions in leisure-time and school recess contexts: Testing an integrated model based on self-determination theory and theory of planned behavior

Background

Identifying psychological correlates of children’s physical activity intentions may signpost potentially modifiable targets for interventions aimed at promoting physical activity participation. School recess and leisure-time outside of school are appropriate contexts in which such interventions may be delivered. However, few studies have identified correlates of physical activity intentions in these environments. Examining correlates in these contexts may provide formative evidence on which to base interventions to promote physical activity.

Purpose

The current study adopted an integrated theoretical model to test relations between motivational constructs from self-determination theory, social cognition constructs from the theory of planned behavior, and physical activity intentions in leisure-time and school recess contexts.

Methods

Finnish school children (N = 845, M age = 13.93, SD = 0.99) from three lower-secondary schools completed self-report measures of perceived autonomy support by peers, autonomous and controlled motivation, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and physical activity intentions for both contexts.

Results

Well-fitting structural equation models controlling for past behavior indicated that autonomous motivation in the school recess context and attitude in both contexts were the most pervasive predictors of physical activity intentions, and mediated the relationship between perceived autonomy support and intentions. Multi-group analyses supported invariance of the models in both contexts across gender, grades, and school, with few variations.

Conclusions

The current study supports relations between motivational and social cognition correlates of children’s physical activity intentions in school recess and leisure-time contexts. Future research should extend these findings to the prediction of follow-up participation in physical activity.

A School-Level Examination of the Association between Programs and Policies and Physical Activity Outcomes among Females from the COMPASS Study

(1) The majority of Canadian youth are not meeting physical activity guidelines, and more female than male youth are falling short of these recommendations. School programs and policies are a viable strategy to improve youth physical activity. However, they may differentially affect female and male activity. This study aimed to examine school-level differences in physical activity outcomes among male and female students and to explore how school programs and policies associate with school-level physical activity outcomes among females. (2) This study used data from 136 schools participating in year 7 (Y7 2018–2019) of the COMPASS study. Data on school programs and policies and on student physical activity were collected. School-level means and percentages for outcomes were calculated and compared between males and females and the impact of physical activity programs and policies on female physical activity outcomes were examined. (3) More males met the guidelines, achieved more strength training days and physical activity minutes compared to females. The number of female varsity sports, community partnerships and fitness ambassadors were all positively and significantly associated with female physical activity. (4) Supportive physical activity environments fostered by offering varsity sports, establishing community partnerships and positive role models may promote physical activity among female youth.

Segmented School Physical Activity and Weight Status in Children: Application of Compositional Data Analysis

The purpose of this study was to apply compositional data analysis (CoDA) for the analysis of segmented school step counts and associate the school step count composition to body mass index (BMI) z-scores in a sample of children. Participants were 855 (51.8% female) children recruited from the fourth and fifth grades from four schools following a 7-h school schedule. Using piezoelectric pedometers, step count data were collected during physical education, recess, lunch, and during academic class time. A multi-level mixed effects model associated the step count composition with BMI z-scores. Compositional isotemporal substitution determined changes in BMI z-scores per reallocation of steps between pairs of school segments. A higher percentage of steps accrued during physical education (b = −0.34, 95%CI: −0.65–−0.03, p = 0.036) and recess (b = −0.47, 95%CI: −0.83–−0.11, p = 0.012), relative to other segments, was associated with lower BMI z-scores. Specifically, a 5% to 15% reallocation of steps accrued during lunchtime to either physical education or recess was associated with lower BMI z-scores, ranging from −0.07 to −0.25 standard deviation units. Focusing school-based promotion of physical activity during physical education and recess may have greater relative importance if targeted outcomes are weight-related.

