Lets get physical, physical!
Take Home Messages:
Attitudes to physical activity and demographic factors both influence whether people are physically active:
- Those who feel confident in their ability to participate in physical activities and view physical activity as beneficial are more likely to be physically active.
- Women and older people are less likely to be physically active.
Why the research matters:
Physical activity improves both physical and mental health. However, a large portion of the population is physically inactive. Intervention programs addressing this issue will be more effective if factors can be identified that increase the likelihood of people engaging in physical activity.
What the research involved:
This review looked at which factors influence whether or not working adults participate in physical activity.A search of the available literature found 11 studies investigating this topic. The evidence was then analysed and summarised to form the review.
Summary of research findings:
The review found that people’s attitude towards physical activity was the best predictor of whether they were physically active.
- Those that had higher levels of self confidence and believed in their ability to participate in physical activities were most likely to be physically active; and
- Those that viewed physical activity as beneficial were more likely to be physically active.
The study also found that:
- In general, older people are less likely to be physically active;
- Women are less likely to be physically active than men; and
- Three of the eleven studies included in the review looked at the influence of personal factors on the likelihood of undertaking physical activity. They showed that people who smoke, are obese or have poor general health are less likely to be physically active.
Original research:
Determinants of employee participation in physical activity: critical review of the literature.
Kaewthummanukul T, Brown KC.
AAOHN J. 2006 Jun;54(6):249-61.