Public school physical educators have the opportunity to help students understand the importance of engaging in regular physical activity in order to combat America's obesity problem. However, students are often unmotivated to participate in their physical education classes. Providing students with an autonomy supportive environment increases intrinsic motivation. Self-determination theory states that higher levels of intrinsic motivation should lead to an increase in behavior, or higher activity levels in a physical education class. This study examined (a) the effects of increased autonomy on self-determination, and (b) the effects of increased autonomy on physical activity levels. Seventh and eighth grade girls (n = 122) in four classes participated in two fitness units (one allowing choice of activities, the other no choice). The 14-item abridged Situational Motivation Scale (SIMS) was administered pre and post each unit. Pedometers were used to measure step counts during both units. Results of the SIMS data showed there was a significant difference in motivation between the trials for all students, and between the groups (pre and post) during the second unit. There was no significant difference in step counts for all students between Unit 1 and Unit 2, and no difference between groups. The results revealed that increased autonomy in activity selection increases student self-determination, and therefore, should be implemented into the physical education curriculum. To truly determine the relationship between increased autonomy and activity levels, students need to be in an environment where they can be responsible for their own behavior, and where they can choose how much effort they are willing to put into the activities they have chosen.

Title: Habitual physical activity of Portuguese university students in the period of summer holidays Aim of the study: The aim of study is to evaluate habitual physical activity of Portuguese university students and to find out if they are meeting physical activity recommendations and could be seen as a sample of active population. Methods: Sample of the study was made of Portuguese university students, exactly students of physical education and sport sciences faculty. Sample size was 125 respondents, 81males and 44females. The sample refers to young adult age group from 18 years old, both genders. Instrument used was International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), long version. Data were collected electronically by Google Docs and then analyzed in Microsoft Excel 2007 and IBM SPSS Statistics 20. Results: Physical activity and sport scientist's students can be seen as a sample of active population. 122 (97.6%) respondents are meeting physical activity recommendations from which 87 (69.6%) are over-meeting these recommendations. PAL of the sample was high in 69,6%, moderate in 28% and low in 6,8% of the cases. No statistical significance was found between total physical activity score and academic year. The habitual physical activity of the sample is not influenced by their study curriculum....

Various research studies have indicated that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has increased worldwide and has, therefore, become a serious health problem. Besides the various health implications of childhood obesity, it can also have psychological consequences for these children and they have a greater risk than a normal weight child to suffer from poor self perception. The effect of a physical activity, diet and behaviour modification intervention on the total energy expenditure, physical activity levels and self perception of 9 to 12 year old overweight and obese children is, however, not clear. The aim of the study was firstly to determine the effect of a physical activity, diet and behaviour modification intervention on the total energy expenditure and physical activity levels of 9 to 12 year old overweight and obese children. Secondly, to determine the effect of such an intervention on the self perception, and more specifically athletic and physical self perception of these children. An availability sample of 20 overweight and obese subjects (13 girls and 7 boys) between the ages of 9 and 12 years with a mean age of 11 years, participated in a 13 week (3 times/week) multidisciplinary intervention programme. Actical® monitors were used to monitor energy expenditure as well as physical activity levels during 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day before and after the intervention programme. From the results, analyzed by means of t-testing and linear regression, it is apparent that the total energy expenditure of the group, when adjusted for the effect of the intervention, showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) and body fat percentage as well as waist and upper arm circumferences decreased significantly. Although not significant, a decrease of 2,9 kg in body mass and 2,00 kg.rh" in body mass index were