How do youth perspectives on physical activity differ across childhood?

ABSTRACT

There is consistent evidence that physical activity declines across childhood, yet few studies have examined children’s perceptions of physical activity across a broad youth age spectrum. This study aimed to explore perceptions of physical activity among children/youth ages 5–18 years, and to examine the extent to which perceptions differed by age and/or sex. U.S. children in grades K-12 (N = 146) completed an individual interview to answer questions about physical activity (i.e. what it is, why they should do it, and facilitators/barriers from parents, friends, and school). Responses were transcribed and categorised using qualitative content analysis; frequencies of responses to each question were compared across sex and age groups. Response patterns did not differ by sex, but did differ by age. Descriptions of physical activity and preferred activities focused more on exercise and health versus informal play and fun as children aged. Older children reported more barriers from friends and school, and less co-participation with parents than the youngest children. These findings can inform future efforts to promote physical activity among youth. Interventions should work through key socialising agents (parents, friends, and schools) to promote co-participation in enjoyable activities with family and friends, and to infuse movement opportunities throughout the school day.

KEYWORDS:

• Children
• adolescents
• physical activity
• barriers
• qualitative

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2022.2157468

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by an Undergraduate Research Award from the College of Health and Human Sciences, Kansas State University.

Notes on contributors

Emily L. Mailey

Dr. Emily Mailey is an associate professor and director of the Physical Activity Intervention Research Laboratory (PAIR Lab) at Kansas State University. Her research aims to develop and deliver interventions to promote physical activity in various populations, and to examine the social and psychological factors that influence physical activity participation.

Justin Montney

Justin Montney is a PhD student in the PAIR Lab. He is interested in exploring strategies for using physical activity as a means to improve health and quality of life in various contexts, including occupational and healthcare settings.

Mia Talley

Mia Talley was an undergraduate research assistant in the PAIR Lab at the time this research was conducted.

Carlean Sanders

Carlean Sanders was an undergraduate research assistant in the PAIR Lab at the time this research was conducted.

Jerica Garcia

Jerica Garcia was an undergraduate research assistant in the PAIR Lab at the time this research was conducted. She received an undergraduate research award to fund this project.

Sydney Stephens

Sydney Stephens was an undergraduate research assistant in the PAIR Lab at the time this research was conducted.

Deirdre Dlugonski

Dr. Dee Dlugonski is an Assistant Professor in the Sports Medicine Research Institute and the Coordinator for the Active Women’s Health Initiative at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Dlugonski earned a PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Penn State University. The goal of her scholarly work is to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of families through physical activity, with a particular focus on maternal and child health.