Barriers and Motivators to Physical Activity Prior to Starting a Community-Based Walking Program

Despite the clear benefits of an active lifestyle, most American adults fail to meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. Because of its safety and ease, walking is a promising population-level strategy to increase PA. There is a need to further understand why adults do and do not participate in walking. This study provides a broader understanding of barriers and motivators of walking prior to starting a walking program. Four years of baseline data from a community-based walking program were analyzed (n = 1491). Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, barriers, reinforcements, and current PA. Chi-square tests were used to assess differences in the barrier and reinforcement responses between participant’s PA level and age categories. Open-ended responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. On average, participants were white (96%), middle-aged (52 ± 13 years old) females (92%). Poor weather and time were frequently reported barriers to walking. Open-ended responses (n = 141) identified additional barriers of lack of motivation (n = 37), joint issues (n = 29), fatigue (n = 24), safety or lack of environmental supports (n = 17), family or work demands (n = 15), and lacking a walking partner (n = 9). Good weather, health, and weight loss were frequently reported motivators. Additional motivators (n = 282) identified included stress relief and mental health (n = 82), social time (n = 70), dog care (n = 41), other health benefits (n = 38), connect with nature (n = 19), enjoyment (14), occupation (n = 11), and environmental and community supports (n = 6). Findings highlight the importance of understanding participant barriers and motivators for PA before starting a program. Future research should examine how reported barriers and motivators are related to program completion and adherence. Tailoring community-based programs to address specific barriers and motivators may enable more participants to effectively change and maintain PA.

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Determining the Long-Term Effectiveness of a Group-Based Physical Activity Program

Health Promotion Practice ◽

10.1177/1524839918769590 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 401-408

Author(s):

Anamica Batra ◽

Richard C. Palmer ◽

Elena Bastida ◽

H. Virginia McCoy ◽

Hafiz M. R. Khan

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Population Level ◽

The United States ◽

South Florida ◽

Community Based ◽

Evidence Based Programs ◽

The Impact

Objective. In 2015, only half (48%) of older adults in the United States (≥60 years) reported engaging in any kind of physical activity. Few studies examine the impact of evidence-based programs when adopted in community-based settings. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of EnhanceFitness (EF) upto 12-months. Method. EF was offered to older adults in South Florida. A total of 222 EF classes were offered between October 2008 and December 2014. Program consisted of a 1-hour session held three times a week. Even though participation was required for 4 months, 1,295 participants continued the program for at least 1 year. Results. All participants showed significant improvement in outcome measures. A mean change of 1.5, 1.7, and 1.9 was seen in number of chair stands at 4, 8, and 12 months (p < .001), respectively. The number of arm curls performed improved from 16.8 at baseline to 18.8, 18.8, and 19.2 at 4-, 8-, and 12-months, respectively. Participants improved their up-and-go time by decreasing from 9.1 (baseline) to 8.7 (4 months) to 8.6 (12 months; p = .001). Discussion. Randomized controlled trials are commonly used to determine the efficacy of an intervention. These interventions when disseminated at the population level have the potential to benefit large masses. EF is currently offered at more than 700 locations. This tremendous success of EF brings attention to an important question of continuous monitoring of these programs to ensure program consistency and intended outcomes. The model used by the Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative could be replicated by other communities.

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A Community-Based Nutrition and Physical Activity Intervention for Children Who Are Overweight or Obese and Their Caregivers

Journal of Obesity ◽

10.1155/2017/2746595 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Furong Xu ◽

Stephanie Marchand ◽

Celeste Corcoran ◽

Heather DiBiasio ◽

Rachel Clough ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Sodium Intake ◽

Relative Weight ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Community Based ◽

Collaborative Community ◽

Body Strength ◽

Community Based Programs ◽

Nutrition And Physical Activity

There is a need for efficacious interventions to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity, and a limited body of research suggests that collaborative community-based programs designed for children and their caregivers may be effective in reducing obesity rates. This paper reports the results of a community-based obesity intervention, South County Food, Fitness and Fun (SCFFF), designed for preadolescent children who are overweight or obese and their caregivers. SCFFF was developed in response to community concerns. Families were referred to the program by their physician and participated in the program at no cost. The 16-week intervention includes weekly group nutrition and physical activity sessions. Analyses determined that 65 out of the 97 children who completed SCFFF provided 2-year follow-up data and had reduced BMIz-scores over 2 years following the intervention. These participants decreased their energy, fat, carbohydrate, saturated fat, and sodium intake and increased core body strength and endurance from baseline to the end of the intervention. SCFFF was effective in reducing relative weight and improving diet and core muscle strength and endurance in children who are overweight or obese.