also indicated. However, the moderate and high intensity physical activity levels of the groups decreased significantly after the intervention programme. A possible reason for this decrease can be ascribed to the fact that the post-test took place during the school holidays. Further analysis of the data also indicated that the group slept longer hours, which increased their hours spent in the sedentary activity zone. The group also spent more time during the day watching television which also contributed to a decrease in the percentage of time spent in the moderate intensity zone. It is, however, concluded that increased total energy expenditure alone could not bring about effective weight loss and must, therefore, be accompanied by activity in the moderate and high intensity zones. For the purpose of the second aim, twenty children (13 girls and 7 boys) between the ages of 9 and 12 years, with a mean age of 11 years, participated in a 13 week multidisciplinary intervention programme (3 times per week). Eighteen children (11 girls and 7 boys) between the ages of 9 and 12 years, with a mean age of 11 years, served as a control group. Self perception, which consisted of 6 subcomponents, was determined by using the Harter Scale for Self Perception (Harter, 1985). It is clear from the results of the t-test (p < 0.05) that all subcomponents of self perception of the experimental group, especially physical, athletic and global self perception, increased significantly in relation to the control group which remained the same in all the subcomponents (p > 0.05), while a decrease in their social self perception was noted (p < 0.05). The experimental and control group did not differ significantly before the intervention programme, therefore the significant differences with regard to the subcomponents during the post-test, confirm the effect of the programme. On the basis of the abovementioned results the assumption can be made that a multidisciplinary intervention programme holds various benefits for overweight and obese children and is, therefore, another strategy in the prevention of overweight and obesity in children in South Africa. A multidisciplinary intervention programme, as used in this programme, is not only advantageous for weight loss in overweight and obese children, but also significantly improves their self perception. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Various research studies have indicated that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has increased worldwide and has, therefore, become a serious health problem. Besides the various health implications of childhood obesity, it can also have psychological consequences for these children and they have a greater risk than a normal weight child to suffer from poor self perception. The effect of a physical activity, diet and behaviour modification intervention on the total energy expenditure, physical activity levels and self perception of 9 to 12 year old overweight and obese children is, however, not clear. The aim of the study was firstly to determine the effect of a physical activity, diet and behaviour modification intervention on the total energy expenditure and physical activity levels of 9 to 12 year old overweight and obese children. Secondly, to determine the effect of such an intervention on the self perception, and more specifically athletic and physical self perception of these children. An availability sample of 20 overweight and obese subjects (13 girls and 7 boys) between the ages of 9 and 12 years with a mean age of 11 years, participated in a 13 week (3 times/week) multidisciplinary intervention programme. Actical® monitors were used to monitor energy expenditure as well as physical activity levels during 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day before and after the intervention programme. From the results, analyzed by means of t-testing and linear regression, it is apparent that the total energy expenditure of the group, when adjusted for the effect of the intervention, showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) and body fat percentage as well as waist and upper arm circumferences decreased significantly. Although not significant, a decrease of 2,9 kg in body mass and 2,00 kg.rh" in body mass index were also indicated. However, the moderate and high intensity physical activity levels of the groups decreased significantly after the intervention programme. A possible reason for this decrease can be ascribed to the fact that the post-test took place during the school holidays. Further analysis of the data also indicated that the group slept longer hours, which increased their hours spent in the sedentary activity zone. The group also spent more time during the day watching television which also contributed to a decrease in the percentage of time spent in the moderate intensity zone. It is, however, concluded that increased total energy expenditure alone could not bring about effective