Barriers and enablers for sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: The perspective of adolescents

Impact of neighborhood safety on adolescent physical activity in Saudi Arabia: gender and socio-economic perspectives

Background and objectives

Adolescent physical activity is a critical determinant of long-term physical and mental health. However, the factors influencing activity levels remain underexplored in rapidly urbanizing regions such as Saudi Arabia, where changing built environments pose unique challenges.

Methods

This study examined the relationship between neighborhood safety perceptions and physical activity levels among 1,500 adolescents aged 14-17 years in the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, representing a mix of urban and suburban settings. This study used a cross-sectional design with data collected through a validated self-reported questionnaires and interviews; the data were analyzed through multivariate regression.

Results

The results indicate that adolescents who perceived higher traffic-related safety concerns engaged in 30% less physical activity compared to those in safer neighborhoods (p < 0.01). Female adolescents were 20% more likely than male adolescents to report safety concerns (p < 0.05), while those residing in villas engaged in 15% more physical activity than their peers living in flats (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings underscore the significant role of neighborhood safety in shaping adolescent health behaviors, particularly regarding traffic management and accessibility. These results contribute to the growing evidence regarding the influence of built environments on youth health and wellbeing in rapidly urbanizing regions. The study offers actionable policy recommendations for urban planners and public health officials to create safer, more inclusive environments that encourage physical activity, especially among female adolescents. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs and incorporate objective measures, such as wearable activity trackers, to assess the long-term impact of neighborhood safety interventions on adolescent health outcomes.

Applying intervention mapping to develop a program for promoting short physical activity breaks during class time in upper secondary schools: the MOVE12 protocol study

Introduction

Physical inactivity is a global health challenge, exacerbated by increased screen time and sedentary behaviors. Enhancing physical activity levels at schools offers a promising approach to promote lifelong healthy habits.

Methods

This protocol paper outlines the MOVE12 pilot study, a 12-week intervention study designed to increase physical activity among Norwegian upper secondary school students through 6-7-min daily MOVE-breaks integrated into lessons. Developed using the six-phase Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, grounded in the social-ecological model and self-determination theory, the intervention focuses on fostering motivation and creating a supportive environment. Key steps include needs assessment, performance objectives, theoretical methods, and program structuring for sustainability.

Results

Linear mixed models, t-tests, and regression analyses will evaluate quantitative outcomes, while qualitative focus groups will explore engagement and behavior change.

Discussion

MOVE12 provides insights into scalable school-based interventions addressing physical inactivity, highlighting the potential of the IM framework to establish sustainable health promotion strategies.

Exploring Adolescent Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity in China: Mediating Roles of School Climate, Perceived Barriers, and Physical Education Satisfaction

Background

The lack of physical activity poses a major challenge to adolescents' healthy physical and mental development. Despite growing attention, research on how the school physical activity climate affects Chinese adolescents' participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) remains scarce. This study explores this relationship through the lens of ecological systems theory, focusing on the mediating roles of physical education satisfaction and perceived barriers. It also proposes strategies to promote MVPA among Chinese adolescents.

Methods

This cross-sectional study employed convenience and snowball sampling methods to examine the impact of the school physical activity climate on adolescent participation in MVPA. It also explored the mediating roles of physical education satisfaction and perceived barriers. Four variables in the study were measured using established scales: Physical Activity Climate, Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity, Physical Education Satisfaction, and Physical Activity Assessment. The data were analyzed using AMOS v.23 to construct and test a structural equation model.

Results

A total of 612 adolescents aged 12 to 18 from six key middle schools in central China participated in the study. The findings showed that a positive school physical activity climate significantly promotes MVPA participation. Physical education satisfaction positively correlated with MVPA (β = 0.322, p < 0.001), while perceived barriers negatively correlated with both physical education satisfaction (β = -0.449, p < 0.001) and MVPA (β = -0.366, p < 0.001). Satisfaction with physical education and perceived barriers mediated the relationship between the school climate and MVPA, emphasizing their importance in shaping adolescent physical activity behavior. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results (χ²/df = 1.928, GFI = 0.969, AGFI = 0.956, NFI = 0.962, CFI = 0.981, RMSEA = 0.037) confirmed the model's robustness and good fit.

Conclusion

Adolescents in a positive physical activity climate are more likely to overlook perceived barriers, enjoy higher satisfaction in PE classes, and actively engage in MVPA. Schools and educators are advised to foster a supportive physical activity environment to boost adolescent MVPA participation, considering the unique context of China's educational system.