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Gender-Associated Perceptions of Barriers and Motivators to Physical Activity Participation in South Asian Punjabis Living in Western Canada

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2013-0208 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 686-693 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Cristina M. Caperchione ◽

Shirley Chau ◽

Gordon J. Walker ◽

W. Kerry Mummery ◽

Cally Jennings

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

South Asian ◽

South Asians ◽

Asian Population ◽

Work And Family ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

South Asian Population ◽

Chi Square ◽

Chi Square Analysis ◽

Barriers And Motivators

Background:Gender is a sociocultural factor known to impact the physical activity (PA) behaviors of South Asians. The purpose of this research was to examine gender-associated perceptions of barriers and motivators for PA in a South Asian population living Canada.Methods:A random sample (N = 204) of South Asian Punjabi adults (18yrs+) completed a computer assisted telephone interview concerning their perceptions to PA participation. Content analysis was used to identify relevant main themes and chi-square analysis was used to calculate gender differences.Results:Results indicated that women more often reported a lack of time due to work and family (χ2 = 7.284, df = 1, P = .007) and a lack of motivation (χ2 = 4.982, df = 1, P = .026), yet men more often reported climate (χ2 = 7.045, df = 1, P = .008) as a barrier. Regarding motivators, men more often reported prevention and reduction of disease (χ2 = 4.451, df = 1, P = .034) and watching others perform (χ2 = 10.827, df = 1, P = .001); however, reducing weight gain (χ2 = 4.806, df = 1, P = .028) and looking like others (χ2 = 4.730, df = 1, P = .029) were reported more often by women.Conclusions:Gender-associated differences concerning PA are present in this population and must be considered in the design and implementation of effective interventions.

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IMPACT OF MUSIC AS MOTIVATION TO PERFORM EXERCISES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS – A SURVEY

Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences ◽

10.18006/2021.9(spl-1-gcsgd_2020).s187.s195 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (Spl-1- GCSGD_2020) ◽

pp. S187-S195

Author(s):

Lai Yi Ying ◽

◽

Ambusam Subramaniam ◽

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Activity Level ◽

Future Research ◽

Chi Square ◽

Intrinsic Regulation ◽

Type Of Exercise ◽

Music Player ◽

The Relationship

The current study aimed to examine the association between music and motivation to do exercise among university students in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The demographics data, use of music during exercise, preferred type of music, and criteria to select music were assessed by a validated self-administered questionnaire. The motivation towards exercises was evaluated using the Behavioural Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3) while the level of physical activity was assessed by Godin-Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ). The demographics information, use of music during exercise, preferred type of music, and criteria to choose music were tabulated using descriptive statistics. A point-biserial correlation was used to analyze the relationship between music and motivation to do exercise while chi-square was utilized to determine the association between the use of music during exercise and physical activity level. The results of the current study showed that 80.3% of the participants listen to music during exercise. Energetic and rhythmic was the preferred type of music for exercise. Tempo/ speed/ bpm was the most popular factor to be considered during the exercise. Most of the participants prefer to listen to an individual music player during exercise rather than an open audio system.. Listening to music during exercise shown significant correlation with a motivation (p=0.006), external regulation (p=0.014), identified regulation (p=0.006), integrated regulation (p=0.002) and intrinsic regulation (p=0.015). There was a significant association between the use of music during exercise and physical activity level (p=0.003) in this study. Future research that involves the type of exercise performed with the music is encouraged to explore the significance of music as a motivational tool in exercise.

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Evaluation Tools for Physical Activity Programs for Childhood Cancer: A Scoping Review

Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing ◽

10.1177/1043454219891987 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 37 (3) ◽

pp. 163-179

Author(s):

Jena Shank ◽

Carolina Chamorro-Viña ◽

Gregory M. T. Guilcher ◽

David Michael Langelier ◽

Fiona Schulte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Childhood Cancer ◽

Patient Outcomes ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Well Being ◽

Functional Mobility ◽

Evaluation Tools ◽

Exercise Programs ◽

Community Based ◽

Community Based Programs

Research on the benefits of physical activity (PA) in childhood cancer has been translated into a handful of community-based programs. However, to foster further translation, an understanding of how to evaluate participant outcomes would be beneficial to provide feedback to participants and stimulate future research. Such a review would provide a summary of acceptable tools for work in this area. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify the evaluation tools that have been used in PA/exercise studies or programs for childhood cancer. This review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies included in the review used physical and psychosocial evaluation tools within PA and exercise programs or research for childhood cancer. In addition, studies with measures of health behavior such as PA levels and activities of daily living were included. Tools that assessed physical fitness and physical performance were excluded. Information on the types of evaluation tools used, mean age of participants, and type of cancer was extracted. Psychometric properties of each evaluation tool are reported. The most commonly assessed patient outcomes were motor performance, fatigue, well-being, functional mobility, and quality of life. Less commonly reported patient outcomes were hope, self-efficacy, and self-perception. None of the evaluation tools reported in the PA/exercise and pediatric oncology literature assess physical literacy. This review was the first step in a knowledge translation process, identifying evaluation tools that have been used in PA/exercise programs in childhood cancer survivors, that will guide the development and evaluation of current and future community-based programs.