weight loss and must, therefore, be accompanied by activity in the moderate and high intensity zones. For the purpose of the second aim, twenty children (13 girls and 7 boys) between the ages of 9 and 12 years, with a mean age of 11 years, participated in a 13 week multidisciplinary intervention programme (3 times per week). Eighteen children (11 girls and 7 boys) between the ages of 9 and 12 years, with a mean age of 11 years, served as a control group. Self perception, which consisted of 6 subcomponents, was determined by using the Harter Scale for Self Perception (Harter, 1985). It is clear from the results of the t-test (p < 0.05) that all subcomponents of self perception of the experimental group, especially physical, athletic and global self perception, increased significantly in relation to the control group which remained the same in all the subcomponents (p > 0.05), while a decrease in their social self perception was noted (p < 0.05). The experimental and control group did not differ significantly before the intervention programme, therefore the significant differences with regard to the subcomponents during the post-test, confirm the effect of the programme. On the basis of the abovementioned results the assumption can be made that a multidisciplinary intervention programme holds various benefits for overweight and obese children and is, therefore, another strategy in the prevention of overweight and obesity in children in South Africa. A multidisciplinary intervention programme, as used in this programme, is not only advantageous for weight loss in overweight and obese children, but also significantly improves their self perception. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Orientador: Roberto Carlos Burini / Banca: Valdemar Pereira de Pinho / Banca: Aguinaldo Gonçalves / Resumo: Epidemiologicamente, os níveis de atividade física relacionam-se inversamente com morbidade e mortalidade por doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Fatores ambientais e comportamentais modulam a prevalência do sedentarismo, estado em que se enquadra grande parte da população brasileira. O objetivo do presente estudo foi diagnosticar os determinantes do nível de atividade física de amostra populacional em Estratégia de Saúde da Família (Rubião Jr., Botucatu-SP). Foram avaliados 394 adultos (21,8%) que procuraram a unidade no período de março/2006 a setembro/2007. Após triagem médica e formalização ética, participaram de entrevista com profissionais e forneceram dados demográficos, socioeconômicos e respostas aos questionários de atividade física cotidiana (IPAQ, versão 8, forma longa) e habitual (Baecke) e submeteram-se às avaliações de peso, estatura, cálculo índice de massa corporal (IMC- kg/m2) e circunferência abdominal (CA), de flexibilidade de tronco (FLEX - banco de Wells) e de força de preensão manual (FPM - dinamometria). Numa subamostra de 31 indivíduos avaliaram-se o número de passos em atividade física de lazer (AFL - pedômetros), capacidades funcional (TC6 - teste caminhada de seis minutos) e cardiorrespiratória (VO2máx.- protocolo de Balke). Para análise estatística usou-se análise de variância, de componentes principais e fatorial, teste de Tukey, "t" (Student), correlação (Spearman) e regressão logística no programa SAS for Windows (9.1) com p< 0,05. A amostra foi predominantemente feminina (70,8%), de indivíduos com menos de 60 anos (69,3%), casados (67,7%), com primeiro grau incompleto (77,1%), renda familiar até dois salários mínimos (59,4%) e percepção de saúde regular/ruim (66%). Sobrepeso, obesidade e hiperadiposidade abdominal atingiram respectivamente, 38,8%, 38,5% e 65,9% da amostra. A inaptidão física foi maior na FLEX (77,2%) do que na FPM (48,4%). / Abstract: Physical inactivity is related to morbidity and mortality and predominates at most of this country adult population. Environmental and behavioral components are major leading factors to physical inactivity. This study aimed to discriminate the importance of demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric and physical capacity factors on physical activity levels in a population assisted in a Health-Family Public Strategy (HFS). The sample included 394 adults (≥ 35 years-old - 21.8% of universe) that looked for the HFS (Rubião Jr., Botucatu, SP) during the March/2006-September/2007 period and were in accordance with the ethical requirements as well as physically capable for physical exercises. They were interviewed face to face by a physical educator and answered questions regarding demographic, socioeconomic and physical activity recent (IPAQ 8, long form) and habitual (Baecke score) activities subjects. Additionally, they were all assessed anthropometrically for body weight (BW) and height (H), body mass index (BMI) calculation (kg/m2) and waist circumference (WC). The physical capacity evaluation included trunk flexibility (FLEX - Wells bench), handgrip strength (HGS- dynamometry) and, in a sub-sample