Physical activity and its related motivational attributes in adolescents with different BMI

Relationships between Iron Status and Selected Physical Fitness Components of South African Adolescents: The PAHL-Study

Poor iron status is detrimental to physical and cognitive performance in adolescents. Due to the limited studies investigating the association between iron status and physical fitness components in adolescents from low- and middle-income countries, we aimed to determine the association of iron status with selected physical fitness components in South African adolescents. A cross-sectional study design, including 178 adolescents (102 girls and 76 boys) from the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHLS), was followed. Height and weight were measured to calculate the body mass index (BMI). Subsequently, WHO BMI-for-age-specific categorised body fatness. Cardiorespiratory fitness was determined with a 20-m shuttle run test (V˙O2max), and lower-body explosive power by the standing broad jump (SBJ). Fasting haemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin were analysed from blood samples. Correlation analyses determine the association between iron status, explosive power and cardiorespiratory fitness. Of the 178 participants, 18.5% (n = 33) had low Hb, and 14% (n = 25) iron deficiency without anaemia. Significant positive correlations were found between the selected physical fitness components, ferritin, and Hb. In boys, a positive association was found between Hb and SBJ (r = 0.30, p = 0.006), whilst in girls, positive associations were found between ferritin (r = 0.25, p = 0.04) and SBJ, and Hb with both SBJ (r = 0.21, p = 0.03) and V˙O2max (r = 0.32, p = 0.001). Hb concentration remained associated with V˙O2max and SBJ in girls after adjustment for age, whilst in boys, Hb concentration was associated with SBJ. Higher iron status in South African adolescents is associated with higher lower-limb explosive power and cardiorespiratory fitness. We suggest monitoring of haematological parameters, and interventions to improve the iron status of South African adolescents.

Clinical Utility and Validity of Exercise Vital Sign in Children

ABSTRACT

We reviewed charts of 14,446 sports medicine patients, children aged 5 to 18 years, over a 3-year period to determine the discriminant validity of Exercise Vital Sign (EVS) questions. A logistic regression analyzed factors related to any moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). A linear regression analyzed factors related to amount of MVPA for those who participated in any weekly MVPA. Overall, 48% of children reported meeting physical activity guidelines for 420 min·wk-1. Overall, children reported 400.36 ± 280.04 min·wk-1 of MVPA. Those with depression had significantly less MVPA than those without (95% confidence interval [CI], -96.65 to -26.31). Girls had significantly less MVPA than boys (95% CI, -59.15 to -40.31). Overweight and obese children reported less MVPA compared with normal weight children (95% CIs, -42.65 to -17.29 and -91.61 to -65.50, respectively). EVS demonstrates strong discriminant validity to detect differences between groups as a function of sex, body mass index, and depression.

The Effect of Incorporating an Exergame Application in a Multidisciplinary Weight Management Program on Physical Activity and Fitness Indices in Children with Overweight and Obesity

Children with overweight/obese (OW/OB) have low physical activity (PA) levels and excessive daily screen times. Although access to personal smartphones may complicate restricting sedentary screen time, these devices may be used to promote PA and improve fitness. Therefore, we aim to examine the impact of incorporating an exergame application (APP) into an existing weight management program on BMI, physical activity, fitness levels, and attitude toward PA among OW/OB children. Seventy-nine children (51% girls), median age 10 years, completed an established 5-month weight management program. The intervention included structured PA sessions (2/week), nutritional, and behavioral counseling. An exergame app was installed on the smartphones of the intervention group (APP, n = 32). BMI, physical fitness, PA level, and attitudes toward PA were assessed before and after the intervention. BMI decreased (p < 0.0001) in both groups by 0.67 kg/m2 (Q1, Q3: −1.36–0.12). There were improvements in more fitness components in the APP group than controls, with significantly greater improvements in aerobic fitness (p = 0.038), speed and agility (p = 0.01), and leg strength endurance (p = 0.05) compared to controls. PA levels increased similarly in both groups during the intervention period. The incorporation of an exergame application leads to more significant improvements in fitness components. These findings support the use of exergame apps to improve fitness in OW/OB children.