Methodological Considerations for Studies in Sport and Exercise Science with Women as Participants: A Working Guide for Standards of Practice for Research on Women

Until recently, there has been less demand for and interest in female-specific sport and exercise science data. As a result, the vast majority of high-quality sport and exercise science data have been derived from studies with men as participants, which reduces the application of these data due to the known physiological differences between the sexes, specifically with regard to reproductive endocrinology. Furthermore, a shortage of specialist knowledge on female physiology in the sport science community, coupled with a reluctance to effectively adapt experimental designs to incorporate female-specific considerations, such as the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraceptive use, pregnancy and the menopause, has slowed the pursuit of knowledge in this field of research. In addition, a lack of agreement on the terminology and methodological approaches (i.e., gold-standard techniques) used within this research area has further hindered the ability of researchers to adequately develop evidenced-based guidelines for female exercisers. The purpose of this paper was to highlight the specific considerations needed when employing women (i.e., from athletes to non-athletes) as participants in sport and exercise science-based research. These considerations relate to participant selection criteria and adaptations for experimental design and address the diversity and complexities associated with female reproductive endocrinology across the lifespan. This statement intends to promote an increase in the inclusion of women as participants in studies related to sport and exercise science and an enhanced execution of these studies resulting in more high-quality female-specific data.

Differences in participation across physical activity contexts between adolescents with and without disability over three years: a self-determination theory perspective

PURPOSE

Meaningful participation is related to satisfaction of the psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness within Self-determination theory. The purpose of this study is to explore whether need satisfaction in physical education (PE), organized sport, and self-organized physical activity (PA) among adolescents with disability differs in relation to their peers without disabilities over a three-year period.

METHODS

Participants were students of secondary or upper secondary school (T1: N = 2979), reporting either having a disability (n = 328) or not (n = 2651). The psychological needs were measured in the three PA contexts over three time-points. Differences between groups were assessed with t-tests and Cohen's d.

RESULTS

Adolescents with disability reported: in PE, lower need satisfaction across all three time-points; in organized sport, lower levels on all needs at T1, and lower levels of autonomy and relatedness at T2; in self-organized PA, no differences between the groups across all three time points, except for lower autonomy at T2.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that adolescents with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to reduced participation in PE and partly in organized sport. Rehabilitation institutions should collaborate closely with stakeholders in PA (e.g., PE teachers and coaches) in adolescents' municipalities to transfer knowledge about nurturing psychological needs in PA.Implications for rehabilitationMeaningful participation in physical activity (PA) for the individual can be related to their own perceptions of satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness.Findings from the current study indicate that adolescents with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to experiencing reduced participation in physical education (PE) and partly in organized sport.Health care practitioners working in rehabilitation should support adolescents' three psychological needs in PA while they are attending rehabilitation to give them valuable experiences with meaningful participation in PA, which could be transferred and useful for PA participation after rehabilitation.Health care practitioners at rehabilitation institutions should collaborate closely with stakeholders in the PA context of adolescents' local areas (e.g., PE teachers and coaches) to transfer knowledge about how to nurture psychological need fulfillment in PA.

Agreement between the SHAPES Questionnaire and a Multiple-Sensor Monitor in Assessing Physical Activity of Adolescents Using Categorial Approach: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to evaluate the agreement between a 7-day recall questionnaire and multiple-sensor monitor in identifying sufficiently active adolescents. A total of 282 students involved in the CRO-PALS study were randomly selected for a device-based measurement of physical activity (PA) using the SenseWear Armband device (SWA) no more than three weeks before or after having fulfilled the SHAPES questionnaire. Valid data was obtained from 150 participants (61 boys; 89 girls) and included in the analysis. In boys, SHAPES exhibited high specificity (92.3%), overall percent agreement (85.0%), and significant agreement (κ = 0.32, p = 0.014) with the SWA in recognising sufficiently active individuals. Conversely, no agreement was detected for quartiles of PA, although boys that were classified in the first and in the fourth quartile by SHAPES differed in device-based measured duration of MVPA (134 [95%CI: 109–160] vs. 87 [95%CI: 65–108], p = 0.032); and VPA (39 [95%CI: 23–56] vs. 14 [95%CI: 6–22], p = 0.011). In girls, no significant agreement between the two methods was found in any of the analyses. It appears that the SHAPES questionnaire is effective to identify individuals that comply with PA recommendations and to distinguish between the most active and the least active individuals for adolescent boys, but not for girls.