of 31 subjects, the 60-minute walking steps (AFL - pedometers), six-minute walking test (6MWT - GPS accelerometers) and cardiorrespiratory index in an electrical treadmill (VO2max. - Balke protocol). The statistical analysis (p<0.05) included ANOVA, main components and factorial, Tukey or "t" (Student) tests, correlation (Spearman) and logistic regression between variables using SAS for Windows (9.1) program. The studied sample was predominantly female subjects (70.8%), aging less than 60 yrs-old (69.3%), married (67.7%), with unaccomplished first educational grade (77.1%), family income lower than two-minimal salaries (2MS - 59.4%) and self-reported health status as poor/regular (66%). Overweight (38.8%) and obesity (38.5%). / Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:29:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-02-25Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:19:30Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 michelin_e_me_botfm.pdf: 1644294 bytes, checksum: af694bde16f5f85241148846a2a13e93 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Epidemiologicamente, os níveis de atividade física relacionam-se inversamente com morbidade e mortalidade por doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Fatores ambientais e comportamentais modulam a prevalência do sedentarismo, estado em que se enquadra grande parte da população brasileira. O objetivo do presente estudo foi diagnosticar os determinantes do nível de atividade física de amostra populacional em Estratégia de Saúde da Família (Rubião Jr., Botucatu-SP). Foram avaliados 394 adultos (21,8%) que procuraram a unidade no período de março/2006 a setembro/2007. Após triagem médica e formalização ética, participaram de entrevista com profissionais e forneceram dados demográficos, socioeconômicos e respostas aos questionários de atividade física cotidiana (IPAQ, versão 8, forma longa) e habitual (Baecke) e submeteram-se às avaliações de peso, estatura, cálculo índice de massa corporal (IMC- kg/m2) e circunferência abdominal (CA), de flexibilidade de tronco (FLEX - banco de Wells) e de força de preensão manual (FPM - dinamometria). Numa subamostra de 31 indivíduos avaliaram-se o número de passos em atividade física de lazer (AFL - pedômetros), capacidades funcional (TC6 - teste caminhada de seis minutos) e cardiorrespiratória (VO2máx.- protocolo de Balke). Para análise estatística usou-se análise de variância, de componentes principais e fatorial, teste de Tukey, “t” (Student), correlação (Spearman) e regressão logística no programa SAS for Windows (9.1) com p< 0,05. A amostra foi predominantemente feminina (70,8%), de indivíduos com menos de 60 anos (69,3%), casados (67,7%), com primeiro grau incompleto (77,1%), renda familiar até dois salários mínimos (59,4%) e percepção de saúde regular/ruim (66%). Sobrepeso, obesidade e hiperadiposidade abdominal atingiram respectivamente, 38,8%, 38,5% e 65,9% da amostra. A inaptidão física foi maior na FLEX (77,2%) do que na FPM (48,4%). / Physical inactivity is related to morbidity and mortality and predominates at most of this country adult population. Environmental and behavioral components are major leading factors to physical inactivity. This study aimed to discriminate the importance of demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric and physical capacity factors on physical activity levels in a population assisted in a Health-Family Public Strategy (HFS). The sample included 394 adults (≥ 35 years-old – 21.8% of universe) that looked for the HFS (Rubião Jr., Botucatu, SP) during the March/2006-September/2007 period and were in accordance with the ethical requirements as well as physically capable for physical exercises. They were interviewed face to face by a physical educator and answered questions regarding demographic, socioeconomic and physical activity recent (IPAQ 8, long form) and habitual (Baecke score) activities subjects. Additionally, they were all assessed anthropometrically for body weight (BW) and height (H), body mass index (BMI) calculation (kg/m2) and waist circumference (WC). The physical capacity evaluation included trunk flexibility (FLEX – Wells bench), handgrip strength (HGS– dynamometry) and, in a sub-sample of 31 subjects, the 60-minute walking steps (AFL – pedometers), six-minute walking test (6MWT – GPS accelerometers) and cardiorrespiratory index in an electrical treadmill (VO2max. – Balke protocol). The statistical analysis (p<0.05) included ANOVA, main components and factorial, Tukey or “t” (Student) tests, correlation (Spearman) and logistic regression between variables using SAS for Windows (9.1) program. The studied sample was predominantly female subjects (70.8%), aging less than 60 yrs-old (69.3%), married (67.7%), with unaccomplished first educational grade (77.1%), family income lower than two-minimal salaries (2MS - 59.4%) and self-reported health status as poor/regular (66%). Overweight (38.8%) and obesity (38.5%).