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Evaluation of Walk Across Texas! – a web-based community physical activity program

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-019-7918-3 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mark D. Faries ◽

Michael L. Lopez ◽

Ethan Faries ◽

Kristen Keenan ◽

Stephen D. Green

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Program Assessment ◽

Future Research ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Web Based ◽

Novel Approach ◽

Community Based Programs ◽

Clinically Significant

Abstract Background In response to the chronic disease burden, web- and community-based programs have the potential to address targeted behaviors, such as physical activity (PA), using a novel approach with large audiences. The purpose of this study was to preliminarily evaluate an established team centered, web-based community PA program in Texas. Methods Walk Across Texas! (WAT!) is an eight-week community program delivered through a web-based platform to help people of various ages and abilities establish the habit of regular PA. Teams are challenged to walk a minimum of 832 miles. Changes in self-reported PA (miles/week; days/week) and leisure-time sitting (hours/day) were examined from 11,116 adult participants who participated in the program in 2016. Further analysis determined changes in physical activity (miles/week) between groups of pre-program assessment self-reported physical activity levels (0, 1–2, 3–4, or 5–7 days/week). Statistical analysis included paired-sample t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA and participant descriptors for PA change. Results Overall, mean changes in PA in all variables were statistically significant (p < .001), with the largest, clinically significant changes in submitted miles/week (mean increase of 4.89 ± 20.92). Self-reported PA increased 0.63 ± 2.89 days/week, while leisure-time sitting decreased less than 1 h per day (0.87 ± 1.86 h/day). All sub-groups (inactive, low active, active, high active at pre-program assessment) increased in self-reported miles per week, on average. Both the inactive and low-active groups experienced a statistically significant increase in mileage from week 1 to week 8 (5.48 miles/week or 12,330 steps /week, and 3.91 miles/week or 8797 steps /week, respectively). Conclusions The results provide initial support for the effectiveness of WAT! to initially increase and maintain moderate levels of PA of participants over 8-weeks, even in inactive or low-active participants. Descriptor variables were unable to differentiate between those who increased PA and those who did not. However; the results provide a canvas for future research questions regarding PA enhancement within a team-centered, web-based approach.

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Preschool children's physical activity in community-based programs: The 'whole child' revisited

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e584752012-161 ◽

2010 ◽

Author(s):

Kerry McIver ◽

Samuel L. Odom ◽

Kerry McIver ◽

William Brown ◽

Christina McWilliams

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Whole Child ◽

Community Based ◽

Community Based Programs ◽

Children’S Physical Activity

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Physical and Psychosocial Characteristics of Older Adults Who Participate in a Community-Based Exercise Program

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.11.4.516 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 516-531 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Elizabeth Orsega-Smith ◽

Laura L. Payne ◽

Geoffry Godbey

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

High Frequency ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Program Participation ◽

Psychosocial Characteristics ◽

Community Based ◽

Parks And Recreation ◽

Community Based Programs ◽

High Participation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a community-based exercise program for adults 60 years and older. Specifically, the authors sought to examine selected physical and psychosocial indicators of health among low-, moderate-, and high-frequency participants. Data on selected physical-fitness variables from baseline and 6-month follow-up assessments were available for 196 members. In addition, 265 current members completed a mailed questionnaire regarding frequency of program participation, health, demographics, and psychosocial outcomes. Significant improvements in endurance and flexibility were documented for the group at large over 6 months, and the low-participation group showed a significant increase in flexibility. Self-efficacy was higher for those in both the low- and high-frequency groups than for those in the moderate-participation group. Exercise-based social support was reported to be higher among the low- and high-participation groups than among the moderate-participation group. Results suggest that community-based programs and community parks and recreation agencies are a viable context for senior exercise/physical activity programs.

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Atlanta Streets Alive: A Movement Building a Culture of Health in an Urban Environment

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2015-0064 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 239-246 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Andrea Torres ◽

John Steward ◽

Sheryl Strasser ◽

Rodney Lyn ◽

Rebecca Serna ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Public Space ◽

Urban Culture ◽

Community Based ◽

Neighborhood Social Capital ◽

Community Based Programs ◽

Perceptions Of Safety ◽

Movement Building ◽

Motorized Vehicles ◽

The City

Background:Open Streets are community-based programs that promote the use of public space for physical activity (PA), recreation and socialization by closing streets temporarily to motorized vehicles, allowing access to pedestrians. The city of Atlanta hosted its first Open Streets event, Atlanta Streets Alive (ASA), in May 2010. An evaluation of the first 5 ASA events from May 2010 to May 2012 was conducted. The purpose was to learn about the characteristics of ASA participants, the influence of the event on their PA, and perceptions of safety and neighborhood social capital.Methods:ASA’s evaluation had 2 components: participant counts and a participant survey. Characteristics of participation were compared among the 3 different events in which surveys were conducted using the Pearson χ2 test and F test as appropriate.Results:The estimated participation at ASA increased from nearly 3,500 (ASA 1 to 4) to 12,520 (ASA 5). The number of events increased to 3 per year for a total of 10 events until 2014. Overall, 19.4% of participants met the weekly PA recommendation during 1 event.Conclusions:The expanding diversity of routes, participants, and sponsorships highlights the potential promise such programming offers in terms of establishing an urban culture of health.

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