Review of High-Intensity Interval Training for Cognitive and Mental Health in Youth

PURPOSE

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a time-efficient strategy to improve children's and adolescents' health-related fitness in comparison to traditional training methods. However, little is known regarding the effects on cognitive function and mental health. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of HIIT on cognitive function (basic information processing, executive function) and mental health (well-being, ill-being) outcomes for children and adolescents.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted, and studies were eligible if they 1) included a HIIT protocol, 2) examined cognitive function or mental health outcomes, and 3) examined children or adolescents (5-18 yr). Separate meta-analyses were conducted for acute and chronic studies, with potential moderators (i.e., study duration, risk of bias, participant age, cognitive demand, and study population) also explored.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies were included in the review. In acute studies, small to moderate effects were found for executive function (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03-0.98; P = 0.038) and affect (SMD, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.05-0.62; P = 0.020), respectively. For chronic studies, small significant effects were found for executive function (SMD, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.15-0.76, P < 0.001), well-being (SMD, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.02-0.41; P = 0.029), and ill-being (SMD, -0.35; 95% CI, -0.68 to -0.03; P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Our review provides preliminary review evidence suggesting that participation in HIIT can improve cognitive function and mental health in children and adolescents. Because of the small number of studies and large heterogeneity, more high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings.

Prevalence and Correlates of Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines Among Colombian Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Global estimates have shown that a small proportion of children and adolescents are physically active. However, the evidence on physical activity (PA) among Colombian children and adolescents is limited. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence and correlates of meeting PA guidelines among Colombian children and adolescents.

METHODS

Data were collected as part of the National Survey of Nutrition 2015. A national sample of 16,612 children and adolescents (3-17 y) was included. Prevalence estimates of meeting PA and active play guidelines were calculated, and Poisson regression models were conducted to identify correlates of PA.

RESULTS

Low proportion of Colombian children and adolescents met the PA guidelines. Low engagement in active play was observed among preschoolers. Correlates varied by age group. Female sex was a consistent negative correlate of meeting PA guidelines across all age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Urgent actions are needed to promote active play and PA among Colombian children and adolescents. The correlates identified in our study can help inform the development of actions to overcome the disparities and provide opportunities for children to achieve their full potential for healthy growth and development.

Promoting physical activity through text messages: the impact of attitude and goal priority messages

Introduction

Many young adults demonstrate insufficient rates of physical activity (PA) to yield health benefits. The study tested the effectiveness of a text messaging intervention targeting key psychological determinants and PA.

Methods

Participants received either attitude messages, goal priority messages, a combination of these, or generic PA information (control). After confirming that groups were matched at baseline, a 2 (attitude: yes vs. no) by 2 (goal priority: yes vs. no) by 2 (time: immediately post-intervention, four weeks post-intervention) randomized control trial tested main and interactive effects.

Results

Results showed participants that received attitude messages had significantly more positive attitudes, intentions and rates of PA. Mediational analyses showed the influence of attitude messages on PA to be fully mediated through the serial path via attitude and intention. There were no other main or interactive effects.

Conclusion

The study provides support for using attitudinal messages delivered via text messaging to influence key psychological determinants and PA.

The association between body weight dissatisfaction with unhealthy eating behaviors and lack of physical activity in adolescents: A systematic review

A systematic review examined the association between body weight dissatisfaction with unhealthy eating behaviors and lack of physical activity in adolescents, since it represents an alert to adolescent's health and well-being. Six electronic databases and gray literature were systematically searched from January 1980 to December 2018. A total of 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. Included studies assessed body weight dissatisfaction using different dimensions/components: satisfaction component of the attitudinal dimension was assessed in five studies, behavior component of the attitudinal dimension was assessed in two studies, perceptual dimension was assessed in two studies, and two studies were unclear about dimension. Behaviors: two assessed only unhealthy eating behaviors, six assessed lack of physical activity, and three assessed both behaviors. Only three studies found an association between body weight dissatisfaction with unhealthy eating behaviors, three with lack of physical activity, and one did not perform a statistical test for an association between body weight dissatisfaction with unhealthy eating behaviors and lack of physical activity. Few studies have reported an association between body weight dissatisfaction with one of these unhealthy behaviors. There was substantial heterogeneity related to unit of measures, both for body weight dissatisfaction and for behaviors studied.