Motivation and Intention Toward Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives From Integrated Model of Self-Determination and Planned Behavior Theories

Background: In attempts to hinder the spread of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many countries have continued distancing, isolation, and quarantine measures, which has led to limited opportunity of physical activity. This study provides empirical support for a motivational process behind physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic by testing the influence of psychosocial variables derived from the integrated model of self-determination theory (SDT) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Korean adults (N = 248). Participants completed the measures of SDT and TPB constructs modified to reflect their participation in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample size of 243 participants was employed, and the integrated model was tested using serial multiple mediation analysis to check the hypothesized relationships. Results: Findings indicated that in the COVID-19 context, the satisfaction of basic psychological needs positively predicts the level of self-determined motivations for physical activity, which is partially related to the level of social cognitive beliefs and intentions. The findings also demonstrated that attitude toward physical activity during COVID-19 was a major variable explaining the serial multiple relationships between the SDT and TPB constructs. The potential influence of demographics (gender, age, marital status, and past physical activity) was controlled as a covariate, and no significant effects were identified. Conclusion: The current study identified the psychosocial mechanisms of intention of South Koreans' physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could be used as an empirical basis for the development of interventions to maintain or strengthen physical activity in unprecedented situations.

Measurement of Motivation States for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: Development and Validation of the CRAVE Scale

Physical activity, and likely the motivation for it, varies throughout the day. The aim of this investigation was to create a short assessment (CRAVE: Cravings for Rest and Volitional Energy Expenditure) to measure motivation states (wants, desires, urges) for physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Five studies were conducted to develop and evaluate the construct validity and reliability of the scale, with 1,035 participants completing the scale a total of 1,697 times. In Study 1, 402 university students completed a questionnaire inquiring about the want or desire to perform behaviors "at the present moment (right now)." Items related to physical activity (e.g., "move my body") and sedentary behaviors (e.g., "do nothing active"). An exploratory structural equation model (ESEM) revealed that 10 items should be retained, loading onto two factors (5 each for Move and Rest). In Study 2, an independent sample (n = 444) confirmed these results and found that Move and Rest desires were associated with stage-of-change for exercise behavior. In Study 3, 127 community-residing participants completed the CRAVE at 6-month intervals over two years- two times each session. Across-session interclass correlations (ICC) for Move (ICC = 0.72-0.95) and Rest (ICC = 0.69-0.88) were higher than when they were measured across 24-months (Move: ICC = 0.53; Rest: ICC = 0.49), indicating wants/desires have state-like qualities. In Study 4, a maximal treadmill test was completed by 21 university students. The CRAVE was completed immediately pre and post. Move desires decreased 26% and Rest increased 74%. Changes in Move and Rest desires were moderately associated with changes in perceived physical fatigue and energy. In Study 5, 41 university students sat quietly during a 50-min lecture. They completed the CRAVE at 3 time points. Move increased 19.6% and Rest decreased 16.7%. Small correlations were detected between move and both perceived energy and tiredness, but not calmness or tension. In conclusion, the CRAVE scale has good psychometric properties. These data also support tenets of the WANT model of motivation states for movement and rest (Stults-Kolehmainen et al., 2020a). Future studies need to explore how desires to move/rest relate to dynamic changes in physical activity and sedentarism.

Leisure Time Physical Activity and Associated Factors among Adults in Estonia 2000-2018

In order to implement evidence-based strategies, there is a need to assess (1) time trend in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and (2) the relationship between trend of LTPA and trend of potential explanatory factors in Estonia from 2000 to 2018. Data from 25−64-year-old adults (n = 16,903) were drawn from cross-sectional surveys of Health Behavior among Estonian Adult Population. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to calculate annual percentage changes (APCs) and to identify whether there was a significant change in trends of LTPA. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations of LTPA with socioeconomic, health-related and health-behavioral factors. Prevalence of LTPA increased from 26.2% to 44.1% among men and from 28.0% to 40.6% among women from 2000 to 2018 (p < 0.001). Average APC for men was 3.4% (95% CI 2.6−4.3) and for women 2.4% (95% CI 1.4−3.4). Adjusted logistic regression model showed that LTPA was statistically significantly associated with higher education and income, economic inactivity, at-least-good self-rated health (SRH) and non-smoking. Interaction of SRH with study year was significant indicating that the association of at-least-good SRH changed over time (p = 0.016). Health promotion activities should be addressed in particular to adults with lower levels of LTPA, paying attention to the factors associated with LTPA.

