The benefits of in-group contact through physical activity involvement for health and well-being among Korean immigrants

Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention Among Chinese American Women: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Physical inactivity is a modifiable behavioral risk factor for breast cancer. Chinese American women have an increased breast cancer incidence and a low prevalence of meeting physical activity (PA) recommendations, yet little is known about their knowledge and experience regarding PA and breast cancer prevention. Given the significant cultural differences between Eastern and Western societies, effective interventions to promote PA among Chinese American women require understanding their knowledge levels regarding PA in breast cancer prevention and their PA experiences through a cultural lens. This qualitative descriptive study used virtual semi-structured individual interviews to explore Chinese American women's knowledge and perception of PA, their understanding of the role of PA in breast cancer prevention, and influence of culture and acculturation on PA experience. Twenty-one Chinese American women residing in eight states were interviewed. Using thematic analysis, four themes emerged: A limited appreciation of the preventability of breast cancer, variability in PA perception, Chinese culture norms and lifestyles influencing PA behavior, and the influence of the process of acculturation on PA behavior. Chinese American women had a limited understanding of PA in breast cancer prevention. Chinese culture, lifestyles, and traditional Chinese medicine positively and negatively influence Chinese American women's PA behaviors. When exposed to American culture, Chinese American women tended to adopt new PA behaviors, including increasing leisure-time PA while decreasing occupation- and transportation-related PA. Interventions to increase PA and reduce breast cancer risk among Chinese American women should address cultural factors and acculturation along with education and behavioral change strategies.

A Scoping Review of the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Mental Health Among Immigrants in Western Countries: An Integrated Bio-Psycho-Socio-Cultural Lens

Epidemiological evidence suggests that regular physical activity (PA) positively impacts individuals' mental health (MH). The PA-MH relationship may be critical among immigrants owing to psycho-social-cultural influences. This scoping review of 61 studies employed a holistic bio-psycho-socio-cultural framework to thoroughly investigate the complex relationship between PA (across life domains) and immigrants' MH in Western countries. A systematic search of five electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and Anthropology Plus) was conducted to locate relevant articles. No limitations were applied to study design, age, gender, home country, MH condition or PA type. A bio-psycho-socio-cultural-informed conceptual model guided the analysis of the multi-domain PA-MH relationship. Immigrant PA-MH studies were conducted and reported most commonly in the USA (38%), Australia (18%), and Canada (11%). Overall, PA was positively related to MH. Each domain-specific PA appeared to be associated with unique MH-promoting pathways/mechanisms. Leisure-related PA may support MH by enhancing self-agency and minimizing risky behaviors, whilst travel- and domestic-related PA may promote self-accomplishment and physical engagement. Ethnic sports appeared to enhance resilience. Occupational-related PA was associated with either positive or negative MH, depending on the type of occupation. A bio-psycho-socio-cultural-informed model is required to gain an encompassing and integrated understanding of immigrants' health. The first iteration of such a model is presented here, along with an illustration of how the model may be used to deepen analysis and understanding of the multi-domain PA-MH relationship among immigrants and inform public health planners and practitioners.

A qualitative investigation of leisure benefits for social and psychological health among international volleyball players living in South Korea

Purpose

The proportion of foreign players in global sports industries has steadily increased in the last decade. This qualitative study aims to capture the benefits of leisure activities for the social and psychological health of international volleyball players affiliated with South Korean volleyball leagues.

Method

A purposeful criterion sampling strategy was employed in this qualitative study. Findings: Based on semi-structured interviews with 12 participants, in this study three major themes pertaining to leisure benefits are identified: (a) new leisure opportunities and coping, (b) inter-intra group friendships, and (c) acculturation.

Conclusions

These benefits can contribute to social and psychological health for the participants. Practical implications of this study and suggestions for health professionals, sports psychologists, and team counsellors are discussed.

