Sport Participation Associations With Child Friend Selection and Physical Activity While at Summer Care Programs

Identifying Social Network Characteristics Associated With Youth Physical Activity Skill Competency at a Summer Care Program

While literature suggests that youth physical activity (PA) behaviors are affected by network influences, less is known about network influences on perceived skill competency, a component of physical literacy and self-efficacy. This study aims to provide an understanding of potential network characteristics which are associated with youth PA skill competency. Youth (n = 158) between the ages of 8 and 12 years recruited from two summer care programs (i.e., Boys & Girls Clubs) participated in researcher-administered surveys. Youth self-reported their age, sex, involvement in team sports, weekly PA, and skill competency assessed using a version of the PLAYself measure. Youth were also asked to report up to five people in the summer program and five out of the program with whom they interacted the most. Linear regression was used to evaluate associations between skill competency and demographics, PA, and social network characteristics. Skill competency was significantly associated (R2 = .17) with age (β = -.06, p = .01), sex (β = -.06, p = .01), sports team involvement (β = .16, p < .001), and weekly PA (β = -.20, p < .001). Skill competency was also significantly associated with the number of connections with whom the youth played frequently (β = .09, p < .001), the number of connections that helped the youth to be active (β = .18, p < .001), and the heterogeneity of the type of relationships within the youth's network (β = .11, p < .001). Skill competency scores were significantly associated with both individual variables and social network composition. In addition, youth with networks comprising several types of relationships (heterogeneity) reported a significantly high skill competency. PA interventions can be most effective when considering the reinforcing aspects of networks and skill competency.

Conducting Physical Activity Research on Racially and Ethnically Diverse Adolescents Using Social Network Analysis: Case Studies for Practical Use

Adolescent physical activity (PA) is significantly impacted by peer behaviors through peer influence, peer selection, and popularity. However, the scales for these social constructs may not fully capture the detailed social networks and mechanisms responsible for PA behavior changes. This level of detail and granularity can be quantified and analyzed through social network analysis (SNA). To demonstrate the variety, utility, and efficacy of SNA in adolescent PA research, this article aims to provide four case studies on the collection of social network and PA data on ethnically and racially diverse adolescents. Through case studies, this article provides tangible ways in which SNA can be used to evaluate social influences on PA behaviors. Case studies are presented on: (1) Youth Engagement in Sport-an egocentric analysis of middle school youth participation in an experiential sport program with 3- and 6-month follow-ups; (2) Summer care program networks-an egocentric and whole network longitudinal study of adolescents at summer care programs; (3) The Convoy method-a qualitative egocentric discussion activity with adolescents from colonias on the Texas-Mexico border; and (4) A father-focused, family-centered health program-an egocentric experimental analysis of children participating in a health program. Data collection procedures are listed and example surveys are provided. Descriptive analyses are included, as are recommendations on further analysis techniques for each type of network data. Using SNA, researchers can understand social contexts in a more specific manner, better positioning interventions to alter such influences.

I CrossFit; Do You? Cross-Sectional Peer Similarity of Physical Activity Behavior in a Group High Intensity Functional Training Setting

Physical activity (PA) is essential for physical, mental, and emotional health; however, few adults engage in enough PA. Group exercise environments such as CrossFit can promote sustained exercise habits through social influence, support, and norms. This cross-sectional study aims to provide evidence for PA social influence at CrossFit. CrossFit members (n = 62) reported PA, workout logging frequency, and members at their gym they: (1) work out with and (2) go to with personal matters. Separate linear network autocorrelation models (LNAMs) determined if individuals reported similar PA scores as those of their social ties at CrossFit that they work out with and/or those they go to for personal matters. Participants reported a mean of 2740.55 MET minutes/week (SD = 1847.08), working out with a mean of 9.89 members (SD = 6.26), and speaking to a mean of 2.66 members about personal matters (SD = 3.68). A person's PA was significantly associated with that of their ties they go to with personal matters (PE_p = 0.08, SE_p = 0.02), but was not associated with the PA of their ties they work out with (PE_w = 0.02, SE_w = 0.01). Social influence on PA levels was present when a deeper connection is made between members. Fostering and promoting deeper connections between members may help promote PA and continued exercise habits.

Summer Friends and Physical Activity: Social Network Effects on Child Self-Reported Physical Activity at Summer Care Programs

Summer is a time of reduced physical activity (PA) for children; however, summer care programs (SCPs) can provide opportunities for children to be active and foster friendships. This study investigated associations between PA and friendship formation at SCPs. Children (ages 8-12 years) from two SCPs reported demographics, PA, and up to five friends at the program. Exponential random graph modeling determined significant factors associated with connections at each time point and between time points. PA was a significant factor in sending and maintaining friendship connections. A further understanding of the social dynamics which assist in the maintenance of PA behaviors during summer may improve the odds children engage in the recommended amounts of PA during this crucial time.