Search

Sustained motivation for Daily Mile participation at higher physical activity intensities may contribute to the attainment of children's daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) targets and long-term health benefits. However, individual variability exists in the amount of MVPA accumulated by children during the Daily Mile. The current study explored children's motivation for participating in the Daily Mile at MVPA intensity, using a theory of planned behaviour framework. Twenty-five children (mean age = 10.07 ± 0.60 years) from the Northwest of England were recruited to the study; 52% were female and 88% were White. Participants completed a questionnaire, with an open-ended response format, probing behavioural, control, and normative beliefs for participation in the Daily Mile at MVPA intensity. Template analysis was conducted independently by two researchers to identify main themes and subthemes. Findings showed that children possessed a range of behavioural, control, and normative beliefs about MVPA participation during the Daily Mile. Prominent behavioural beliefs included fitness enhancement, implications for concentration and learning, positive affective states, and pain and discomfort. Key control beliefs included weather, space and health restrictions, and distractions from peers. Finally, peers and parents were salient normative beliefs. Children possessed a range of modal beliefs in relation to MVPA participation during the Daily Mile. Implications of the findings, and methods for practitioners seeking to maximise the contribution of the Daily Mile to children's daily MVPA targets are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored motives and barriers to physical activity (PA) among older adults of differing socioeconomic status (SES) utilizing a self-determination theory and self-efficacy theory framework. Focus groups (n = 4) were conducted with older adults (n = 28) from two SES groups, using thematic analysis to identify motives and barriers. Integrated and identified regulations and, to a lesser extent, intrinsic motives, were evident across SES groups. Verbal persuasion and affective and physiological states emerged as prominent efficacy sources regardless of SES. More barriers were reported by the low SES group, with health conditions, neighborhood safety, and PA guidelines knowledge emerging as most salient. Time emerged as a prominent barrier for the high SES group. Integrated and identified regulations should be fostered in future interventions and policy regardless of SES. Barriers to PA varied across SES groups; thus future interventions and policy should account for such differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial health benefits can be derived from walking at a moderate intensity cadence. To help regulate this cadence, three distinct aids exist 1) self-perception; 2) cadence prescription; 3) auditory cues. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and explore perceptions of these aids to promote moderate intensity walking and effects on affective states, thereby addressing an important research gap. Individualised moderate relative intensity waking cadence was determined for participants (n = 23, M age = 26.35, SD = 10.11). A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. A within-persons repeated measures design was used to explore the effectiveness of three aids (general guidelines, cadence prescription, and music) on promoting moderate intensity physical activity and positive affective states. Perceptions of these aids were elicited through qualitative interviews and thematic content analysis. Main effects for condition on relative physical activity intensity (η 2 = .72) and positive affect (η 2 = .25) were observed. Music evoked significantly higher relative physical activity intensity than other conditions (p values < .01), and higher positive affect compared to the general guidelines condition (p = .038). A significantly greater proportion of participants achieved moderate relative intensity physical activity during the music compared to general guidelines condition (p = .03). Congruently, qualitative findings suggested that participants predominantly perceived music as most effective for promoting a moderate intensity cadence and positive affect. However, individual variability existed in ability to utilise this aid. Implications of the findings for practitioners seeking to promote a moderate intensity cadence and positive affect during walking are discussed.