Play Badminton Forever: A Systematic Review of Health Benefits

Regular physical activity (PA) engagement has multiple benefits for individual general health at all ages and life stages. The present work focuses on badminton, which is one of the most popular sports worldwide. The aim was to conduct a systematic review focused on examining and analysing this sport and the benefits it brings to the health of those who engage in it. Examination was conducted from the viewpoint of overall health and provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art as presented in published scientific literature. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were adhered to. An exhaustive search was conducted of four electronic databases or search engines: Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE and Google Scholar. The search terms used were “badminton AND health” and “badminton AND benefits”. In total, 27 studies were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. After analysing the results, it was concluded that badminton engagement may lead to an improvement in all areas, the most studied being those related to physical health, in particular the improvement of cardiac and pulmonary functions and the development of basic physical capacities.

Sport Participation and Subjective Outcomes of Health in Middle-Aged Men: A Scoping Review

Although sport participation is intrinsically motivating and improves the physical health of middle-aged men, its influence on subjective health measures, such as health-related quality of life, self-rated health, or well-being is unclear. The purpose of this scoping review was to describe the existing literature that has assessed male sport participants and their subjective health. MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched, and reference lists of included studies were pearled. Included were original peer-reviewed studies reporting a marker of subjective health in males, 35 to 54 years (average), who participated in sport. The search identified 21 eligible articles, 18 quantitative, 2 mixed-methods, and 1 qualitative, from 13 different countries. Eighteen studies were cross-sectional. A broad range of outcomes were assessed, with the most common being quality of life/health-related quality of life (n = 6) and self-rated health (n = 6). Most studies assessing quality of life, health-related quality of life, or self-rated health demonstrated a positive association with sport participation, while sport participation was not related to measures of life satisfaction, flourishing, happiness or global well-being; however, limited studies examined these latter outcomes. Sport participation appears to be related to better select subjective health outcomes in middle-aged men. However, most available data are cross-sectional and thus causation cannot be determined. Randomized intervention trials are required to determine whether sport participation improves the subjective health of middle-aged men.

Open Science Framework registration:https://osf.io/zypds

How does physical activity benefit people living with dementia? A systematic review to identify the potential mechanisms of action

Purpose

One limitation of research that assesses the effectiveness of physical activity interventions for people with dementia is that most do not describe the intervention in sufficient detail to ascertain a theoretical basis or mechanism of action that determines the effective components. This paper aims to identify studies which evaluate the mechanisms of action of physical activity interventions for people with dementia, to further inform effective intervention development.

Design/methodology/approach

Papers were screened for evidence of evaluation of specific forms of physical activity, using pre-defined inclusion criteria. Analysis was conducted to ascertain if mechanisms of action were corroborated by data within and between studies.

Findings

The authors identified 26 studies with a measured mechanism of action; these related to the effects of physical activity on either neurological structure or endocrinal markers, including hormones. Physical activity had potential to reduce hippocampal atrophy, increase neural recruitment, activate the noradrenergic system and improve anti-inflammatory responses. While individual studies were hampered by small sample sizes, the body of evidence indicated that physical activity may have potential to delay cognitive decline.

Practical implications

Mechanisms of action in relation to dementia and physical activity are likely to be multifaceted, and physical activity may be protective against progression in the early stages of cognitive decline. Physical activity may be of greatest benefit if incorporated into on-going lifestyle, rather than engaged in for short periods, and combined with social interaction.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in its focus on the mechanisms of action of physical activity interventions for people with dementia.

"When I Sing, I Feel Peaceful": Experiences of Older Choral Singers From North Korea

North Korean (NK) defectors fled their homeland and traveled thousands of miles in search of a better life. This qualitative study explored the experiences of older NK defectors who were part of a serious leisure choral group. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight NK defector members of a South Korean choir group, from which four central themes emerged: (a) conquering adversity and promoting health; (b) making good friends and having great adventures; (c) providing an arena to develop a new identity; and (d) developing proficiency through vigorous efforts. Involvement in choral singing as a serious leisure activity assisted the members in overcoming the various adversities they were facing, promoted their physical and mental health, and helped them develop comradery and new social identities.