SourceURL:file://localhost/Users/ClaesAct/Dropbox/LNU%20psykologi/Uppsats/Examensarbete_ClaesLilja_HT16_2PS600.doc Physical exercise has been associated with various health benefits, including improved cognitive functioning, well-being and life satisfaction. Other variables that have been found to explain these areas include gender, age, dispositional optimism, meditation practice, and videogame habits. The aim of the present study was to explore whether physical exercise on its own has benefits for visuospatial rotation abilities and life satisfaction. It was also the intention to examine how other known factors of age, gender, dispositional optimism, meditation, and videogames may help predict visuospatial rotation abilities and satisfaction with life. The results showed no significant explanation for visuospatial performance while finding some exercise measurements and physical activity level to have significant correlations with life satisfaction. Dispositional optimism was found to be the strongest indicator of life satisfaction, while gender was determined to not hold explanatory power for either of the criterion variables.

The present knowledge of factors associated with older adults’ physical activity behaviour is limited. Therefore, this study trialled an innovative physical activity program for older adults, investigating effective recruitment and retention strategies, and exploring the adults’ perceptions of physical activity. A total of 573 subjects were recruited into the quasi-randomised controlled trial, located in 30 intervention and 30 control neighbourhoods in the Perth metropolitan area. The initial response rate was 74% (260/352) in the intervention group and 82% (313/382) in the control group. Self-reported questionnaires administered at three time points (baseline, 3-months, 6-months) measured physical activity levels, personal and demographic information, including perception of financial struggle, proximity to friends, and other psychosocial data. Descriptive statistics, repeated measure analysis of variance, logistic regression and generalised estimating equations were used in the analysis. Qualitative data on the participants’ perceptions of physical activity were collected through one-on-one interviews (n=16). The results showed that: 1. This cost-effective recruitment procedure facilitated the selection of a reasonably representative sample of 65 to 74 year olds from the Perth metropolitan area. Names of 7378 older adults were obtained from the Federal Electoral Roll, then 6401 potential subjects were matched to telephone numbers and phoned with subjects meeting the screening criteria invited to join the program (n = 4209). From this sample, 573 subjects were recruited. More females (63%) than males (37%) were recruited. / The study attracted a greater proportion of ‘obese’ older adults (27%) relative to state averages. 2. Over the intervention period there was a significant increase in participants’ total physical activity of 2.25 hours per week (p >.001). The General Estimating Equation analysis confirmed significant increase in physical activity from baseline to midpoint (p=.002) and to post intervention (p=.0031). Perceptions of financial struggle (p=.020) were positively correlated with physical activity time spent by participants, whereas having friends or acquaintances living nearby (p=.037) had a significant negative correlation with physical activity time. 3. At the end of the intervention, 32% of the intervention group and 25% of the control group had dropped out, resulting in an overall drop out rate of 28%. Most of the attrition occurred in the first 3 months (77%). Characteristics of individuals lost to attrition (n=86, 35%) were compared with program completers (n=162, 65%). Logistic regression analysis showed that those lost to attrition came from areas of lower socio-economic status, were overweight, were less physically active, and had a lower walking self-efficacy score and a higher loneliness score. The results suggest that to improve retention and to avoid potential bias, early assessment of these characteristics should be undertaken to identify individuals at risk of attrition. 4. Based on the finding of this research, future intervention studies should consider: the role of tertiary students as a skilled resource; the use of volunteers to contain costs; the importance of a tailored program; the appropriateness of walking as a form of physical activity for this age group; the enjoyment associated with a walking group; and the usefulness of social support. / This practical program is potentially effective and sustainable for mobilizing physically inactive older people. 5. Qualitative research highlighted the need for older adults to receive more specific information on: the benefits of physical activity; the role of pain management in physical activity; and the concept that involvement in physical activity in younger years leads to involvement when older. The older adults also expressed a desire to engage in less age appropriate activities. These results suggest that the intervention was successful in recruiting older adults into and retaining them in the intervention, documenting a need for early identification of individuals at risk of attrition. The program significantly increased the participants’ weekly mean time for physical activity and identified factors that affect their commitment to physical activity programs. This program was practical and could be used as a model for physical activity programs aimed at older adults.