Analysis of the Relationship between Tobacco Smoking and Physical Activity in Adolescence: A Gender Specific Study

Background and Objective: Although smoking and the physical activity level (PAL) are important determinants of health status in adolescence, there is a lack of information on the relationship between smoking and PAL in early adolescence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the gender-specific relationship between smoking and PAL in 14-to-16-year-old adolescents. Materials and Methods: The sample included 650 adolescents (337 girls, 14.7 ± 0.5 years at first testing wave) from Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the first testing wave, participants were tested using structured questionnaires. Second testing was commenced after approximately 20 months (16.4 ± 0.6 years). The variables were age, gender, socioeconomic status, living environment, cigarette smoking (predictors), and PAL (criterion). Predictors were measured at the first wave, and criterion at the first-wave and second-wave. Results: For girls, smoking was negatively correlated to PAL at the first-wave (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.55-0.95) and at the second-wave (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.71-0.96). No significant association between smoking and PAL was found for boys. Results suggest that adolescent boys and girls do not follow the equal trajectories when it comes to relationships between smoking and PAL. Conclusions: In developing promotional public health actions related to a decrease of smoking and increase of PAL, a gender-specific approach is highly recommended. Further studies analyzing the cause-effect relationship between consumption of other types of psychoactive substances and PAL in this age group are warranted.

Factors Predicting Physical Activity and Sports Participation in Adolescence

Physical activity is important for children's health and wellbeing, yet participation declines across teenage years. It is important to understand the mechanisms that could support adolescents to maintain physical activity participation. The aim of this study was firstly to examine change in sports and nonsports activities over two years during adolescence. Secondly, we explored possible predictors of physical activity and sports participation after two years. Method. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted between 2011 and 2013. Our data were collected from 1225 Norwegian adolescents who were followed over a two-year period, from 6th to 8th grade (11 to 13 years) and from 8th to 10th grade (13 to 15 years). We examined the relations between physical activity and predictors such as peer support, parent support, socioeconomic status (SES), attitude towards physical education, active transportation to school, self-rated health, body image, and change of nonsports activities. We used linear regression analyses and binary logistic regression to explore possible predictors of physical activity and sports participation after two years. Results. We found a significant reduction in sports participation during early adolescence, most pronounced, from 8th to 10th grade (from 13 to 15 years). Factors which predicted physical activity after two years were a positive attitude towards physical education, perceived support from parents, if the student travelled to school in an active way (by walk or bicycle) and also how the student rated his/her own health. The last three factors also predicted improvements of physical activity during the two years. Possible predictors of persisting or starting doing sports were increasing levels of self-rated health, increasing socioeconomic status, whereas increasing engagement in nonsports activities predicted reduced participation in sports. Conclusion. Health promotive efforts aiming at increasing active school transportation, parental support, and subjective health seem important for maintenance of physical activity and sports participation during adolescence. Attitudes may improve by adapting physical education to individual needs and interests and can function as an additional promotive factor.

Does Vigorous Physical Activity Contribute to Adolescent Life Satisfaction?

Background: Physical and mental health are the basis of life satisfaction (LS), even during adolescence. The aim of this study was to identify the associations between LS and types of physical activity (PA) in Czech and Polish boys and girls. Methods: The research involved 933 girls and 663 boys aged 15–19 years. LS was diagnosed using the Bern Subjective Well-Being Questionnaire and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long form (IPAQ-LF) questionnaire was used to identify the types of weekly PA. Results: Adolescents with the highest LS had more recreational, moderate, vigorous, and total weekly PA. The strongest associations between LS and PA were in the Czech and Polish boys and girls who participated in vigorous PA (VPA). The recommendations for VPA were fulfilled by 45% of Czech and 46% of Polish boys and 40% of Czech and 50% of Polish girls, with the highest LS. The most significant positive moderator between LS and PA was participation in organized PA. Boys with the highest LS were 1.94 times more likely to meet the weekly recommendation of VPA than boys with the lowest LS. Similarly, girls with the highest LS were 1.77 times more likely to meet these recommendations. Conclusions: Promoting both current subjective well-being and organized PA, with an emphasis on achieving the VPA recommendations, may support general LS and a healthy lifestyle in adolescents.