Enhancing Engagement With Socially Disadvantaged Older People in Organized Physical Activity Programs

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Participation in physical activity (PA) is low among older adults in developed nations and even lower among several socially disadvantaged groups. This study aimed to identify the actions that can be taken in the promotion, design, and implementation of organized PA programs to improve engagement with socially disadvantaged and underrepresented older people. Research design and methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 community service providers and 5 focus groups with 42 older participants in existing PA programs. Data were analyzed thematically, and the PRECEDE-PROCEED model for program planning was used to broadly categorize themes. Results: Helpful strategies for addressing predisposing factors such as social anxiety and lack of confidence included user-centered program design and sensitive, informative messaging and promotion. Key enabling strategies were transport assistance and minimizing fees. Facilitating gentle entry to groups and fostering inclusion and safety were identified as valuable reinforcing strategies. Providers regarded organizational networks as beneficial for facilitating referral and addressing resource constraints. Discussion and implications: A multifactorial approach addressing a range of predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors is likely to be necessary to enhance engagement in organized PA by socially disadvantaged and underrepresented older people. Key factors relate to creating a positive sociocultural environment, identifying activities of interest, and enhancing ease of access.

Children's Physical Activity Awareness among Mothers in a Saudi Arabian Health Center

INTRODUCTION

Physical inactivity is a major contributor to the increasing levels of obesity and other serious medical conditions among children and adolescents worldwide. A major factor in this increase is lack of awareness of mothers' regarding the Physical Activity (PA) of their children.

AIM

The current study aimed to identify the degree of knowledge and awareness of Saudi mothers' regarding their children's physical activities, which will be useful for improving physical education, health programs, and eventually children's health care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 342 mothers attending a vaccination clinic, well-baby, or women's health clinic participated in the study, in which questionnaire was used to assess the awareness regarding PA.

RESULTS

The majority of mothers agreed that they have a crucial role in motivating their children to engage in PA, but was not aware of current recommendations.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of Saudi mothers' regarding their children's PA was exceedingly low. Creating awareness of children's PA is essential.

Is leisure beneficial for older Korean immigrants? An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Leisure is an important quality of life factor for older Korean immigrants. The purpose of this study was to explore leisure benefits associated with health among older Korean immigrants. A total of 18 individuals participated in the study. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), three themes emerged from participants' personal statements and experiences: (a) experiencing psychological benefits, (b) strengthening social connections, and (c) coping with acculturative stress. The findings indicate that leisure provided a context in which older Korean immigrants created an emotional and social support system that helped them to experience psychological and social benefits. This research suggested that older Korean immigrants used leisure as a coping mechanism that results in health and well-being.

Serious engagement in sport and health benefits among Korean immigrants in the USA

There is a dearth of information pertaining to ethnicity and serious leisure among immigrants. The purpose of our study was to explore the health benefits of serious engagement in sports among Korean immigrants who are part of club activities. Using semi-structured in-depth interviews, we identified three themes associated with the benefits of serious leisure: (a) coping with acculturative stress, (b) creating ethnic strength, and (c) personal benefits. Participants gain personal and social benefits by pursuing leisure activities in a serious manner within their ethnic in-group.

Health benefits of dancing activity among Korean middle-aged women

The purpose of this study was to understand the health benefits of line dancing activity in Korean middle-aged women. This study explored how Korean middle-aged women perceive health benefits through lived experiences of line dancing in their leisure time. Three themes emerged related to health benefits: (1) psychological benefit, (2) physical benefit, and (3) social benefit. This finding suggested that serious leisure experience aids health enhancements in the lives of Korean middle-aged women. This study also discusses the research implication that continuous participation in leisure activity is necessary for health improvement in Korean middle-aged women.