Adolescent Autonomous Motivation for Physical Activity: A Concept Analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this concept analysis is to develop a clear definition of adolescent autonomous motivation for physical activity (PA) based on all existing theoretical and operational definitions of autonomous motivation noted in the literature. For providers, understanding this is essential to elucidate why some adolescents choose to participate in a health-promoting behavior like PA. Researchers need to identify if they are evaluating autonomous motivation or a different type.

METHODS

Rodgers' Evolutionary Method of concept analysis was used. PubMed, CINAHL, ERIC, PsychInfo, and Sport Discus were searched.

RESULTS

No concept analysis of adolescent autonomous motivation for PA was found. Autonomous motivation may include intrinsic motivation and two forms of extrinsic motivation, integrated and identified behavioral regulations. Defining attributes include being: 1) dynamic and 2) on a continuum. Adolescent autonomous motivation for PA is a personal desire to attain PA because the behavior is fun and enjoyable, or it is an important part of how the adolescent self-identifies. The adolescent views the self as being healthy so maintains a healthy lifestyle; or views the self as athletic so needs to attain adequate MVPA.

CONCLUSION

Findings are that an autonomy-supportive environment and positive perceptions of PA are needed in order to have the outcome of increased PA. The information may be helpful for promoting consistency of measurement across disciplines. Future research with adolescents is warranted to examine underlying differences between males and females, by age, weight status, and developmental stage.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

An in-depth understanding is needed for providers who are interested in developing interventions to assist adolescents in regularly attaining adequate PA.

Parenting Practices, Autonomous Motivation, and Adolescent Diet Habits

Guided by self-determination theory, the aim of this study was to examine whether adolescents' autonomous motivation for making healthy diet choices mediates the association between parenting practices regarding diet and adolescent food choices. We analyzed data from the NCI FLASHE study, a survey of demographically diverse parents and their adolescent children (N = 1,646 dyads). Path models supported self-determination theory's assertion that indirect, encouraging parenting practices fostered internal motivation; in contrast, regulation was both positively and negatively linked to motivation depending on the model. Models also yielded direct paths between parenting practices and healthy and unhealthy diet choices. Overall, regardless of what predicted motivation, adolescents' autonomous motivation was linked with their consumption of healthier foods and drinks. As such, cultivating a sense of internal motivation during these formative years may put young people on a path toward healthy patterns of self-regulation later in life.

Effects of a weight control intervention based on the transtheoretical model on physical activity and psychological variables in middle-aged obese women

The study examined the effect of a weight control intervention on BMI, physical activity levels, and psychological variables toward physical activity. Thirty-three middle-aged obese women participated in the 16-week weight control intervention. Results indicated that the participants' BMI significantly decreased and physical activity levels significantly increased over the intervention. Moreover, exercise self-efficacy and perceived benefits toward physical activity significantly increased, but perceived barriers of physical activity gradually decreased over the intervention. The study suggests that it is important to consider not only physical activity itself, but also the various psychological variables when planning and implementing the weight control program.

Multidimensional motivation for exercise: A latent profile and transition analysis

OBJECTIVES

To: a) identify motivational profiles for exercise, using Self-Determination Theory as a theoretical framework, among a sample of parents of UK primary school children; b) explore the movement between motivational profiles over a five year period; and c) examine differences across these profiles in terms of gender, physical activity and BMI.

DESIGN

Data were from the B-Proact1v cohort.

METHODS

2555 parents of British primary school children participated across three phases when the child was aged 5-6, 8-9, and 10-11. Parents completed a multidimensional measure of motivation for exercise and wore an ActiGraph GT3X + accelerometer for five days in each phase. Latent profile and transition analyses were conducted using a three-step approach in MPlus.

RESULTS

Six profiles were identified, comprising different combinations of motivation types. Between each timepoint, moving between profiles was more likely than remaining in the same one. People with a more autonomous profile at a previous timepoint were unlikely to move to more controlled or amotivated profiles. At all three timepoints, more autonomous profiles were associated with higher levels of MVPA and lower BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that people's motivation for exercise can be described in coherent and consistent profiles which are made up of multiple and simultaneous types of motivation. More autonomous motivation profiles were more enduring over time, indicating that promoting more autonomous motivational profiles may be central to facilitating longer-term physical activity engagement.

Physical Activity Among Israeli-Arab Adolescent Males: How Do Parenting Styles Matter?

Physical activity contains many benefits for adolescents' physical and mental health, and also for building healthy living routines and habits for the future. The current study examined the associations between parenting styles and adolescents' physical activity among Israeli-Arab families of male adolescents, in seeking to boost the limited information on this most important topic. Participants consisted of 177 male Israeli-Arab adolescents ( M = 13.93, SD = 1.42) with normal weight. Controlling for the participants' age, weight, and grades in school, parenting styles explained about 30% of the variance in the participants' reports of their physical activity, with the authoritative and authoritarian parenting inversely correlated with the latter variable. Adolescents who perceived their parents as authoritative were reportedly more physically active than their counterparts who perceived their parents as authoritarian. In common with previous studies, the findings suggest that authoritative parenting may be a cross-culturally preferable style in fostering a desired physical activity rate among adolescents.

The Intention to be Physically Active in Sedentary Obese Children: A Longitudinal Study

Obese children are usually less active than their normal-weight counterparts, although the reasons for this remain unclear. The objective of the present study was to determine how a long-term program (3 years of intervention and 6 months of follow-up detraining) of physical exercise with or without a low calorie diet influenced sedentary obese children’s intention to be physically active. The participants were 27 children, ages from 8 to 11 years, who formed two groups according to the program that they followed. One group followed an exercise program (three 90-min sessions per week), and the other this same exercise program together with a hypocaloric diet. The intention to be physically active was assessed via the Measurement of Intention to be Physically Active (MIFA) questionnaire. The subjects’ scores at different times of the program (baseline, Year 3, and detraining) were compared using a repeated-measures ANOVA, and a post-hoc Tukey’s test was applied to confirm the differences. After both the intervention and detraining, both groups showed greater intention to be physically active. This suggests the suitability of long-term physical exercise to generate greater intention to be physically active and thus establish healthy life habits including increased levels of physical activity.

Motivation and perceived competence for healthy eating and exercise among overweight/obese adolescents in comparison to normal weight adolescents

Background

The current literature on determinants of behavior change in weight management lacks sufficient studies on type of motivation among children/adolescents, on perceived competence, and in relation to healthy eating. This study aimed to investigate type of motivation and levels of perceived competence for healthy diet and exercise, as well as general self efficacy among adolescents. We hypothesized that overweight/obese adolescents would demonstrate lower autonomous motivation and perceived competence regarding diet and exercise, and lower self-efficacy in general, and that the scores would be influenced by socioeconomic factors.

Methods

Normal weight (n = 40, body mass index < 85% for age and gender) and overweight or obese adolescents (n = 60, body mass index ≥ 85% for age and gender) aged 13-18 years were recruited from pediatric ambulatory clinics. Information was collected about demographics, socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle behaviors. The study subjects completed a survey including the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ) and the Perceived Competence Scale (PCS) for healthy eating and exercise, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Composite scores for the three scales were compared between the two groups using the using the two-sample t-test (for normal data) or the Mann-Whitney U test (for non-parametric data). Relationships between the composite scores and patient characteristics were determined using Pearson or Spearman’s correlations.

Results

The average age of the total cohort was 15.9 ± 1.9 years. 54% were female, and 82% identified as Latino/Hispanic. In comparison to normal weight subjects, overweight/obese adolescents exhibited higher scores for controlled motivation (mean ± standard deviation 28.3 ± 9.3 vs 18.1 ± 8.1) and higher perceived competence [median and 25-75% interquartile range 22.5 (19.0-26.0) vs 20.0 (15.5-25.0)] in relation to eating a healthy diet. These differences persisted after adjustment for age, sex, paternal education, and family income.

Conclusions

Overweight/obese adolescents did not lack autonomous motivation but demonstrated higher controlled motivation and perceived competence for healthy eating in comparison to normal weight adolescents, independent of socioeconomic factors. In the clinical practice of weight management, providers should carefully assess adolescents for type of motivation and perceived competence, while accounting for potential barriers to behavior change.

Effects of an Obesity Intervention Integrating Physical Activity and Psychological Strategy on BMI, Physical Activity, and Psychological Variables in Male Obese Adolescents

The current study investigated the effect of an obesity intervention incorporating physical activity and behavior-based motivational enhancement intervention on BMI, physical activity levels, and psychological variables toward physical activity in male obese adolescents. Single group study without having a control group was carried out in Korea. Sixty-eight obese male adolescents who had BMI greater than 25 kg/m(2) participated in the 16-week obesity intervention. During this period, the study participants' BMI, physical activity levels, self-efficacy, and perceived benefits and barriers were measured at the three time point (baseline, after week 8, and after week 16). Results indicated that obese adolescents' BMI significantly decreased (F = 3.51, p = .03) and physical activity (F = 4.01, p = .02) significantly increased over the 16-week obesity intervention. In addition, Exercise self-efficacy (F = 5.02) and perceived benefits toward physical activity (F = 5.34) significantly increased but perceived barriers of physical activity (F = 5.10) gradually decreased over the intervention. This study suggests that an obesity intervention combining physical activity and behavior-based motivational enhancement intervention significantly contributed to decreased BMI, increased physical activity, and positively changed psychological variables related to physical activity. This first application has resulted in preliminary support for this intervention modality within non-western obese adolescents.

Differences in Physical Activity and Perceived Benefits and Barriers among Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Adolescents

The current study investigated differences in physical activity and perceived benefits and barriers in normal-weight, overweight, and obese adolescents and tested the effect of BMI and perceived benefits and barriers on physical activity. Adolescents ( N = 773) participated in the study; 381 were classified as having normal weight, 262 as overweight, and 130 as obese. Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, Decisional Balance Scale, and body composition analyzer were used to measure the study variables. Results indicated that there were no differences in self-reported physical activity in the three BMI groups. However, groups' perceived benefits of and barriers to physical activity differed. BMI and ‘better outlook’, ‘weight control’, ‘feeling confidence’, ‘physical dissatisfaction’, and ‘lack of confidence’ accounted for nearly half the variance in self-reported physical activity.

Multilevel predictors of adolescent physical activity: a longitudinal analysis

BACKGROUND

To examine how factors from a social ecologic model predict physical activity (PA) among adolescents using a longitudinal analysis.

METHODS

Participants in this longitudinal study were adolescents (ages 10-16 at baseline) and one parent enrolled in the Transdisciplinary Research on Energetics and Cancer-Identifying Determinants of Eating and Activity (TREC-IDEA) and the Etiology of Childhood Obesity (ECHO). Both studies were designed to assess a socio-ecologic model of adolescent obesity risk. PA was collected using ActiGraph activity monitors at two time points 24 months apart. Other measures included objective height and weight, adolescent and parent questionnaires on multilevel psychological, behavioral and social determinants of PA, and a home PA equipment inventory. Analysis was conducted using SAS, including descriptive characteristics, bivariate and stepped multivariate mixed models, using baseline adjustment. Models were stratified by gender.

RESULTS

There were 578 adolescents with complete data. Results suggest few statistically significant longitudinal associations with physical activity measured as minutes of MVPA or total counts from accelerometers. For boys, greater self-efficacy (B = 0.75, p = 0.01) and baseline MVPA (B = 0.55, p < 0.01) remained significantly associated with MVPA at follow-up. A similar pattern was observed for total counts. For girls, baseline MVPA (B = 0.58, p = 0.01) and barriers (B = -0.32, p = 0.05) significantly predicted MVPA at follow-up in the full model. The full multilevel model explained 30% of the variance in PA among boys and 24% among girls.

CONCLUSIONS

PA change in adolescents is a complex issue that is not easily understood. Our findings suggest early PA habits are the most important predictor of PA levels in adolescence. Intervention may be necessary prior to middle school to maintain PA through adolescence.